🐔 One Pot Classic Chicken and Dumplings: A Hug in a Bowl!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

There are some dishes that just speak to the soul, and for us, classic chicken and dumplings is absolutely one of them. Imagine a chilly evening, the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich, savory broth, all crowned with fluffy, cloud-like dumplings. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm embrace, a culinary whisper of home, perfect for cozy family dinners or when you simply need a little extra comfort. Every spoonful brings a medley of textures and flavors, from the silky broth to the succulent chicken and those irresistibly soft, pillowy dumplings.

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Quick Glance

* ⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes
* 🍽️ Servings: 6
* 💥 Vibe: Hearty, Soulful, Comforting

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make One Pot Classic Chicken and Dumplings
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recipe Note

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step on your journey to this amazing, heartwarming dish. Most of these are likely already in your pantry or fridge, making this a perfect last-minute comfort food fix!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

How to Make One Pot Classic Chicken and Dumplings

Get ready to create some kitchen magic! This one-pot wonder is simpler than you think and delivers incredible flavor with minimal cleanup.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Chicken: Push the vegetables to one side of the pot. Add the chicken pieces to the other side and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You don’t need to cook it through completely at this stage.
3. Build the Broth: Sprinkle the ¼ cup flour over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything, cooking for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt to taste.
4. Prepare the Dumplings: While the broth simmers, prepare your dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a fork until just combined. The dough will be shaggy and sticky – resist the urge to overmix!
5. Drop the Dumplings: Once the broth is simmering gently, drop the dumpling dough by the tablespoonful directly into the simmering stew. Don’t crowd them; leave a little space between each one.
6. Cook the Dumplings: Cover the pot tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings steam undisturbed for 15-18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time!
7. Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the bay leaf. Stir in the heavy cream or whole milk. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle generous portions into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and savor every comforting bite!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While this classic recipe is perfect as is, a little creativity can make it uniquely yours!

• Garden Fresh: Stir in a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra color and sweetness.
• Herbaceous Boost: For a deeper, more aromatic flavor, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or sage along with the thyme and bay leaf. Remove before serving.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give your comforting bowl a delightful, subtle heat.
• Cheesy Dumplings: Fold in ¼ cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into your dumpling dough for an extra layer of savory goodness.
• Serving Suggestion: This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a side of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that amazing broth is always a welcome addition!

Reviews

These heartwarming words from our community truly capture the spirit of this recipe!

Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights! The dumplings were so fluffy, and the broth was incredibly rich. My family devoured it, and I loved that it was all in one pot!”

Michael T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Just like my grandma used to make! The flavors are spot on, and the instructions were so easy to follow. A truly comforting and satisfying meal. Will be making this a regular.”

Jessica R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious and so cozy! I added a handful of spinach at the end for some extra greens, and it was perfect. The one-pot aspect is a lifesaver for cleanup.”

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master this comforting dish.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, add it during step 3 with the broth, allowing it to warm through. Skip the browning step for the chicken, but still sauté the vegetables as directed.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dumplings will soak up more liquid and become softer over time, but it’s still delicious!

Q: Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute a good quality 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in both the stew and the dumplings. Make sure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum for best results in the dumplings.

Q: My dumplings are a bit dense. What went wrong?
A: The most common culprits are overmixing the dough or lifting the lid too early during steaming. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher dumplings. And peeking at the dumplings releases the steam, which is crucial for making them light and fluffy!

Conclusion

There’s something profoundly satisfying about a bowl of homemade One Pot Classic Chicken and Dumplings. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical and deeply comforting. We hope this recipe brings warmth, joy, and a touch of nostalgic bliss to your kitchen and your table. Don’t be shy – dive in, make it your own, and share the love that only a dish like this can bring. Happy cooking, friends!

Recipe Note

When reheating leftovers, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra chicken broth or milk if the mixture has thickened too much. This helps revive the creamy texture.