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There are few dishes in American home cooking that feel as comforting, nostalgic, and soul-warming as One-Pot Chicken & Dumplings. This classic recipe has been passed down through generations, showing up on dinner tables during cold winter nights, sick days, Sunday family dinners, and moments when comfort food is the only thing that will do.
Chicken and dumplings is not just a meal—it’s a feeling. It’s the aroma filling the kitchen, the sound of a simmering pot, and the creamy broth hugging tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. What makes this version truly special is that it’s made entirely in one pot, meaning less cleanup, deeper flavor, and a smoother cooking experience.
In today’s fast-paced world, one-pot meals have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They save time, reduce dishes, and allow flavors to meld beautifully. This One-Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe stays true to the Southern-inspired roots while being practical, approachable, and perfect for modern home cooks.
Whether you’re making dinner for your family, cooking for guests, or simply craving something cozy and homemade, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Chicken & Dumplings
This recipe stands out for so many reasons, and once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation.
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True comfort food that feels homemade and hearty
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One-pot recipe, which means minimal cleanup
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Rich, creamy broth without being heavy
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Tender chicken that melts in your mouth
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Soft, fluffy dumplings cooked directly in the soup
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Family-friendly and loved by kids and adults alike
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Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have
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Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, and freezing
It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug—filling, satisfying, and deeply comforting.
Ingredients (What You’ll Need)
For the Chicken & Soup Base
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
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1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon dried parsley
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ÂĽ teaspoon paprika
For the Dumplings
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons cold butter
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Âľ cup milk
How to Make One-Pot Chicken & Dumplings (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the milk or cream, followed by the salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and paprika. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer while you prepare the dumplings. This step allows the chicken to absorb the creamy, seasoned broth.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the milk and stir just until combined. Do not overmix—the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly into the gently simmering soup. Space them slightly apart, as they will expand while cooking.
Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is essential for fluffy dumplings.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
After 15 minutes, uncover the pot and check the dumplings. They should be puffed, tender, and cooked through.
Give the soup a gentle stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
Flavor Profile
One-Pot Chicken & Dumplings delivers a perfectly balanced flavor experience:
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Savory and creamy from the broth and butter
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Mild sweetness from carrots and onions
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Herbaceous warmth from thyme and parsley
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Soft, pillowy texture from the dumplings
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Rich but not heavy, making it ideal for all seasons
It’s comforting without being overwhelming—classic, simple, and deeply satisfying.
Variations to Try
Southern-Style Chicken & Dumplings
Use self-rising flour and roll out the dumpling dough flat, cutting it into strips for a more traditional Southern texture.
Creamy Chicken & Dumplings
Add an extra ½ cup of heavy cream for an even richer broth.
Vegetable-Packed Version
Add peas, corn, or green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut
Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and adjust the liquid slightly as needed.
Cooking Notes & Pro Tips
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Always keep the soup at a gentle simmer, not a boil
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Cold butter makes lighter dumplings
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Do not overmix dumpling dough
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Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels
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Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken naturally
Serving Suggestions
Serve your One-Pot Chicken & Dumplings with:
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Crusty bread or biscuits
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A fresh green salad
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Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
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A glass of iced tea or lemonade
This dish is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own.
Party & Holiday Serving Ideas
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Serve in a large Dutch oven for family-style dinners
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Offer toppings like cracked black pepper or fresh herbs
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Pair with cornbread for Southern-inspired gatherings
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Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers using leftover chicken or turkey
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make-Ahead
Prepare the soup base and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add dumplings fresh when reheating.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze without dumplings for best texture. Add fresh dumplings when reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Boiling the soup too aggressively
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Overmixing dumpling dough
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Lifting the lid while dumplings cook
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Adding dumplings too close together
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Skipping seasoning adjustments at the end
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 28g
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Fat: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Sodium: 780mg
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken?
Yes. Dice boneless chicken breasts and cook them fully in the soup before adding dumplings.
Why are my dumplings dense?
Overmixing the dough or opening the lid during cooking can cause dense dumplings.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s mild, creamy, and loved by children.
Why One-Pot Chicken & Dumplings Is So Popular in the USA
This dish has deep roots in American home cooking, especially in Southern kitchens. Its popularity comes from its simplicity, affordability, and ability to feed a family with basic pantry ingredients. In recent years, it has gained renewed attention thanks to the rise of one-pot comfort meals, slow living trends, and nostalgic food culture.
Search trends show that chicken and dumplings remain one of the most searched comfort food recipes during fall and winter months in the United States.
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Conclusion
One-Pot Chicken & Dumplings is more than just a recipe—it’s a timeless classic that brings warmth, comfort, and togetherness to the table. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth, this dish is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting guests, or just craving comfort food, this recipe delivers every single time.
Once you make it, you’ll understand why this dish has stood the test of time—and why it deserves a permanent spot on your dinner table.
