Creamy chicken soup with fluffy drop dumplings
One-Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6
6 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Budget
$
One-Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Creamy chicken soup with fluffy drop dumplings
★4.4(10)
Old-fashioned chicken and dumplings with tender chicken in a creamy broth, topped with fluffy drop dumplings. Pure Southern comfort in one pot.
15m
Prep Time
35m
Cook Time
50m
Total Time
6
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This one-pot classic is the definition of comfort food. Creamy chicken soup topped with pillowy drop dumplings that cook right on top of the simmering broth.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 3/4 cup milk (for dumplings)
- 2 carrots and 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 onion, diced
Instructions
- 1
Saute onion, carrots, and celery in butter in a large pot for 5 minutes. Add cubed chicken and cook 4 minutes.
- 2
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- 3
Mix flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and milk into a thick dumpling batter.
- 4
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter onto the simmering broth. Cover tightly and cook 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- 5
Dumplings are done when fluffy and cooked through. Season the broth with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Heavy creamHalf-and-half or whole milk
Lighter but less rich
Chicken thighsRotisserie chicken, shredded
Faster, add during the dumpling step
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Don't lift the lid while the dumplings cook—the steam is what makes them fluffy.
Add frozen peas in the last 5 minutes for color and sweetness.
Use rotisserie chicken and add it at the dumpling stage for faster prep.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Dumplings soften but are still delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Dumplings will absorb broth—add more if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (85mg) · 6 servings
Calories480
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein30g
Carbohydrates20g
Fat42g
Fiber720mg
Sugar3g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use biscuit dough?
- Yes, canned biscuit dough cut into quarters works as a shortcut.
- Why are my dumplings dense?
- Don't overmix the batter and keep the lid on while cooking.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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