Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings to soothe the soul. This dish is the definition of comfort food, offering tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, flavorful broth that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re looking to recreate that nostalgic Dairy Queen classic or simply craving a hearty homemade meal, this recipe is just what you need.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using fresh chicken, wholesome vegetables, and a few pantry staples, you can whip up a pot that tastes like it’s been simmering in grandma’s kitchen all day. The dumplings are light yet hearty, perfectly soaking up the rich chicken broth without becoming soggy.

If you’ve been searching for the best chicken and dumplings recipe inspired by Dairy Queen, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide will walk you through every detail, ensuring your dish comes out perfectly creamy, flavorful, and comforting.

My Personal Experience With This Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken and dumplings have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, this was the meal my family turned to on cold evenings or when someone needed a little extra comfort. When I first tried the Dairy Queen version, I knew I had to recreate it at home.

The first time I made this recipe, I was amazed at how much flavor developed from such simple ingredients. The slow-simmered chicken adds richness, the vegetables give a fresh balance, and the dumplings create that hearty finishing touch. It reminded me instantly of Dairy Queen’s classic take, only fresher and more wholesome.

Now, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. Whenever friends or family come over, this is the recipe I love to serve. Not only is it delicious, but it also sparks conversations about comfort food traditions and those nostalgic Dairy Queen flavors we all know and love.

Ingredients Required for Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings

For the Chicken and Broth

• 2 split chicken breasts (about 3 lbs, bone-in)
• 8 cups water
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 carrots, sliced into quarters and thinly cut
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons cold butter

For the Roux

• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Dutch oven or large soup pot
2. Slotted spoon
3. Cutting board & knife
4. Rolling pin
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Pizza cutter (optional, for dumpling cutting)

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Copycat Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings in a delicious way.

1. Prepare the chicken broth

• In a Dutch oven, place chicken breasts, water, salt, and bay leaves.
• Bring to a boil, skim off foam impurities, and simmer for 45 minutes, turning chicken every 10 minutes.

2. Chop the vegetables

• While chicken cooks, chop celery, carrots, and onion. Set aside.

3. Make the dumplings

• In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Warm milk with butter until melted, then combine with dry ingredients.
• Stir gently into a soft dough. If too wet, add ¼ cup more flour.
• Roll dough on floured surface to ⅛-inch thick, then cut into strips (1×3 inches). Cover with damp towel until ready.

4. Shred the chicken

• Remove chicken from pot, cool slightly, discard bones, and shred meat. Remove bay leaves from broth.

5. Cook the vegetables and make roux

• Add vegetables, thyme, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to broth. Simmer 10 minutes.
• In a separate pan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 30 seconds. Slowly whisk in ladles of broth until smooth. Return mixture to pot.

6. Add cream and peas

• Stir in heavy cream and frozen peas. Bring to a gentle boil.

7. Cook dumplings

• Drop dumpling strips one by one into pot to prevent sticking. Stir gently, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until dumplings are tender.

8. Finish with chicken

• Stir shredded chicken back into pot. Mix gently to avoid breaking dumplings.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings deliciously

1. With Buttery Cornbread
Honestly, nothing soaks up that creamy broth better than a slice of warm, buttery cornbread. I’ve tried it countless times, and it always makes the meal feel extra cozy.

2. Alongside a Fresh Garden Salad
Sometimes I like to balance the richness with a crisp salad or Dairy Queen Coleslaw. A simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette cuts right through the creaminess of the dumplings.

3. With Pickled Vegetables
One of my family’s favorite sides is tangy pickles or pickled beets. That little hit of acidity makes each bite of chicken and dumplings taste even more comforting.

4. With Fluffy Biscuits
When I’m feeling extra indulgent, I bake homemade biscuits and serve them on the side. They’re perfect for scooping up the thick, savory broth.

5. Paired with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I wasn’t always a Brussels sprouts fan, but when I roast them until crispy and caramelized, they bring a nice earthy crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy dumplings.

6. With Mashed Potatoes
On days when we want a double dose of comfort, I’ll serve this dish over a small scoop of mashed potatoes. It sounds over the top, but trust me-it’s soul-satisfying.

7. With Sweet Tea or Iced Tea
Growing up in the South, we almost always had sweet tea at the table. The refreshing sweetness balances the savory depth of the chicken and dumplings perfectly.

8. With Roasted Corn on the Cob
When corn is in season, I love grilling or roasting it and serving it alongside. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory broth in the best way.

9. With Cranberry Relish
This might sound unusual, but the tartness of cranberries really brightens up the dish. I tried it once around the holidays, and now it’s one of my favorite pairings.

10. With a Slice of Homemade Pie
To finish the meal, nothing beats following up chicken and dumplings with dessert. A slice of apple pie or pecan pie makes the whole dinner feel like a true comfort feast.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Use fresh chicken – Fresh chicken makes the broth taste yummy. Frozen works too, but fresh is best.

2. Don’t forget to skim – When you see foam on top of the pot, scoop it out. This makes your broth clean.

3. Cut veggies small – Small carrot and celery pieces cook faster and taste better in every bite.

4. Don’t over-mix dough – Stir your dumpling dough gently. If you mix too much, dumplings get hard.

5. Roll dough thin – Dumplings puff up as they cook. Roll them thin so they stay soft and fluffy.

6. Add dumplings one by one – Drop them in slowly so they don’t stick together.

7. Cover the pot while cooking dumplings – This helps steam them and makes them tender.

8. Taste and season – Try a spoonful of broth. Add a little salt or pepper if you need more flavor.

9. Be gentle when stirring – Stir softly so your dumplings don’t break apart.

10. Let it rest a little – After cooking, let the pot sit for 5 minutes. The flavors come together even more.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to maintain creaminess.

FAQs on this Copycat Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

When you give this Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What ingredients go in chicken and dumplings?

From my experience, the essentials are chicken, a good broth, vegetables (like carrots, celery, and onions), and of course dumplings. For the creamy texture, I also use butter, flour, and cream. It’s simple pantry ingredients, but together they create a rich, comforting dish.

2. What is the secret ingredient in dumplings?

The real secret is cold butter! It makes the dumplings fluffy yet tender. I also find that rolling the dough thin (about ⅛ inch) and not over-kneading keeps them light and delicious.

3. What are the ingredients in Dairy Queen chicken strip breading?

From what I’ve noticed, Dairy Queen’s chicken strip breading includes flour, salt, pepper, and a blend of spices like paprika and garlic powder. It gives the strips that crispy coating and seasoned flavor we all love.

4. Why is Dairy Queen chicken so good?

I think it comes down to quality and consistency. Their chicken is always tender, juicy, and well-seasoned. Plus, the breading holds up perfectly for that crispy bite, which makes it taste so satisfying.

5. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling fresh chicken?

Yes, absolutely! I’ve done it before when I needed a shortcut. Just shred the rotisserie chicken and add it toward the end. You’ll lose a bit of the homemade broth flavor, but it still turns out delicious.

6. How do I keep dumplings from falling apart?

The trick is to add them one at a time into the simmering broth and avoid stirring too much. I learned early on that stirring aggressively will break them up. Gentle cooking is the key.

7. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?

Yes, but with a little caution. I’ve frozen it successfully, though the dumplings can get a bit softer after thawing. If freezing, I recommend storing the chicken and broth separately and making fresh dumplings when reheating.

8. What vegetables can I add to chicken and dumplings?

Besides carrots, celery, onions, and peas, I sometimes sneak in corn or green beans. It’s a versatile recipe-you can adjust depending on what’s in your fridge.

9. Can I make dumplings ahead of time?

Yes! I usually cut them out, cover them with a damp towel, and keep them in the fridge for a few hours. This way, they’re ready to drop in when the broth is bubbling.

10. How do I thicken chicken and dumplings?

I always make a roux (butter + flour) and whisk it into the broth before adding the dumplings. It not only thickens the soup but also gives it that creamy, velvety texture that makes it feel like Dairy Queen’s version.

This Dairy Queen Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is the ultimate comfort food you’ll want to make again and again. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy broth full of flavor, it’s a recipe that warms both the heart and the belly.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creation with family and friends. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to save it, share it, and check out my other comforting favorites for more homestyle inspiration!

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