Name: Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings (6-Ingredients) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 (3lb) whole chicken (1.5kg); 2 1/2 quarts of water, or enough to cover the chicken by 2 inches (1800g); 1 medium onion, diced (200g); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or rubbed sage, thyme, or parsley); 2 cups all-purpose flour (sub 00 flour, cake flour, or whole wheat flour) (240g); 1 tablespoon baking powder (15g); 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (6g); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup whole milk, heated until warm (245g)*; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (45g)

If you’re craving that ultimate comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, you’ve got to try this Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings (6-Ingredients) Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — it’s rich, hearty, and surprisingly simple. When I first tried making chicken and dumplings from scratch, I thought it would be complicated, but this recipe proved me wrong in the best way. So, stick with me, and I’ll show you how to whip up this classic with just a handful of ingredients and lots of love!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Ingredients: Only six simple ingredients (plus salt and pepper) means it’s easy to keep stocked and always ready to make.
Authentically Homemade: Scratch-made dumplings give you that fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that store-bought just can’t match.
Family Favorite: This recipe is a lifelong favorite from my mom’s kitchen that never fails to bring everyone to the table.
Comfort Every Time: The warm, savory broth and tender chicken make this a perfect cozy meal for chilly days or anytime you want a hug in a bowl.

The image shows a white pot filled with a creamy soup that has large, round, pale dumplings floating on the surface. The soup is light beige with small green herbs and tiny orange vegetable pieces scattered throughout. There are two silver spoons placed inside the pot, partially submerged in the soup. The texture of the dumplings looks soft and slightly lumpy, and the broth appears thick and smooth. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings, homemade chicken and dumplings, 6-ingredient chicken soup, hearty comfort food recipe, simple chicken and dumplings

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings (6-Ingredients) Recipe is how well these simple ingredients meld together for a soulful dish. When shopping, fresh whole chicken and quality flour make a huge difference in the end result.

Flat lay of a whole raw chicken, diced white onion, a mound of all-purpose flour, a small pile of baking powder, a pat of unsalted butter, a measuring cup filled with warm whole milk, sprigs of fresh thyme and sage, and scattered whole black peppercorns, all beautifully arranged with soft natural light and delicate shadows, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings, homemade chicken and dumplings, 6-ingredient chicken soup, hearty comfort food recipe, simple chicken and dumplings

Whole chicken: Using a whole 3-pound chicken gives you rich flavor and tender meat—you can’t beat the depth of homemade broth from scratch.
Water: Just enough to cover the chicken for simmering—this forms the base of your soup.
Onion: Diced onion adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the broth.
All-purpose flour: The key to fluffy, tender dumplings; you can also experiment with 00 flour, cake flour, or whole wheat flour for variations.
Baking powder: This leavens the dumplings, giving them that light, pillowy texture we’re after.
Milk: Warm milk binds your dumpling dough beautifully; depending on the flour type, you might need a touch more to get the consistency just right.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a slight tenderness to the dumplings.
Seasonings: Poultry seasoning or rubbed sage, thyme, or parsley bring gentle herbal notes; plus salt and black pepper to taste round everything out perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings (6-Ingredients) Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to fit your mood or pantry. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Add veggies: Sometimes I throw in diced carrots and celery with the onion to add more color and texture — it’s a nice touch without complicating things.
Herb swaps: If you’re out of poultry seasoning, try rosemary or fresh thyme for a different twist; it’s fun experimenting with what you have on hand.
Flour options: Using cake flour makes dumplings extra tender, while whole wheat adds a touch of nuttiness — just adjust milk amounts to get that perfect dough consistency.
Spicy kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the dumpling dough or broth — my family goes crazy for this version!

How to Make Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings (6-Ingredients) Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Chicken to Create the Broth

Start by placing the whole chicken and diced onion in a large pot, then add enough water to cover the chicken by about 2 inches. Season with a teaspoon of salt, cover with a lid, and bring to a gentle simmer. I can’t stress this enough — keep the heat low so the broth stays clear and flavorful. Simmer gently for about an hour, skimming any foam off the top. When the chicken is tender and fully cooked, remove it from the pot. I like to let the broth continue simmering uncovered for a while to concentrate the flavor—it makes the soup even better.

Step 2: Debone and Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle (give it 5-10 minutes so you don’t burn your fingers!), peel off the skin and carefully remove the bones. Shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces to make every spoonful easy and comforting. I usually set the chicken aside while I prepare the dumplings — this little break lets you prep without feeling rushed.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the warm milk—heat it gently but don’t let it boil. Pour the milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir lightly with a fork just until it comes together. Here’s what I learned the hard way: don’t overmix! Overworking the dough makes dumplings gummy and tough, so be gentle. If you see your dough is too dry, add a splash more warm milk, especially if you’re using whole wheat flour.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings in the Soup

Add the shredded chicken back into your simmering broth. Taste and adjust the seasoning — sometimes I sprinkle a little extra black pepper here for warmth. Use a small scoop or two spoons to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the surface of the simmering broth. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam on a low simmer for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often — keeping that steam trapped is how you get fluffy dumplings every single time. When they puff up and cook through, you’re ready to dish it out. Serve it piping hot and enjoy that cozy goodness!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings (6-Ingredients) Recipe

Slow Simmering: Keep heat low when cooking the chicken to avoid cloudy broth and enhance flavor—it’s worth the patience.
Dumpling Dough Texture: Dough should be thick but soft — if it’s too dry or crumbly, add warmed milk gradually until it just comes together.
Don’t Peek: Keeping the pot covered while dumplings cook traps steam and is the secret to fluffy, tender dumplings every time.
Use Whole Chicken: Using a whole chicken adds richness and depth that’s hard to replicate — plus, leftover shredded chicken is perfect for other dishes.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings (6-Ingredients) Recipe

A white plate with gold floral designs holds two large, white dumplings covered in a light, clear broth with a slight yellow tint. Surrounding the dumplings are several pieces of shredded chicken with a soft texture and pale beige color. The broth is sprinkled with small green onion slices and a light dusting of black pepper, adding tiny specks of green and black over the dish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings, homemade chicken and dumplings, 6-ingredient chicken soup, hearty comfort food recipe, simple chicken and dumplings

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a few twists—sometimes a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme brightens up the rich broth, or a dash of freshly ground black pepper for a little kick. A few thinly sliced green onions add a fresh crunch that my family loves, but this one’s totally up to you and your pantry.

Side Dishes

As hearty as this chicken and dumplings recipe is, I often serve it with some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, and roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots work beautifully if you want to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to ladle this stew into individual rustic bowls or even bread bowls—it’s such a fun way to dress up a humble dish. Garnishing with a sprig of fresh herbs or a little swirl of cream brings a restaurant feel, perfect for cozy dinners with friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Since the dumplings soak up liquid over time, the broth thickens — I actually love it like that, but if you want it thinner, just add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion the chicken and dumplings with broth in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To avoid soggy dumplings, I recommend freezing in smaller portions so you can thaw only what you need.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so dumplings heat evenly. Add a bit of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Microwaving works too, just cover loosely and heat in increments to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?

You can, but the broth won’t be as rich or flavorful. A whole chicken—including bones and skin—creates a deeper, more comforting soup base. If speed is your priority, chicken thighs are a good alternative because they stay tender and flavorful.
What if my dumpling dough is too sticky or too dry?

Start with the milk amount listed, then add more milk a tablespoon at a time if the dough feels too dry. If it’s sticky and hard to handle, sprinkle in a little more flour gradually. The dough should be soft and just slightly sticky to the touch.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?

After about 15 minutes of steaming on a low simmer covered, the dumplings should be puffed and springy to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into one; it should come out clean without raw dough.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the whole milk and butter for plant-based alternatives like almond milk (unsweetened) and dairy-free margarine or oil. Adjust the dough consistency as needed since plant milks can behave slightly differently.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook and shred the chicken and make the broth a day in advance, then refrigerate. The dumplings are best made fresh before serving for maximum fluffiness, but if needed, you can prepare the dough and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumplings (6-Ingredients) Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the taste of warmth, family, and cozy nights in a bowl. It’s one of those dishes you remember from childhood, but it’s so easy that even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel like a pro making it. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to comfort meal too. Now go make a batch, and prepare for all the happy sighs around your table!