Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings with Carrots is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty dish features tender chicken, soft pillowy dumplings, and sweet carrots simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a cozy and nourishing meal perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic comfort food with a homemade touch
One-pot meal for easy cleanup
Fluffy dumplings made from scratch
Balanced with protein, vegetables, and broth
Perfect for cold weather or when you need a warm, satisfying meal

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken stew:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Carrots, sliced
Celery, chopped
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Bay leaf
Olive oil or butter
Salt and black pepper
Dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

For the dumplings:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Butter
Milk or buttermilk
Chopped parsley (optional)

directions

Sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
Add chicken and broth: Stir in garlic, then add the chicken, bay leaf, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer.
Cook chicken: Cover and simmer until chicken is fully cooked (about 20 minutes). Remove chicken, shred, and return it to the pot.
Make dumpling dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter, then stir in milk to form a soft dough.
Add dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes—do not lift the lid while dumplings cook.
Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf. Stir gently and serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Creamy version: Stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end for a creamy broth.
Add vegetables: Green beans, peas, or corn can be added for more color and nutrients.
Use rotisserie chicken: A great shortcut if you’re short on time.
Gluten-free dumplings: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the dumpling dough.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a bit of water or broth if the stew has thickened too much.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken stew without dumplings. Prepare dumplings fresh when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought biscuit dough for the dumplings?

Yes, but homemade dumplings offer a better texture and flavor.

Are chicken thighs better than breasts?

Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but breasts work well too.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Cook the stew on low for 6–7 hours and add dumplings in the last 30 minutes.

How do I know when dumplings are done?

They will be firm to the touch and no longer doughy in the center when cut open.

Can I make it creamy?

Yes, stir in some heavy cream or whole milk before serving.

What herbs go well in this dish?

Thyme, rosemary, and parsley add great flavor without overpowering the dish.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare and cook the dumplings fresh, as they don’t store well raw.

How can I thicken the broth?

Mash a few carrots or stir in a cornstarch slurry for a thicker base.

What’s the best pot to use?

A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven retains heat well and provides even cooking.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, simply skip the chicken cooking step and add it before dropping the dumplings.

Conclusion

Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings with Carrots is a timeless, soul-warming recipe that delivers comfort in every bite. With its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is both filling and deeply satisfying—just like a warm hug in a bowl.