Whenever I crave a soup that’s comforting and cozy, this dish is always my go-to. My Cozy Chicken and Dumplings features a rich and savory broth and fluffy dumplings. It is quite the soul-soothing dish!

Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food dish consisting of tender, well-seasoned chicken in a rich, savory broth with soft, doughy dumplings. Don’t let the two components scare you away from making this dish. It’s far easier to make than you might think, and the pot does a lot of the work!

This dish is popular in Southern and Midwestern U.S. cuisine. It’s typically made by simmering chicken with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, then adding either biscuit-like drop dumplings or rolled, noodle-style dumplings. In this recipe, we’re using biscuit-like dumplings. This dish is warm, hearty, and filling. It also makes for delicious leftovers for the days to come.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This is a thick and flavorful soup. I like to veer away from the traditional way of cooking chicken and dumplings and add a little more Southern flavor by using smoked paprika. Now, you don’t want to use a whole lot because you don’t want to overpower the broth, but just a touch of smoked paprika takes this dish up a notch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s well seasoned and delicious
The ingredients work well together.
You can double or triple this batch as much as needed.

What Makes This Recipe Comforting?

It’s warm and inviting.
The dumplings make it extra hearty.
It’s a fun dish to make, especially with family or friends.
It feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers.

Chicken Soup Ingredients

Olive Oil – Used to sauté the veggies and doesn’t overpower them.
Onion – Provides a savory depth to the soup. I use a medium onion, diced small.
Carrots – Adds natural sweetness, texture and a pop of color.
Celery – Gives the soup a subtle earthy flavor and texture.
Garlic – Infuses warmth and depth into the broth. Just be sure to not burn it! You’ll be fine if you follow the instructions!
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – This is the base of the soup. I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt level.
Heavy Cream – Makes the broth rich and creamy.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of dried herbs that adds a subtle, yet earthy flavor.
Smoked Paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness and warmth.
Onion Powder – Helps to enhance the onion flavor without being too strong.
Salt & Black Pepper – Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
Cooked Shredded Chicken – For convenience, I prefer using rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked chicken, or even leftover chicken. However, you can also cook boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts from scratch.

Dumplings Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour – This is the base of the dumplings. It gives them structure.
Baking Powder – Helps the dumplings rise and stay fluffy.
Salt – Enhances the flavor of the dough.
Heavy Cream – Adds moisture and helps create a tender dough.
Melted Butter – Provides richness and makes the dumplings soft and flavorful.

How to Make Cozy Chicken and Dumplings:

Step 1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2. Make the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 3. Add the Shredded Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes while you prepare the dumplings.
Step 4. Make the Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the heavy cream and melted butter, stirring until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. Using your hands, mold the dough into balls, about the size of meatballs (approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).
Step 5. Cook the Dumplings: Reduce the heat to low so the soup is gently simmering. Drop the shaped dumpling dough into the pot, spacing them out to allow room for expansion. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 12–15 minutes. Don’t lift the lid during this time to ensure they cook properly.
Step 6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the dumplings are cooked through (they should be firm and not doughy inside), give the soup a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!!

Tips for This Recipe

Save time by using a rotisserie chicken or swap chicken for leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Make it a day ahead. This dish tastes even better the next day!
Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Season to your liking! Everyone has their own flavor preferences. This is just how I enjoy making it.

This Cozy Chicken and Dumplings recipe is everything you need for a warm, tasty, and comforting meal. It truly feels like a hug in a bowl. The rich broth, tender pieces of chicken with every bite, and fluffy dumplings come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and soul-soothing. With a touch of smoked paprika to elevate the flavor, this dish is one you’ll want to make on repeat!

Hopefully this Cozy Chicken and Dumplings recipe becomes a comforting favorite in your kitchen and brings warmth to your table. Enjoy!