23 Classic Winter Chicken-&-Dumplings-Stew Recipes That Comfort

Posted on December 10, 2025

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Introduction

When the cold months roll in, a hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings brings warmth that feels familiar and soothing. These winter-friendly recipes offer creamy broth, tender chicken, and dumplings that melt beautifully into every spoonful. Whether you love herb-forward flavors, biscuit-style tops, or slow-simmered comfort, you’ll find a cozy bowl waiting for you here.

1. Classic Buttermilk Chicken & Dumplings Stew

A soft, tangy dumpling adds extra tenderness and depth.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs
  • Carrots (diced): 1 cup
  • Celery (diced): 1 cup
  • Onion: 1
  • Chicken broth: 5 cups
  • Butter: 3 tbsp
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
  • Buttermilk: 1/2 cup
  • Flour (dumplings): 1 cup
  • Baking powder: 2 tsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Pepper: 1/2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in butter.
  2. Add flour and cook briefly.
  3. Pour in broth and add chicken; simmer 25 minutes.
  4. Mix dumpling dough and drop spoonfuls in.
  5. Cover and steam 15 minutes.
  6. Stir in cream and season.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.

2. Herb Drop-Dumpling Chicken Stew

Fresh herbs brighten every bite.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: 1 lb
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Celery: 1 cup
  • Onion: 1
  • Chicken stock: 4 cups
  • Thyme: 1 tsp
  • Parsley: 2 tbsp
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Milk: 1/2 cup
  • Flour (dumplings): 1 cup
  • Baking powder: 2 tsp
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables in butter.
  2. Add flour and stir to thicken.
  3. Add stock and chicken; simmer 20 minutes.
  4. Mix dumpling dough; drop onto stew.
  5. Cover and cook 12–15 minutes.

How to Serve It

Garnish with extra parsley.

3. Slow-Simmered Winter Chicken & Dumplings

Slow cooking creates a deeper, richer flavor.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: 2 lbs
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Celery: 1 cup
  • Leeks: 1 cup
  • Broth: 6 cups
  • Butter: 3 tbsp
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Milk: 3/4 cup
  • Flour (dumplings): 1.25 cups
  • Baking powder: 2 tsp
  • Salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. Sauté leeks, carrots, and celery.
  2. Add flour and stir.
  3. Add broth and chicken; simmer 45 minutes.
  4. Drop dumplings, cover 20 minutes.
  5. Add milk and season.

How to Serve It

Serve with cracked pepper.

4. Creamy Biscuit-Top Chicken Stew

The biscuit-style dumplings create a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs
  • Onion: 1
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Butter: 3 tbsp
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Cream: 1/2 cup
  • Biscuit dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables.
  2. Stir in flour and broth.
  3. Add chicken; simmer 25 minutes.
  4. Drop biscuit dough pieces.
  5. Cook 15 minutes covered.
  6. Add cream.

How to Serve It

Top with pepper flakes if desired.

5. Rustic Farmhouse Chicken & Dumplings

A nostalgic version inspired by old-fashioned kitchens.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: 2 lbs
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Onion: 1
  • Celery: 1 cup
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Butter: 3 tbsp
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Milk: 1/2 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Sauté vegetables.
  2. Add flour and broth.
  3. Simmer chicken 40 minutes.
  4. Shape dumplings and drop in.
  5. Cover 20 minutes.
  6. Add milk and season.

How to Serve It

Add parsley before serving.

6. Garlic-Infused Chicken & Dumplings

Garlic adds a bold winter-friendly aroma.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: 1.5 lbs
  • Garlic (minced): 4 cloves
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Celery: 1 cup
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Milk: 1/2 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Sauté garlic and vegetables.
  2. Add flour and broth.
  3. Add chicken; simmer 30 minutes.
  4. Add dumplings and steam 15 minutes.
  5. Add milk.

How to Serve It

Top with chopped chives.

7. Potato-Thickened Chicken & Dumplings

Potatoes make the broth thicker without extra cream.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs
  • Potatoes (diced): 1.5 cups
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Celery: 1 cup
  • Broth: 6 cups
  • Flour: 1/4 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables and potatoes.
  2. Add broth and chicken.
  3. Simmer 35 minutes.
  4. Add dumplings and steam 15 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add cracked pepper on top.

8. Lemon-Thyme Chicken & Dumplings

Bright and fresh with a hint of citrus.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: 1 lb
  • Lemon zest: 1 tbsp
  • Thyme: 1 tsp
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Broth: 4.5 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Milk: 1/2 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables.
  2. Add flour and broth.
  3. Add chicken and lemon zest.
  4. Drop dumplings; steam 15 minutes.
  5. Add milk.

How to Serve It

Top with extra zest.

9. Creamy Mushroom Chicken & Dumplings

Earthy mushrooms make the broth richer.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs
  • Mushrooms (sliced): 2 cups
  • Onion: 1
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Butter: 3 tbsp
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Cream: 1/2 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Sauté mushrooms and onion.
  2. Add flour and broth.
  3. Add chicken and simmer 30 minutes.
  4. Add dumplings; cook 15 minutes.
  5. Stir in cream.

How to Serve It

Add thyme leaves on top.

10. Carrot-Heavy Chicken & Dumplings Stew

Ideal for carrot lovers who enjoy natural sweetness.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: 1.5 lbs
  • Carrots: 2 cups
  • Celery: 1 cup
  • Onion: 1
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables.
  2. Add broth and chicken.
  3. Simmer 25 minutes.
  4. Add dumplings and cook 15 minutes.

How to Serve It

Top with fresh parsley.

11. Parmesan Chicken & Dumplings

A cheesy twist with a savory finish.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs
  • Parmesan: 1/2 cup
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Butter: 3 tbsp
  • Milk: 1/2 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables.
  2. Add flour and broth.
  3. Add chicken.
  4. Add dumplings and steam 15 minutes.
  5. Stir in parmesan and milk.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle more cheese on top.

12. Veggie-Packed Chicken & Dumplings

Great for adding more vegetables during winter.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: 1 lb
  • Mixed veggies: 2 cups
  • Onion: 1
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook veggies.
  2. Add broth and chicken.
  3. Simmer 25 minutes.
  4. Drop dumplings and cook 15 minutes.

How to Serve It

Top with chopped dill.

13. Creamy Corn Chicken & Dumplings

Corn adds gentle sweetness.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs
  • Corn: 1.5 cups
  • Onion: 1
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Cream: 1/2 cup
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook onion and corn.
  2. Add flour and broth.
  3. Add chicken and simmer.
  4. Add dumplings and steam.
  5. Add cream.

How to Serve It

Add green onions on top.

14. Peppery Chicken & Dumplings Stew

For those who like a little kick.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs
  • Cracked pepper: 1.5 tsp
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables.
  2. Add broth and chicken.
  3. Add pepper.
  4. Drop dumplings and steam.

How to Serve It

Finish with extra pepper.

15. Rosemary Chicken & Dumplings

Rosemary adds a warm winter aroma.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs
  • Rosemary: 1 tsp
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables with rosemary.
  2. Add flour and broth.
  3. Add chicken; simmer 25 minutes.
  4. Add dumplings; cook 15 minutes.

How to Serve It

Top with rosemary sprigs.

16. Extra-Fluffy Milk Dumplings Chicken Stew

Milk creates lighter, airy dumplings.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Celery: 1 cup
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Milk: 3/4 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables.
  2. Add flour and broth.
  3. Add chicken.
  4. Steam dumplings 15 minutes.
  5. Add extra milk.

How to Serve It

Serve warm with herbs.

17. Extra-Creamy Chicken & Dumplings

A velvety version perfect for cold nights.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs
  • Cream: 3/4 cup
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Broth: 4.5 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook veggies.
  2. Add flour and broth.
  3. Add chicken.
  4. Drop dumplings and steam.
  5. Add cream.

How to Serve It

Serve with a sprinkle of paprika.

18. Onion-Lovers Chicken & Dumplings

Caramelized onions bring sweet depth.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs
  • Onions: 2 large
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Slowly cook onions until golden.
  2. Add flour and broth.
  3. Add chicken; simmer.
  4. Add dumplings; steam 15 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add chopped chives.

19. Celery-Forward Chicken & Dumplings

Great for those who enjoy fresh crisp notes.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: 1.5 lbs
  • Celery: 2 cups
  • Onion: 1
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables.
  2. Add broth and chicken.
  3. Add dumplings and cook.

How to Serve It

Serve with fresh herbs.

20. Dill Chicken & Dumplings Stew

Dill gives the stew a light, green freshness.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs
  • Dill: 2 tbsp
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables.
  2. Add broth, dill, and chicken.
  3. Simmer.
  4. Add dumplings and steam.

How to Serve It

Top with more dill.

21. Simple Weeknight Chicken & Dumplings

Perfect when you want something quick and hearty.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: 1 lb
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Onion: 1
  • Broth: 4 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables.
  2. Add broth and chicken.
  3. Add dumplings; cook 12–15 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve in deep bowls.

22. One-Pot Winter Chicken & Dumplings

Everything cooks together without extra steps.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Celery: 1 cup
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Add all base ingredients to pot.
  2. Simmer 40 minutes.
  3. Add dumplings and steam 15 minutes.

How to Serve It

Top with cracked pepper.

23. Winter Comfort Chicken & Dumplings Stew

A classic bowl that brings cozy winter comfort instantly.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs
  • Carrots: 1 cup
  • Onion: 1
  • Broth: 5 cups
  • Flour: 1/3 cup
  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Milk: 1/2 cup
  • Dumpling dough: 1 batch

Instructions

  1. Cook vegetables in butter.
  2. Add flour and broth.
  3. Add chicken.
  4. Add dumplings; steam 15 minutes.
  5. Add milk.

How to Serve It

Serve warm with parsley.

Conclusion

With these cozy winter chicken-and-dumpling recipes, you’ll always have a warm bowl waiting for cold evenings, family dinners, or slow weekends. Save your favorites, try a new twist each time, and share them with anyone who could use a comforting meal this season.

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