Few dishes capture true Southern-style comfort quite like Cheesy Chicken & Dumplings. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, buttery broth, melted cheese, and soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all that flavor. Every spoonful feels like home — warm, rich, and absolutely satisfying.
This dish takes the beloved traditional chicken and dumplings and adds a delicious twist: cheese. The combination of shredded cheddar, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings makes it irresistible. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a cold-weather treat, or your go-to comfort meal, this recipe will fill your kitchen with savory aromas and your table with smiles.
It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together — simple, wholesome ingredients turned into something deeply comforting and completely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken & Dumplings
- Creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting.
- One-pot meal perfect for family dinners.
- Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Warm, hearty, and perfect for chilly nights.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love creamy chicken soups, cheesy casseroles, and old-fashioned dumplings, this dish is the best of all three. It’s everything comfort food should be — cozy, filling, and made from scratch with love. The cheese adds a luscious richness to the classic broth, turning every bite into a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Best of all, it’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for Sunday dinner. Pair it with biscuits, salad, or just a big spoon — this is comfort food done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon thyme or poultry seasoning
For the Dumplings
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for cheesy dumplings)
For Garnish
- Chopped parsley or chives
- Extra cheese for topping
How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Dumplings (Step by Step)
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Step 2: Make the roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for about 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add the liquids and chicken
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then add milk and cream. Stir until smooth and thickened slightly. Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add the cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated into the creamy broth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Prepare the dumplings
In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, melted butter, and shredded cheddar (if using). Stir just until combined — don’t overmix, or the dumplings will be dense.
Step 6: Drop in the dumplings
Reduce the soup to a low simmer. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of the soup. They will expand as they cook, so leave a little space between each one.
Step 7: Cover and cook
Cover the pot with a lid and simmer gently for 12–15 minutes, until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through (test one by cutting it open — it should be fluffy, not doughy). Avoid stirring while they cook to keep them light and intact.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy
Once the dumplings are done, sprinkle the top with extra cheese and parsley. Serve hot, scooping generous portions of soup and dumplings into each bowl.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken & Dumplings
Don’t overmix the dumpling dough
Mix until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making dumplings tough instead of light and fluffy.
Simmer gently
Once you drop in the dumplings, lower the heat and resist the urge to stir. Gentle simmering allows the dumplings to steam-cook evenly.
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
It adds flavor, saves time, and keeps the chicken tender.
Cheese matters
Use freshly shredded cheddar — pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast with the creamy base.
Flavor boost
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of garlic powder, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra depth.
Thicken if needed
If your broth is thinner than you like, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold milk and stir it in near the end.
Make ahead
You can make the soup base a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat before adding dumplings. Always make dumplings fresh for the fluffiest texture.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot
It distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching the creamy base.
Add vegetables
Frozen peas, corn, or diced potatoes make excellent additions. Add them before simmering the dumplings.
Finish with freshness
A sprinkle of parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the richness right before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Bacon Twist: Add crispy bacon bits to the soup or dumpling dough.
- Spicy Kick: Mix a little cayenne or hot sauce into the soup base.
- Veggie Boost: Add peas, corn, or chopped spinach.
- Cream of Mushroom Version: Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup for extra richness.
- Southwest Style: Use pepper jack cheese and add a dash of taco seasoning.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dumplings and to thicken the base.
- Low-Fat: Replace cream with half-and-half and reduce butter.
- Herb Lovers: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the dumpling dough.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a melty texture.
- Slow Cooker Version: Cook soup on LOW for 5 hours, then drop in dumplings and cook an additional hour.
What to Serve With Cheesy Chicken & Dumplings
- Buttermilk biscuits or crusty bread for dipping.
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli.
- Steamed green beans for freshness.
- Cornbread for a classic Southern combo.
- Sweet tea or sparkling lemonade for balance.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Dumplings will absorb liquid as they sit, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Avoid boiling — it can make the dumplings fall apart. For freezing, store only the soup base (without dumplings). Add fresh dumplings when reheating to serve.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use canned biscuits for the dumplings?
Yes! Cut them into quarters and drop them into the soup instead of homemade dumplings.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely — rotisserie or roasted chicken works perfectly.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on LOW for 5 hours, then add dumplings and cook an additional hour.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Peas, corn, green beans, or diced potatoes are all great additions.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze the base before adding dumplings. Fresh dumplings are best made when serving.
Can I make it without cheese?
Yes, just skip the cheese for a classic version — it will still be rich and creamy.
Can I use pre-cooked dumplings?
You can, but homemade ones are fluffier and absorb the cheesy flavor beautifully.
How can I make it thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp milk) near the end of cooking.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar adds the best flavor, but Colby Jack or Monterey Jack melt beautifully too.
Can I use canned cream soups?
Yes — cream of chicken or mushroom adds a shortcut version with extra creaminess.