Are you craving that perfect bowl of chicken and dumplings but unsure about the cooking time? You’re not alone! Getting the timing right is crucial for this classic comfort food dish As someone who’s made this recipe countless times (with both successes and failures), I’m excited to share everything you need to know about cooking times for chicken and dumplings.
The Basic Cooking Time for Chicken and Dumplings
On average cooking a complete chicken and dumplings dish takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours from start to finish. But this isn’t just one continuous cooking process – it’s broken down into stages
- Cooking the chicken: 30 minutes to 1 hour (depends on chicken size/type)
- Simmering with dumplings: Additional 20-30 minutes
The total time depends on several factors including your cooking method, the type of chicken you’re using, and your dumpling style. Let’s break it down further!
Cooking Times by Method
Different cooking methods require different timing approaches. Here’s what you need to know for each popular method:
Stovetop Method
The traditional way to cook chicken and dumplings involves:
- Simmering chicken until tender: 45-60 minutes
- Adding dumplings to broth: 15-20 minutes (covered)
Slow Cooker Method
For those who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach:
- Low heat: 6-8 hours
- High heat: 3-4 hours
- Add dumplings during the final 30-60 minutes of cooking
Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot Method
The fastest option available:
- Chicken cooking time: 8-10 minutes (plus pressurizing/depressurizing time)
- Dumpling cooking time: 5-7 minutes on sauté mode after releasing pressure
Detailed Breakdown of Cooking Times
Chicken Cooking Times
The time needed to cook chicken properly depends on what type you’re using:
| Chicken Type | Approximate Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Bone-in chicken pieces | 45-60 minutes |
| Boneless chicken breast/thighs | 30-45 minutes |
| Whole chicken | 60-90 minutes |
| Pre-cooked/leftover chicken | Already cooked – add at the end |
Pro tip: Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). I always keep my meat thermometer handy!
Dumpling Cooking Times
Different types of dumplings require different cooking times:
Drop Dumplings
• Cooking time: 15-20 minutes covered
• Size matters: Larger dumplings need more time
• Done when: A toothpick inserted comes out clean
Rolled Dumplings (Slick Dumplings)
• Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
• Done when: They’re no longer doughy in the center
Pre-made Dumplings
• Follow package instructions (usually 10-15 minutes)
• Add them to simmering (not boiling) broth
Common Mistakes That Affect Cooking Time
I’ve made ALL of these mistakes at some point, so learn from my errors!
-
Overcrowding the pot – This lowers the temperature and makes cooking uneven. Cook dumplings in batches if needed.
-
Temperature too high – Vigorous boiling can make dumplings fall apart. A gentle simmer is perfect.
-
Opening the lid too often – Every time you peek, you’re letting heat escape. This extends cooking time.
-
Cold chicken filling – If you’re making dumplings with raw chicken inside, using cold filling increases cooking time.
How to Know When Chicken and Dumplings Are Done
The two components have different indicators of doneness:
For the Chicken:
• Reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
• Easily shreds with a fork
• No pink meat visible
For the Dumplings:
• Float to the surface (for drop dumplings)
• Appear dry on top rather than wet/sticky
• When cut open, no raw dough in center
• Toothpick test comes out clean
Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
After making this dish dozens of times, here are some tips I’ve learned:
• For faster cooking: Cut chicken into smaller pieces
• For juicier chicken: Use thighs instead of breasts
• For fluffier dumplings: Don’t overmix the dough
• Time-saving hack: Use rotisserie chicken and just focus on cooking the dumplings
Cooking Chicken and Dumplings in Different Appliances
Dutch Oven
My favorite method! The heavy bottom provides even heat distribution.
- Cook chicken: 45-60 minutes
- Add dumplings: 15-20 minutes covered
Large Pot
Works well but watch for hot spots.
- Similar timing to Dutch oven
Slow Cooker
Perfect for busy days.
- Low: 6-8 hours
- High: 3-4 hours
- Add dumplings in final hour
Instant Pot
The speediest method.
- Pressure cook chicken and broth: 8-10 minutes
- Natural release: 10 minutes
- Switch to sauté mode and add dumplings: 5-7 minutes
Special Dietary Considerations
Different variations might affect cooking time:
Gluten-Free Dumplings
• May take slightly longer: 15-25 minutes
• Check frequently as they can behave differently
Vegetarian “Chicken” and Dumplings
• Plant-based chicken alternatives cook faster: 15-20 minutes
• Focus on dumpling cooking time instead
FAQ About Cooking Chicken and Dumplings
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless chicken cooks faster (30-45 minutes) than bone-in chicken. Just adjust your timing accordingly.
Should I cook chicken on high heat?
No! Medium heat is best for chicken and dumplings. High heat can dry out the chicken and make dumplings fall apart.
How long should I simmer the chicken?
Simmer until it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork, typically 45-60 minutes.
Can I use pre-made dumplings?
Absolutely! Follow the package instructions, but typically they need 10-15 minutes in simmering broth.
Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Yes! They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
How do I reheat frozen chicken and dumplings?
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You might need to add extra broth if it’s too thick.
My Favorite Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Here’s a quick outline of my go-to recipe with timing:
- Prep ingredients: 15 minutes
- Cook chicken in broth with vegetables and seasonings: 45 minutes
- Remove chicken, shred, return to pot: 5 minutes
- Mix dumpling dough: 5 minutes
- Drop dumplings into simmering broth: 1 minute
- Cover and cook dumplings: 15-20 minutes
- Rest before serving: 5 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Final Thoughts
Cooking chicken and dumplings isn’t about rushing – it’s about patience and timing. The beauty of this comfort food classic is in letting the flavors develop slowly and the dumplings cook to fluffy perfection.
Remember that cooking times are just guidelines. Your specific pot, stove, and ingredients might require slight adjustments. I always recommend checking for doneness rather than relying solely on the clock.
The next time you’re wondering “how long do you cook chicken and dumplings?”, just remember:
- Chicken: 30-60 minutes until tender
- Dumplings: 15-20 minutes until fluffy and cooked through
- Total time: 1.5-2 hours from start to finish
Now go enjoy making this delicious, comforting dish! There’s nothing quite like homemade chicken and dumplings on a cold evening.
What’s your favorite way to make chicken and dumplings? Do you have any special family secrets for the perfect cooking time? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
First, here’s what you’ll need to make your old fashioned, homemade chicken and dumplings:
- about 3 cups cooked chicken
- 6-8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups flour
- 2 Tbs. butter
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- salt to taste (I just shake some in)
- about a cup of milk, maybe a bit less
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a fork or pastry blender.
Stir in the milk, mixing with a fork until the dough forms a ball.
Heavily flour a work surface. You’ll need a rolling pin and something to cut the dumplings with. I like to use a pizza cutter.
I also like to use a small spatula to lift the dumplings off the cutting surface.
Roll the dough out thin with a heavily floured rolling pin.
Dip your cutter in flour and cut the dumplings in squares about 2″x2″. It’s okay for them not to be exact. Just eyeball it.
Some will be bigger, some smaller, some shaped funny.
Use the floured spatula to put them on a heavily floured plate. Just keep flouring between the layers of dumplings.
If they will be cooked soon, this method works well.
If I’m going to cook them later in the day I layer them on a cookie sheet with wax paper between and lots of flour.
You can also freeze them like this and then transfer them to a ziplock bag.
To cook them, bring the broth to a boil. Drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring while you add them.
The extra flour on them will help thicken the broth. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes or until they not doughy tasting.
Add the cooked chicken to the pot and you’re done!
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings – It’s Easy. Really.
- about 3 cups cooked chicken
- 6-8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups flour
- 2 Tbs. butter
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- salt to taste I just shake some in
- about a cup of milk maybe a bit less
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a fork or pastry blender. Stir in the milk, mixing with a fork until the dough forms a ball.
- Heavily flour a work surface. You’ll need a rolling pin and something to cut the dumplings with. I like to use a pizza cutter. I also like to use a small spatula to lift the dumplings off the cutting surface.
- Roll the dough out thin with a heavily floured rolling pin. Dip your cutter in flour and cut the dumplings in squares about 2″x2″. It’s okay for them not to be exact. Just eye ball it. Some will be bigger, some smaller, some shaped funny.
- Use the floured spatula to put them on a heavily floured plate. Just keep flouring between the layers of dumplings. If they will be cooked soon, this method works well. If I’m going to cook them later in the day I layer them on a cookie sheet with wax paper between and lots of flour. You can also freeze them like this and then transfer them to a ziplock bag.
- To cook them, bring the broth to a boil. Drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring while you add them. The extra flour on them will help thicken the broth. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes or until they not doughy tasting. Add the cooked chicken to the pot and you’re done!