This Rotisserie Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate cozy comfort food, made simple and satisfying with the help of store-bought rotisserie chicken. Juicy shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy, homemade dumplings simmer together in a rich, creamy broth seasoned with herbs and spices. No need to make broth from scratch or roast a whole bird—this quick and flavorful recipe makes a hearty, soul-warming meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or feeding a crowd.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded (skin removed)

• 12 oz frozen mirepoix (celery, carrots, and onions)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 6 cups chicken stock

• 1 can creamy chicken soup

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 4 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup full-fat milk

• 4 tablespoons unsalted melted butter

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables
   In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the frozen vegetables, parsley, Italian herbs, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until veggies soften.

2. Add Chicken & Broth
   Stir in the creamy chicken soup, chicken stock, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Bring to a low boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

3. Make the Dumplings
   In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix milk and melted butter (warming them slightly helps blend). Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir until a smooth dough forms.

4. Cook Dumplings
   Use a cookie scoop (1.5 tbsp size) to drop dough into the simmering stew. You should get about 15 dumplings. Cover the pot and let simmer without lifting the lid for 25 minutes.

5. Serve
   Once dumplings are cooked through and tender, serve hot. Spoon stew into bowls with dumplings and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal.

Nutrients (Approximate – Total Recipe)

• Calories: 2200–2400

• Protein: 150–160g

• Fat: 100–110g

• Carbohydrates: 200–220g

• Saturated Fat: ~30g

• Cholesterol: ~350mg

• Sodium: ~2500mg (depends on broth & soup used)

• Fiber: ~8g

• Sugars: ~10–12g

• Calcium & Iron: Moderate from flour and herbs

Preparation and Cook Time

This recipe balances scratch-made flavor with quick assembly, making it an excellent go-to for busy evenings. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, thanks to the use of rotisserie chicken and frozen chopped vegetables, both of which reduce the need for chopping and roasting. The dumpling dough comes together in under five minutes using simple pantry staples. Once the broth is simmering and the dumplings are dropped into the pot, the dish needs just 25 minutes to steam into fluffy perfection. In less than an hour, you’ll have a steaming, flavorful stew ready to serve—a complete meal in one pot that’s nourishing and incredibly comforting.

Yield and Serving

This recipe yields approximately six to eight generous servings, depending on how big your bowls and appetites are. It’s designed to be hearty and filling, with a rich broth full of shredded chicken, tender vegetables, and dumplings that expand during cooking to create a satisfying bite. Each serving is packed with protein, complex carbs, and just the right amount of fat to make it feel like a full meal without the need for additional sides. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, a side salad for freshness, or on its own as a one-bowl wonder. It’s also a great make-ahead or meal-prep option, with leftovers that reheat beautifully the next day.

Cuisine Type

Chicken and dumplings is a beloved staple in American Southern cuisine, though variations exist across many cultures. From Eastern European chicken stew with matzo balls to the British-style suet dumplings served over stews, the combination of rich broth and doughy dumplings is universally comforting. This particular version is rooted in the Southern tradition, where the dish is often made with thick, creamy broth and fluffy drop-style dumplings. The use of Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and garlic powder adds a more modern, flavor-forward twist while still honoring the soul of the original. The result is a cross between a classic chicken stew and a biscuit-topped casserole—warm, familiar, and impossible to resist.

Nutritional Information

The entire batch provides around 2,200 to 2,400 calories, which breaks down to roughly 300 to 400 calories per serving. Each bowl offers approximately 20 to 30 grams of protein, mainly from the rotisserie chicken, along with 20 to 25 grams of fat, and 30 to 40 grams of carbohydrates. The dumplings add fiber and density, while the vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals. While it’s not a light dish, it’s deeply satisfying and nutrient-dense—particularly when made with low-sodium broth and a homemade or lighter cream of chicken base. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up without weighing you down, especially when paired with lighter sides or fresh greens.

Origin and Popularity

The roots of chicken and dumplings run deep in American culinary history, particularly in the South and Midwest where hearty, budget-friendly meals have long been a necessity. Originally made with whole chickens simmered for hours to make homemade stock, the dish evolved into a family favorite thanks to its simplicity, affordability, and comforting texture. Today, it’s a regular on Southern dinner tables, potlucks, and even upscale comfort-food restaurant menus. This modern version, using rotisserie chicken, captures all the traditional charm while embracing convenience—a nod to busy home cooks who still crave the flavors of childhood or Sunday supper but without all the work.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Rotisserie Chicken and Dumplings is a meal that checks every box: it’s quick, hearty, flavorful, family-friendly, and endlessly cozy. The broth is creamy and rich without feeling overly heavy, and the seasoning blend adds complexity without overpowering the delicate flavor of the chicken. The dumplings are the true stars—fluffy, buttery, and the perfect sponge for soaking up the seasoned broth. Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds depth to the stew, since the meat has already been seasoned and slow-roasted. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to whenever you need something reliable, warming, and delicious that everyone at the table will love.

Health Benefits

Despite being a comfort food classic, this dish can offer a solid nutritional profile with a few tweaks. Using skinless rotisserie chicken helps reduce saturated fat while still providing lean protein. The mirepoix mix offers fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants from the carrots and celery. Homemade dumplings with real butter and full-fat milk provide essential nutrients like calcium and iron, and their simple ingredients make them a far healthier alternative to processed or canned versions. Choosing a low-sodium broth and controlling the amount of added salt allows you to manage sodium levels, while the rich flavor ensures nothing is sacrificed. For even more health benefits, consider stirring in a handful of spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added greens.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rotisserie Chicken and Dumplings piping hot in deep bowls, garnished with chopped parsley or thyme for freshness. For a casual meal, pair it with buttery biscuits or soft rolls for dipping. For a lighter approach, add a crisp green salad on the side to contrast the richness of the stew. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, applesauce, or coleslaw for a Southern-style spread. For gatherings, ladle into individual ramekins or mugs for easy, mess-free serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave or on the stove—the dumplings will soften slightly but absorb even more flavor, making them even better the next day.

Tips for Success

Use a rotisserie chicken that’s fresh and moist for the best flavor and texture—both traditional and herb-seasoned varieties work well. Shred the chicken while it’s still slightly warm for easier handling. For the broth, choose a good-quality low-sodium chicken stock or broth to control seasoning. When making dumplings, don’t overmix the dough—stir just until combined to keep them light and tender. Be sure to keep the pot covered during the dumpling steaming stage to trap moisture and heat, which helps the dumplings rise and cook through evenly. If you like your broth thicker, whisk a tablespoon of flour into the melted butter before adding vegetables to create a quick roux that adds body to the final dish.

Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable. For a rustic twist, swap the drop dumplings for flat, rolled dumplings or biscuit dough rounds. Add mushrooms, green beans, or peas for extra vegetables, or a splash of white wine or lemon juice to brighten the broth. For a dairy-free version, skip the creamy chicken soup and use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the broth instead. You can also use turkey instead of chicken, especially around the holidays when leftovers are abundant. To make it even more indulgent, stir in a splash of heavy cream or top the bowls with a dollop of sour cream. No matter how you change it, the heart of the dish remains the same—warm, filling, and totally comforting.

Conclusion

Rotisserie Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a meal—it’s a hug in a bowl, a reminder of home, and a timeless comfort food with a modern twist. With its creamy, herb-seasoned broth, tender chicken, and pillowy dumplings, this dish brings cozy satisfaction in every spoonful. It’s a fantastic way to transform a store-bought rotisserie chicken into something memorable, flavorful, and family-approved. Whether you’re winding down after a long day, hosting loved ones, or simply craving something nostalgic and nurturing, this recipe delivers. It’s quick enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and delicious enough that you’ll be making it again and again.