This stovetop chicken and dumplings recipe is the perfect comfort food for cold days. Creamy, savory, and full of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, it’s an easy-to-make, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weekdays or holiday gatherings. Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze, while the soup’s rich flavors will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients
For the chicken and soup:

• 2 lbs chicken breast

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 5 tbsp butter

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 cup diced carrots

• 2 celery sticks, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp hot sauce

• 1/3 cup flour

• 4 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 1 1/2 cups half and half

• 3/4 cup frozen peas

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp ground mustard

• 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves

• 1/2 tsp rosemary

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• 1/4 tsp ground sage

• 1/8 tsp pepper

• 1/2 tsp parsley, chopped

For the dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 4 tbsp butter, melted

• 1/4 cup milk, cold

• 3/4 cup sour cream, cold

Directions

1. Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 3 minutes per side until browned (don’t cook all the way through). Let rest, then dice into chunks.

2. Soup: In the same pot, melt butter. Scrape up the fond (brown bits) left from searing the chicken. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.

3. Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and the seasonings (onion powder, mustard, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, and pepper). Add flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.

4. Slowly add chicken broth, scraping the pot to incorporate the fond. Add half and half in small splashes and frozen peas, bringing the soup to a gentle boil.

5. Dumplings: In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add melted butter, milk, and sour cream to form a dough (don’t overmix).

6. Add diced chicken back to the soup. Use a cookie scoop to drop dumplings into the simmering soup, spooning soup over each dumpling. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes.

7. Check dumplings with a toothpick; if clean, serve. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrients

• Calories: 607 per serving

• Total Fat: 46g

• Saturated Fat: 22g

• Cholesterol: 190mg

• Sodium: 227mg

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 15g

• Protein: 30g

The Comfort of Tender Chicken and Flavorful Broth

The base of Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings is the hearty, flavorful broth that serves as the foundation for the dish. The chicken breasts are first seared to golden perfection, which not only enhances the flavor but also creates those delicious browned bits (fond) that get incorporated into the soup for an extra layer of richness. The broth is then simmered with a blend of herbs and seasonings, including rosemary, thyme, basil, sage, and mustard, which creates a well-balanced, aromatic foundation that complements the chicken and vegetables.

The addition of half and half and chicken broth gives the soup its creamy consistency, while the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce provide depth and a slight kick, making each spoonful irresistible. The frozen peas add a pop of color and slight sweetness, balancing out the savory flavors of the chicken and broth. Together, these ingredients create a comforting, rich soup that serves as the perfect vehicle for the fluffy dumplings.

Fluffy Dumplings: The Perfect Comforting Addition

The dumplings in this dish are what truly elevate it to comfort food status. These light, fluffy morsels are made with a simple combination of flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and a touch of sugar, creating a slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory broth perfectly. The secret to the dumplings’ lightness is the combination of cold milk, sour cream, and melted butter, which come together to form a soft dough that holds its shape when dropped into the simmering soup.

As the dumplings cook in the broth, they absorb the flavors of the soup, becoming tender and pillowy. The texture of the dumplings is the perfect contrast to the creamy broth and the tender chicken. Each bite provides a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that make this dish irresistible.

One of the great things about the dumplings is their versatility. They can be seasoned with various herbs or spices to suit your tastes. You could add a little extra garlic powder, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even a dash of cayenne pepper to give them a unique twist. These dumplings can be adjusted to complement whatever seasonings or flavors you want to incorporate into the soup, making them highly customizable.

A One-Pot Meal for Easy Cleanup

One of the best things about this Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings recipe is that it’s made entirely in one pot. From the chicken to the vegetables and the dumplings, everything cooks together in a single pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. The fact that this recipe requires minimal dishes and equipment makes it a fantastic choice for busy home cooks who want to spend more time enjoying their meal and less time cleaning up.

The pot also works to your advantage by allowing all the ingredients to meld together. The searing of the chicken and vegetables in the pot helps build layers of flavor, while the slow simmering of the soup ensures that all the herbs and seasonings infuse the broth. The dumplings cook right in the soup, absorbing the flavors and thickening the broth. This one-pot cooking method results in a cohesive, flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and satisfying to eat.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights and Special Occasions

While Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings is an ideal weeknight dinner due to its ease of preparation and minimal cooking time, it’s also a wonderful dish for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or a comforting meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress. The creamy soup and fluffy dumplings are hearty and satisfying, making it a great choice for feeding a crowd.

The comforting nature of this dish makes it especially fitting for colder weather or any occasion that calls for cozy, warming food. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken, especially if you’ve got some rotisserie chicken on hand. The versatility of the dish means you can tweak it to your liking, whether by adding more vegetables, adjusting the seasonings, or incorporating different herbs to give it a unique flavor profile.

Customizing Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings

One of the great things about Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings is its adaptability. While the recipe as written is already rich in flavor and satisfying, you can customize it to your tastes or dietary preferences. If you want to add more vegetables to the dish, consider incorporating peas, green beans, or corn to enhance the soup’s nutrition and texture. You could also experiment with different types of onions, such as shallots or leeks, for a more refined flavor.

For a heartier version of the dish, try adding a protein like sausage or turkey to complement the chicken. These ingredients will add a savory depth and pair well with the creamy broth. You can also add extra herbs or spices, like smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper, for a kick of heat and a deeper flavor profile.

For those who are vegetarian or want to skip the meat, you can replace the chicken with mushrooms or another plant-based protein to make a vegetarian version of this dish. The dumplings will still provide that comforting, fluffy texture, while the soup’s rich broth and vegetable additions will ensure the dish is still satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings is a complete meal in itself, but you can always pair it with a side for a more rounded dining experience. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a warm, crusty loaf of bread would complement the richness of the dish and add a fresh, light contrast to the creamy soup. For a more indulgent option, you could serve the dumplings with a side of roasted vegetables, which would add even more flavor and texture to your meal.

If you’re looking to take the flavor up a notch, a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme on top of the soup before serving adds a burst of color and freshness. A little grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a finishing touch to the dish, giving it a bit of extra richness and depth.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Satisfying Comfort Food

Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food that delivers both in flavor and satisfaction. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings come together to create a dish that is hearty, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. The fact that it’s made in one pot makes it incredibly convenient and easy to prepare, while the rich, savory flavors ensure that it will be a crowd-pleaser every time.

This dish is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients, seasonings, and vegetables to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly evening, as part of a holiday feast, or as a meal to share with loved ones, Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings is a satisfying dish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table, offering warmth, comfort, and a taste of home in every bite.