One Pot Chicken and Dumplings for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Posted on November 21, 2025

The Comfort of Chicken and Dumplings

When the temperatures drop and weeknights get busier, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of chicken and dumplings to bring warmth and ease to your dinner table. This classic dish combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth, delivering pure comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking on the stove or using a slow cooker, chicken and dumplings make a satisfying, hearty meal with minimal fuss.

In today’s fast-paced world, many home cooks are turning to one pot meals for their simplicity and ease of cleanup. With just one pot or slow cooker, you can create a full meal that tastes like it took hours. Recipes like this one not only offer convenience but also a sense of nostalgia. This dish is a staple among many families and is often listed among the top comfort foods in American cuisine. According to Wikipedia’s list of comfort foods, chicken and dumplings rank high among timeless classics that provide emotional warmth and satisfaction.

This guide explores both the stovetop and slow cooker chicken and dumplings methods, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and lazy Sundays. You’ll also find smart ingredient substitutions, flavor variations, and pro tips that make this an easy chicken and dumplings recipe for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Plus, for those curious about the cooking technique itself, the slow cooker section dives into the “set it and forget it” method that has made crockpot meals a modern kitchen essential.

With a focus on simplicity, comfort, and great taste, this article is your go-to resource for mastering one of the coziest dishes you can make in a single pot.

Why One Pot Recipes Are a Weeknight Saver

When it comes to preparing weeknight dinners, time and simplicity are everything. That’s where one pot recipes shine. By cooking everything in a single vessel, you significantly reduce both prep and cleanup time, making meals like chicken and dumplings ideal for hectic schedules or when you simply want to unwind after a long day.

The appeal of one pot chicken and dumplings lies in its ability to offer a complete, balanced meal with minimal effort. The dish includes protein, vegetables, and carbs in the form of soft dumplings, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. Unlike multi-step recipes that require juggling several pans or dishes, this method streamlines your kitchen routine while maximizing flavor and nutrition.

One pot meals also tend to enhance flavor because the ingredients cook together, allowing their natural juices to infuse and create depth. This is especially true for dishes that use slow cooking or braising methods. For instance, the slow simmering of chicken with aromatic vegetables like onion, garlic, and celery releases flavor compounds that create a rich and hearty base, similar to those in classic braising techniques.

Plus, they’re incredibly adaptable. You can tweak the spices, vegetables, or even swap in leftovers without sacrificing taste. This versatility makes recipes like easy chicken and dumplings perfect for meal prep, as well as feeding a family with varying tastes. If you’re looking for other one pot dinner ideas, Pinterest offers endless inspiration for cozy and practical meals that deliver big flavor with little cleanup.

Ultimately, incorporating more one pot meals into your weekly menu isn’t just convenient — it’s smart, flavorful, and family-approved.

Ingredients Breakdown and Substitutions

To make the perfect chicken and dumplings, you’ll need a mix of fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a creamy, comforting dish. Understanding each component of the recipe—and how to substitute when needed—can help you adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs without compromising flavor.

For the Soup Base:

Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables. Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
Onion (1 medium, diced), Carrots (2), Celery (2 stalks): The classic mirepoix trio creates the flavor foundation. These veggies provide sweetness, texture, and aroma.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Offers depth and savory notes. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Salt, Pepper, Thyme, Rosemary: These seasonings bring balance and warmth. You can also use Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if available.
Flour (¼ cup): Helps thicken the broth. For gluten-free needs, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Chicken Broth (6 cups): Choose low-sodium for better control over salt levels. Homemade broth or bouillon cubes dissolved in water also work well.
Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded): Use leftover rotisserie, baked, or boiled chicken. Both chicken breast and chicken thigh work; thighs provide more flavor and moisture. Learn more about the properties of chicken meat if you’re exploring alternatives.
Frozen Peas (1 cup): Adds color and sweetness. Fresh peas or chopped green beans are good substitutes.
Heavy Cream (½ cup): Makes the soup rich and velvety. You can swap with coconut cream or whole milk for a lighter option.

For the Dumplings:

Flour (1½ cups), Baking Powder (2 tsp), Salt (½ tsp): These are the base dry ingredients. Self-rising flour can be used in place of flour and baking powder.
Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Gives the dumplings a soft, tender texture.
Milk (¾ cup): Whole milk is ideal, but non-dairy options like almond or oat milk can be used.

Whether you’re planning a gluten-free dinner or need to make dairy substitutions, this recipe is incredibly flexible. For example, Pinterest is filled with comfort food meal prep ideas that offer allergy-friendly and family-friendly tweaks to classic dishes like this.

To boost nutritional value, you can easily add spinach, mushrooms, or corn to the soup. If you’re looking for details on the nutritional benefits of vegetables like carrots, they’re packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins A and K, making them a smart addition to a balanced diet.

With this breakdown, you can confidently prepare easy chicken and dumplings with ingredients that suit your needs while keeping the dish flavorful and satisfying.

Step-by-Step: One Pot Chicken and Dumplings on the Stove (Part 1)

Making one pot chicken and dumplings on the stove is straightforward and deeply satisfying. With just a few steps, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a hearty, creamy meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Here’s how to bring this dish to life.

1. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor of your soup.

Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Immediately season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon of rosemary. The herbs enhance the rustic, comforting profile of the dish. For a flavor comparison, explore how these herbs are commonly used in traditional braising recipes to deepen flavor layers.

2. Create the Roux

Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to coat the veggies and cook off the raw flour taste. This roux will help thicken your broth and give the soup body.

3. Add the Broth

Gradually pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. The broth should integrate smoothly with the flour-coated vegetables, forming a slightly thickened base. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Using a high-quality or homemade broth here is key to rich flavor. If you need alternatives, Pinterest offers excellent homemade broth ideas that can be made ahead and frozen for recipes like this.

4. Add Chicken, Peas, and Cream

Stir in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of frozen peas. At this stage, the soup already looks inviting, but the best is yet to come. Finally, pour in ½ cup of heavy cream and gently stir to blend everything together. The cream rounds out the soup’s richness, making every bite velvety and satisfying.

You’ll now have a thick, creamy chicken soup base ready for dumplings. It’s important to keep the mixture at a low simmer as you move on to preparing the dumpling dough.

The combination of vegetables, herbs, chicken, and cream creates a beautifully balanced broth with both heartiness and subtlety. The next step will be making the dumplings—light, fluffy pillows that steam right on top of this flavorful base.

Step-by-Step: One Pot Chicken and Dumplings on the Stove (Part 2)

5. Make and Add the Dumplings

While the soup simmers, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter and ¾ cup of milk. Mix until the dough is just combined—do not overmix, as this can make the dumplings tough. The dough should be thick and sticky but easy to scoop.

Using a spoon or small scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of the dough directly onto the surface of the simmering soup. The dumplings will expand as they cook, so leave a little space between each one.

6. Cover and Steam the Dumplings

Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as the steam is crucial to cooking the dumplings properly. After 15 minutes, insert a toothpick into one of the dumplings—if it comes out clean, they’re done.

7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a bit more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preference. You can even add a splash of cream or broth to adjust consistency.

The finished dish is creamy, fragrant, and filled with tender chicken, soft vegetables, and fluffy dumplings that soak up the flavorful broth. If you’re meal prepping for the week, check out Pinterest boards focused on weeknight dinners for more comforting ideas like this one.

8. Serve Hot

Ladle the soup and dumplings into bowls and serve immediately while hot. Garnish with freshly cracked pepper or chopped parsley if desired. For a deep dive into why dishes like this feel so satisfying, read more about comfort food and how it connects to memory and mood.

This stovetop version delivers all the soul-satisfying flavor of classic chicken and dumplings, made easier with a one pot approach perfect for busy home cooks.

Pro Tips for Flavorful & Creamy Chicken and Dumplings

To elevate your chicken and dumplings from good to unforgettable, keep these expert tips in mind:

Use dark meat chicken like thighs for added moisture and flavor. White meat is leaner but can dry out quickly.
Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough, which can lead to dense, chewy results. Mix just until ingredients come together.
Add cream last to avoid curdling. High heat can cause dairy to separate, especially when reheating.
Use fresh herbs if possible. A sprig of fresh thyme or a few chopped parsley leaves can boost aroma and presentation.
Let dumplings steam covered without lifting the lid. Steam ensures the dough cooks through and stays light.
Adjust soup thickness with a cornstarch slurry if it feels too thin. Add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water and simmer briefly.

If you want more easy tricks for simplifying dinner prep, you can find helpful cooking hacks on Pinterest tailored for busy parents.

Finally, remember that comfort food is personal. Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or seasoning blend. This recipe is forgiving and designed to be adapted to your taste and what you have in your kitchen.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

One of the great things about chicken and dumplings is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerating Leftovers:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
The dumplings may continue to absorb broth, so the texture will thicken over time.
Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen the consistency.

Freezing Tips:

For best results, freeze without the dumplings. The soup base freezes beautifully and can be reheated before adding freshly made dumplings.
If you must freeze the full dish, expect the dumplings to soften upon thawing, but the flavor will remain intact.
Use freezer-safe containers and label with the date.

Reheating Suggestions:

Warm gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Avoid boiling, especially if cream is included, to prevent separation.
Microwave in short intervals, covered, and stir between intervals for even heating.

These tips ensure you can enjoy this cozy classic even on your busiest nights. If you’re looking for other ways to prepare ahead, check out more meal prep comfort food recipes that are easy to freeze and reheat.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings (Crockpot Method)

For a hands-off, no-fuss dinner, slow cooker chicken and dumplings is the answer. This method lets you “set it and forget it” while still ending up with a creamy, hearty meal at the end of the day.

Ingredients:

Use the same ingredients as the stovetop version. Raw or cooked chicken both work, but if using raw, cook on HIGH for at least 4 hours.

Instructions:

Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, seasonings, and chicken to the slow cooker.
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until chicken is tender.
Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
Stir in frozen peas and cream.
Mix dumpling dough as directed and drop spoonfuls on top.
Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 1 hour until dumplings are cooked through.

Tips:

Don’t stir after adding dumplings.
Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
For added depth of flavor, sauté vegetables before adding to the slow cooker.

For more on how this slow process enhances flavor, refer to slow cooker cooking techniques.

Chicken Options: Breast vs Thigh vs Rotisserie

Each type of chicken offers a unique texture and flavor to this dish:

Chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking but can dry out. Best used when pre-cooked.
Chicken thighs: Richer flavor, juicier texture. Ideal for both slow cooker and stovetop.
Rotisserie chicken: The ultimate time-saver. Just shred and stir in for near-instant dinner.

For more context on different chicken cuts and their uses, read about chicken meat.

Whether you’re cooking from scratch or using leftovers, this dish accommodates your schedule and your fridge.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is a great foundation for different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Try these customizations:

Bisquick Dumplings: Use prepared mix for fast, fluffy dumplings.
Canned Biscuit Dumplings: Tear and drop canned biscuits for a shortcut.
Add Veggies: Mushrooms, corn, potatoes, or spinach blend well.
Make It Vegetarian: Swap chicken for jackfruit or tofu, and use vegetable broth.

Check out Pinterest for more variations that align with dietary restrictions or pantry limitations.

Customizing keeps the dish interesting and suitable for a variety of eaters.

What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings

Though this is a complete meal, a few sides can round it out beautifully:

Simple Green Salad: Adds a refreshing contrast.
Cornbread or Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up extra broth.
Roasted Green Beans or Brussels Sprouts: Adds texture and color.

You could even serve a warm drink like cider or a cup of herbal tea to enhance the cozy vibes.

FAQs: People Also Ask

Can you put raw chicken in chicken and dumplings?
Yes. In slow cooker recipes, raw chicken can cook along with the soup base. Just ensure it reaches 165°F before shredding.

What is the secret to good dumplings?
The key is not overmixing the dough and letting them steam properly with the lid on. This ensures light, fluffy dumplings every time.

Why are my dumplings soggy or dense?
Common causes include overmixing, overcrowding, or lifting the lid while they steam. Use gentle heat and give them room to rise.

Can you overcook dumplings in a slow cooker?
Yes. Overcooking can make dumplings dense or mushy. Follow timing carefully and check with a toothpick for doneness.

Is chicken and dumplings supposed to be thick or soupy?
It should be creamy and slightly thick, but not paste-like. You can adjust with broth or cream depending on preference.

How long do chicken and dumplings last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container. Add broth when reheating if it becomes too thick.

One Pot Chicken and Dumplings for Cozy Weeknight Dinners