Name: Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. butter; 2 Tbsp. olive oil; ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging); 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; ½ cup diced carrots; ½ cup diced celery; 1 medium onion, diced; ½ tsp. ground thyme; ¼ tsp. turmeric; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup apple cider; ½ cup heavy cream; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup yellow cornmeal; 1 Tbsp. baking powder; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1½ cups half-and-half; 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 63 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food that wraps you up like a warm hug on a chilly day, the Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, shredded chicken simmered in a creamy, savory broth with fluffy, cornmeal dumplings that melt in your mouth. What truly sets this recipe apart is a splash of apple cider that adds a subtle tang, elevating the flavors in a wonderfully unexpected way. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe promises pure, delicious satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Every ingredient in this Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings Recipe plays a critical role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color. The wholesome vegetables bring sweetness and depth, the blend of fats helps create that luscious broth, and the dumplings are the heart of the dish with their tender, fluffy bite.

Butter and olive oil: Perfect for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables, adding richness and complexity to the base.
All-purpose flour: Used to dredge the chicken, it helps build the thick and creamy stew base.
Whole chicken cut into pieces: Provides juicy, flavorful meat that becomes tender as it simmers.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every element.
Diced carrots and celery: Offer a sweet and slightly crunchy base for the stew.
Diced onion: Brings a mellow sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
Ground thyme and turmeric: Add a warm, earthy flavor and a beautiful golden hue.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the hearty, savory liquid that carries all the flavors.
Apple cider: The secret ingredient that brightens the dish with its crisp acidity.
Heavy cream: Enriches the stew, making it luxuriously creamy.
Dumpling ingredients:
- Flour and yellow cornmeal: Combine for fluffy yet slightly grainy dumplings that add texture.
- Baking powder: Leavens the dumplings, making them light and airy.
- Kosher salt: Balances flavors in the dumpling dough.
- Half-and-half: Moistens the dumpling dough for tenderness.
- Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild herbal brightness.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by dredging each piece of chicken in flour, then season it generously with salt and pepper. In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil together over medium heat and brown your chicken pieces until they develop a golden crust. This step seals in flavor and builds the foundation for your stew. Once browned, set the chicken aside but keep those flavorful drippings in the pot for the next steps.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Add Spices

Into the same pot, toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they soften and begin to caramelize, releasing their natural sweetness. Sprinkle in ground thyme and turmeric, stirring so the warm spices bloom and infuse the sautéed vegetables with a comforting aroma. These simple ingredients lend complexity and that classic hearty flavor we all love in chicken and dumplings.

Step 3: Combine Broth, Apple Cider, and Chicken

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the star splash of apple cider, which adds a subtle, pleasantly tart note that brightens the dish. Nestle the browned chicken back into the pot, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare Dumpling Dough

While the chicken simmers, mix the dumpling dough by combining flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and kosher salt in a bowl. Stir in the half-and-half until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough. If you want, toss in some chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal touch. This dough will transform into those pillowy clouds that make the dish so irresistible.

Step 5: Shred Chicken and Stir in Cream

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat off the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the stew and stir in the heavy cream, which enriches the broth and gives it that velvety texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough gently into the simmering stew, making sure not to overcrowd the pot as dumplings need room to expand. Cover the pot slightly and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid, so they steam perfectly and become fluffy. Once done, allow the stew to rest for 10 minutes off the heat — this extra time lets it thicken naturally, enhancing the flavors.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

A white bowl is filled with a warm creamy soup that has an orange-yellow color with visible small orange carrot pieces scattered throughout. On top, there are four round dumplings, light beige with slightly browned, textured tops creating a soft contrast. Between and around the dumplings are shredded pieces of white chicken sprinkled with finely chopped dark green herbs. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a burst of color but also a subtle herbal brightness that perfectly complements the creamy stew. If you want a little extra zing, a tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top right before serving elevates the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with something light and fresh like a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. The fresh veggies balance the richness of the stew, making every bite feel well-rounded. Warm, crusty bread is another fantastic side to soak up every last drop of that luscious broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family-style presentation, serve the chicken and dumplings straight from a rustic, heavy pot on the table—nothing feels more inviting! You might also ladle it into individual bowls and top with a pinch of paprika or a dollop of sour cream for a restaurant-quality touch at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe makes excellent leftovers and will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain the flavors and prevent the dumplings from drying out. Give it a gentle stir before reheating to keep everything evenly mixed and cozy.

Freezing

While the dumplings are fantastic fresh, freezing this chicken stew is possible if you separate the dumplings first. Freeze the broth with shredded chicken on its own, and add freshly cooked dumplings when reheating for best texture. Frozen broth and chicken will keep well for 2-3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the stew. Dumplings soften as they warm up, so keep an eye on them to avoid turning mushy.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of a whole chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time while still delivering plenty of flavor. Just shred the meat and add it after warming your broth and vegetables.

Why does the recipe use apple cider and not apple juice?

Apple cider has a slightly more acidic and natural flavor, which brightens the stew without adding unwanted sweetness. Apple juice is often sweeter and can change the intended balance of flavors.

What if I want to make gluten-free dumplings?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency. Cornmeal is naturally gluten-free and adds great texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is designed around chicken, but you can create a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and adding hearty mushrooms or chickpeas. For dumplings, keep the same recipe — they’re delicious on their own!

How thick should the stew be before adding dumplings?

The stew should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon comfortably but still have some liquid to cook the dumplings through steam. If it feels too thin, simmer a few extra minutes before adding the dumplings.

Final Thoughts

The Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a timeless classic that brings warmth and joy with every bite. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavors that feel like home. There’s nothing quite like a bowl of this creamy chicken stew paired with those tender dumplings to brighten up a day. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to comfort foods for years to come.