Pioneer Woman Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings Recipe — Hi, I’m Asmaa. I’m 29 years old, and some of my happiest memories are from the kitchen, standing beside my mom as she showed me how to stir, season, and taste with care. Recently, I found a quick TikTok version of this classic that instantly took me back — simple ingredients, a cozy pot of bubbling broth, and that buttery, doughy aroma I’ve loved since childhood. I did manage to burn the first batch (naturally), but once it came together, it tasted just like home. Try it yourself and tell me — did your kitchen smell like childhood too?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s magic in how easy this dish is. It doesn’t demand fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients — just a bit of care and patience. The dough comes together with a few simple stirs, and the dumplings are rolled and cut with a comforting sense of old-fashioned simplicity. It’s cozy, affordable, and deeply satisfying. You’ll love this recipe because it brings that Southern farmhouse flavor right to your kitchen table, whether you’re feeding two or cooking for a crowd. It’s family-friendly, filling, and the kind of meal that makes leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken – tender and flavorful, the heart of your dish.
• 6–8 cups chicken broth – gives the soup its rich, savory depth.
• 2 cups flour – forms the base of those perfectly soft dumplings.
• 2 tablespoons butter – adds a touch of richness to the dough.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – helps give the dumplings a bit of lift.
• Salt to taste – balances and enhances every bite.
• About 1 cup milk (maybe a bit less) – binds the dough and adds creaminess.

These ingredients come together to create something beautifully humble yet deeply comforting. Nothing fancy — just good, wholesome cooking like our grandmothers used to make.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Give it a gentle stir to evenly distribute everything. This is your dumpling base, so don’t rush it — let the texture feel right between your fingers.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add the butter and work it into the dry mix using a fork or a pastry blender. You’re aiming for a crumbly, sandy texture — little bits of butter scattered throughout the flour. This step gives your dumplings that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness once they’re cooked.

Step 3: Add the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk, stirring with a fork until the dough just comes together into a soft ball. Don’t overmix it — just coax it until it’s holding together. The dough should be a little sticky but manageable.

Step 4: Prepare the Work Surface

Heavily flour your countertop or cutting board. This part gets a little messy — in the best way. Flour your rolling pin, too, so nothing sticks. The dough should feel soft and slightly elastic as you begin to roll it out.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dumplings

Roll the dough out thin, about the thickness of a pie crust. Dip your cutter (or pizza cutter) in flour and slice the dough into 2-inch squares. Don’t worry about perfect shapes — rustic is part of the charm. Some dumplings will be square, some rectangular, and a few will look funny — those are the ones everyone will fight over later.

Step 6: Dust and Layer

As you cut the dumplings, use a small spatula to lift them onto a heavily floured plate. Keep layering them with plenty of flour between each layer so they don’t stick together. If you plan to cook them later, you can lay them out on a baking sheet with wax paper and flour between layers. They freeze beautifully this way — just pop them in a zip-top bag once solid.

Step 7: Cook the Dumplings

Bring your chicken broth to a steady boil. One by one, drop in the dumplings, stirring gently as you go to prevent clumping. The extra flour coating them will naturally thicken the broth into a silky gravy. Let them cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the smell of buttery dough mixing with the savory broth — it’s irresistible.

Step 8: Add the Chicken

Once the dumplings are tender and no longer doughy in the center, add your cooked chicken back to the pot. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer together for a few minutes. The broth should be thickened slightly, coating the dumplings and chicken with a rich, creamy texture.

And that’s it. You’ve made a pot of Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings that looks like something out of a Southern kitchen dream — simple, hearty, and full of love.

A Note on Technique and Tradition

This dish is a true example of classic American comfort food. While it may trace its roots to rural kitchens in the South, every region has its version — some drop dumplings, some rolled. This recipe leans on the rolled style, where the dumplings cook in a flavorful broth, thickening it naturally. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just feed the body but also the spirit, connecting generations through a shared love of simple, homemade food.

Serving Suggestions

• With a glass of iced sweet tea for a Southern touch
• Alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness
• Over fluffy rice for a heartier meal
• With roasted vegetables or skillet corn for extra comfort

Pro Tips for Success

1. Keep everything floured: It keeps the dumplings from sticking as you roll and cut.
2. Don’t overmix: Too much stirring makes dumplings tough. Stop when the dough just comes together.
3. Simmer gently: A rolling boil can break the dumplings apart — keep the heat medium-low once they’re in.
4. Add chicken last: This keeps the meat tender and juicy.
5. Freeze extras: Layer with wax paper and freeze for easy weeknight meals later.
6. Taste the broth: A little more salt or a knob of butter at the end can make the flavors sing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️ Overworking the dough: Makes dumplings dense — mix just until combined.
⚠️ Cutting too thick: Thicker dumplings can stay doughy inside. Roll evenly.
⚠️ Skipping the flour dusting: They’ll stick together in a clump.
⚠️ Boiling too hard: Gentle simmering keeps dumplings intact.
⚠️ Adding chicken too early: It can overcook and dry out before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store airtight for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Store airtight for up to 2 months.
Reheat: On low heat (stove or oven) with a splash of water or broth for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

: Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut and adds even more flavor since rotisserie chicken is already seasoned.

Q2: Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can cut and flour them ahead, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook. Just make sure they’re well-coated in flour so they don’t stick.

Q3: Can I use frozen dough or biscuits?

You can, though the texture will be softer and less traditional. Homemade dumplings have that classic chewy bite that’s hard to beat.

Q4: How do I thicken the broth more?

: Let it simmer a little longer, uncovered. The flour from the dumplings will naturally thicken it, but a small cornstarch slurry can also help if needed.

Q5: What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?

Simple sides like cornbread, green beans, or a crisp salad pair beautifully. It’s rich, so light sides are best.

Closing Paragraph

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings after a long day. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you of family kitchens, laughter, and the comfort of good food made from scratch. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or making a cozy weeknight meal, this Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Simple ingredients, warm flavors, and pure comfort in every bite.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded that the best meals don’t need to be complicated — they just need to be made with care. The smell of the broth, the rhythm of rolling the dough, the first spoonful of that creamy, savory goodness — it all feels like home. If you’ve never made homemade dumplings before, don’t worry. They don’t need to be perfect to be delicious. Just make them with love. Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, quick, and nostalgic recipes.