Easy Chicken and Dumplings Stovetop for a Cozy Meal Tonight

Name: Easy Chicken and Dumplings Stovetop for a Cozy Meal Tonight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken fillet, diced; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 cup celery, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup milk; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tsp thyme

By:

Christina R. Jones

July 27, 2025

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There’s something utterly comforting about making easy chicken and dumplings stovetop. It’s one of those dishes that wraps you in a warm hug, reminding me of cozy family gatherings around the dinner table. I can still hear the laughter and chatter as my family enjoyed this hearty meal. Best of all, it comes together in just 45 minutes! I love how the tender chicken mingles with the fluffy dumplings, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. You can practically taste the love that goes into each spoonful. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, even on those busy weeknights when you just want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to comfort food for every occasion, whether you’re gathering with loved ones or just treating yourself to a cozy night in!

easy chicken and dumplings stovetop - detail 1

Ingredients

To create this comforting dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb chicken fillet, diced: Use boneless, skinless chicken for ease and tenderness.
1 cup carrots, sliced: Fresh carrots add a sweet crunch; slice them thin so they cook evenly.
1 cup celery, chopped: Chopped celery gives a lovely aromatic flavor and texture.
1 onion, diced: A medium onion works best; it adds depth to the broth.
4 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth for a more controlled flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour: This will be for your fluffy dumplings.
1 tbsp baking powder: This is essential for light and airy dumplings.
1 tsp salt: Adjust according to your taste preference.
1 cup milk: Whole milk makes the dumplings extra rich.
2 tbsp butter, melted: Adds delicious flavor and richness.
1 tsp thyme: Fresh or dried thyme enhances the overall taste.

These ingredients are all easy to find, and I bet you might even have some of them in your pantry right now!

How to Prepare Easy Chicken and Dumplings Stovetop

Now, let’s dive into the fun part — making this delightful dish! The process is straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how everything comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm pot of chicken and dumplings in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the vegetables: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil if you like, then toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re tender and fragrant. You want those veggies to soften up nicely!
Add the chicken: Once the veggies are ready, stir in the diced chicken fillet. Cook this for another 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is no longer pink. This step is crucial because it locks in that juicy flavor!
Pour in the broth: Now, it’s time to bring in the broth! Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and crank up the heat to bring it all to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Make the dumpling dough: While the broth is simmering, grab a mixing bowl and combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter. Mix until you get a soft dough. Don’t overmix — just enough to combine everything!
Add the dumplings: Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the dumpling dough right into the simmering broth. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll puff up beautifully as they cook!
Cover and simmer: After adding the dumplings, cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes. This is when all the magic happens! The dumplings will steam and cook through, soaking up that delicious broth.
Finish with thyme: Finally, stir in the thyme just before serving. This will add a lovely herbal note that enhances the flavor. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like!

And there you have it! A hearty, comforting bowl of easy chicken and dumplings stovetop, ready to warm your heart and fill your belly. Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk nutrition! This easy chicken and dumplings stovetop recipe yields approximately four servings, making it perfect for sharing or meal prepping. Here’s a quick rundown of the typical nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Sugar: 2g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences and any substitutions you make!

Tips for Success

Here are some handy tips to ensure your easy chicken and dumplings stovetop turns out perfect every time! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. A pinch more salt or a sprinkle of pepper can make a big difference! If you have leftover chicken, it’s a fantastic shortcut to save time — just toss it in when you add the broth and skip the initial cooking step.

For fluffy dumplings, make sure not to overmix the dough. You want it to be soft but still hold its shape when you drop it into the broth. If you want to add even more flavor, consider mixing in some fresh herbs or spices to the dumpling dough. Lastly, remember to keep an eye on the simmering pot — too much heat can lead to overcooked dumplings. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Comforting and Hearty: Every bowl is filled with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, creating a warm hug in food form.
Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that brings everyone together around the table, satisfying even the pickiest eaters.
Customizable: You can easily adjust seasonings and ingredients to suit your family’s tastes!

Variations

One of the best things about easy chicken and dumplings stovetop is how versatile it can be! You can easily switch up the flavors and ingredients to keep it exciting. For instance, try adding some frozen peas or corn for a pop of color and sweetness. If you’re a fan of a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up!

Herb-wise, consider swapping out the thyme for rosemary or parsley to create a different flavor profile. If you want a richer taste, you could add a splash of heavy cream to the broth, making it extra creamy and decadent. And for a twist, try using rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken for an even quicker prep time. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!

Serving Suggestions

To make your meal even more delightful, consider serving some warm buttery biscuits or a slice of crusty bread alongside your easy chicken and dumplings stovetop. These pair beautifully, perfect for soaking up that delicious broth! For a fresh touch, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the dish. And don’t forget a cozy cup of tea or iced lemonade to round out the experience!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers of your easy chicken and dumplings stovetop can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let it cool completely before sealing it up to preserve its flavors and texture. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply transfer it to a pot over medium heat. Stir gently and add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up, ensuring the dumplings stay tender. Heat until warmed through, and enjoy that comforting taste all over again!