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homemade Chicken and dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings

5 from 2 votes
This comforting Chicken and Dumplings recipe takes the Southern classic up a notch with rich, cheesy cheddar chive drop dumplings simmered in a creamy, savory broth. The result is a velvety, flavor-packed dish with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and dumplings that melt in your mouth. It’s the perfect cozy dinner for family nights or cold weather comfort.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, comfort food, Southern
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Broth
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 3 stalks celery
  • 3 medium carrots
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper plus more to taste
  • 1 tbsp Bayou City Garlic Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Bayou City All Purpose Seasoning
  • 1 tsp thyme fresh or dried
  • 1 tsp rosemary fresh or dried
  • 1 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne option for heat
  • 1 10.5 oz can campbell’s cream of chicken soup
  • 4-5 cups chicken broth
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast
  • 1/2 cup cream or evaporated milk
  • fresh chives or parsley for garnish
For the Cheddar Chive Drop Dumplings
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup butter milk
  • 3/4 cup mild cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
  • Mixing Bowls
  • whisk
  • Wooden spoon or ladle
  • Tongs or slotted spoon

Method
 

Build the broth
  1. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add seasoned chicken thighs into the pan and cook for and 3 minutes on each side. Remove from pot and set aside to cool before chopping or shredding (they will finish cooking in the broth)
  3. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots; cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, bayou city seasonings, poultry seasoning, rosemary, and thyme; cook 1 minute.
  5. if you want a thicker consistency, this is where you add in your flour. let this cook down for about 4 minutes
  6. now add in your cream of chicken soup and mix until well incorporated.
  7. slowly pour in your chicken broth while stirring and bring to a simmer. keep broth on a low uncovered simmer. (I typically only need 4 cups, but depending on the consistency you may want to add more later.)
  8. add chicken pieces back to the pot
Cheddar Chive Dumplings
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. add melted butter and buttermilk, stirring just until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms (don’t overmix).
  3. fold in cheddar cheese and chives.
  4. Set aside while you finish the broth.
Chick and Dumplings
  1. whisk heavy cream into the simmering broth until fully incorporated.
  2. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  3. Drop spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each) of dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth.
  4. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer gently for 15 minutes — do not lift the lid during this time. The steam will help cook the dumplings and keep them fluffy.
  5. After 15 minutes, uncover and gently stir.
  6. Simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through, dumplings are fluffy, and the broth has thickened slightly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve warm.

Video

Notes

  • Fluffy Dumpling Tip: Keep the pot covered while the dumplings cook — lifting the lid releases steam and can make them dense.
  • Cheese & Chive Flavor: Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoother than pre-shredded. Add more chives for a brighter, herbier flavor.
  • Creamy Base: The Campbell’s soup adds body and depth — for extra richness, stir in another splash of cream before serving.
  • Make It Ahead: Cook the broth and chicken earlier in the day, then make the dumplings fresh when ready to serve.
  • Optional Garnish: A sprinkle of smoked paprika or crispy bacon bits adds a delicious finishing touch.