A classic Southern comfort-food favorite, this Chicken & Slick Dumplings recipe features tender, seasoned chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth with soft, homemade flat dumplings. Hearty, cozy, and satisfying, it’s the perfect homemade dinner for a chilly evening or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Broth
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
6 cups chicken broth
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
For the Slick Dumplings
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup whole milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, thyme, poultry seasoning, black pepper, chicken broth, and chicken. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, about 20–25 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Slick Dumplings
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just until smooth. Roll it out thin, then cut into small squares or strips.
Cook the Dumplings
Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop the dumpling pieces into the hot broth, a few at a time, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together.
Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, or until the dumplings are tender and cooked through.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and gently stir everything together. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot and garnish with a little fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Recipe Notes
For the best texture, roll the dumpling dough thin. Keep the broth at a gentle simmer while adding the dumplings so they cook evenly without breaking apart.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The dumplings may absorb some of the broth as they sit, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.