This easy chicken and dumplings is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table. It’s warm, hearty, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or a rotisserie from the store, this dish comes together beautifully and fills the house with that familiar, cozy smell we all love.
I’ve made this for years, and it never fails. The broth is rich and creamy, the chicken is tender, and those homemade dumplings? They’re the best part. You can make them rolled and cut or go with the drop method if you’re short on time. Either way, they’re soft, flavorful, and soak up all that good broth.
Let’s walk through it together.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
4 cups cooked, chopped chicken or turkey
1 cup chopped celery
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (I use Campbell’s)
2 (10.5 oz) cans chicken broth
3 cans of water (use the empty broth can to measure)
Dumplings
2 cups self-rising flour
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup boiling water
Instructions
Chicken and Broth
In a large soup pot, combine the chopped chicken, celery, cream of chicken soup, canned broth, and water. Stir it all together and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, cover the pot and keep it hot while you prepare the dumplings.
For Rolled Dumplings
In a large bowl, add the self-rising flour and cut in the shortening using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly stir in the boiling water, a little at a time, until a dough forms that you can shape into a ball.
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into strips, then into small squares.
Remove the lid from your boiling broth and begin dropping in the dumpling squares, a few at a time. After each batch, replace the lid and wait about 30 seconds before adding more. This helps the broth stay hot so the dumplings cook evenly.
Once all the dumplings are in the pot, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let everything cook gently for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the dumplings from sticking. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
For Drop Dumplings
If you’re short on time or just prefer them this way, skip the rolling and cutting. After you mix the dough, just pinch off small, even pieces and drop them directly into the boiling broth. Follow the same simmering steps as above.
This dish is the definition of down-home comfort. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, and the homemade dumplings give it that extra love and warmth. Whether you’re feeding your family or just need something cozy after a long day, this one-pot meal is always a good idea.
