Dinner

Dolly Parton’s Chicken and Dumplings

This is the kind of comfort food that makes you understand why Dolly Parton is America’s sweetheart – it’s warm, generous, and absolutely soul-satisfying.

One spoonful of these tender, pillowy dumplings swimming in rich, savory broth and you’ll be transported straight to a cozy Tennessee kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples transformed into pure comfort food magic that’ll have your whole house smelling like a hug.

Whether you’re using your trusty Instant Pot or slow cooker, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality chicken and dumplings without the fuss or the fancy ingredients.

The secret is in the technique – those dumplings cook up light and fluffy while the chicken becomes fall-apart tender in that golden, flavorful broth.

Fair warning: this is the kind of recipe that’ll have people asking for seconds, thirds, and begging you to make it again next week.

Ingredients

For the Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion
2 ribs celery, diced
4 cups water
1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon Chicken Base
1¾ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Dumplings

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ tablespoons shortening
6 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Instant Pot Preparation

1 Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and wait until the display shows “HOT.” Add the 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl it around the bottom of the pot to coat evenly.
2 Add the diced onion and celery to the hot oil. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. The onions should start to turn translucent.
3 Pour in the 4 cups water and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot thoroughly, ensuring nothing is sticking. This step prevents the dreaded “burn” notice later.
4 Add the Better than Bouillon chicken base, chicken thighs, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir gently to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the liquid.

Pressure Cooking

5 Cover the Instant Pot and secure the lid properly. Make sure the valve is set to “sealing” position. Press the SOUP button and set the timer to 12 minutes. The pot will take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure.
6 While the pot is coming to pressure, prepare the dumplings: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt until well combined. Using a fork or pastry blender, cut in the shortening until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse meal.
7 Gradually stir in the milk until the dough just comes together – don’t overmix or your dumplings will be tough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 5 minutes until smooth.
8 Pat the dough out to ½-inch thickness and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Set aside on a floured surface.

Final Assembly

9 When the cooking time is complete, let the pot sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes for natural pressure release, then carefully move the valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid when the pin drops.
10 Using tongs, carefully transfer the chicken thighs to a cutting board. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable.
11 Turn the Instant Pot back to sauté setting on “normal.” Drop the prepared dumplings into the simmering broth one at a time, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring gently occasionally.
12 While the dumplings cook, cut or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken back to the pot and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Slow Cooker Instructions

13 Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat. Add the onion and celery and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Transfer this mixture to your slow cooker.
14 Add the water, Better than Bouillon, chicken thighs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
15 About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the dumplings following the same method as steps 6-8 above. Drop the prepared dumplings directly into the slow cooker.
16 Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for 1 additional hour. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker. Serve immediately while hot.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results):

Instant Pot or 6-quart slow cooker – The star of this recipe, providing even heat distribution and hands-off cooking
Sharp chef’s knife – Essential for dicing vegetables uniformly, which ensures even cooking
Cutting board with juice groove – Prevents messes when cutting chicken and vegetables
Tongs – Perfect for safely removing hot chicken from the pot without breaking it apart

Helpful Upgrades:

Pastry blender – Makes cutting shortening into flour effortless for perfectly textured dumplings, though a fork works in a pinch
Kitchen scale – For precise flour measurements that ensure consistent dumpling texture every time
Immersion blender – Great for partially blending the broth if you prefer a thicker consistency
Large mixing bowls – Provides plenty of room for mixing dumpling dough without making a mess

Nice-to-Have Options:

Pizza cutter – Makes quick work of cutting dumplings into uniform squares
Bench scraper – Helpful for transferring cut dumplings and keeping your workspace tidy
Silicone spatula – Perfect for gentle stirring that won’t break delicate dumplings
Ladle – Makes serving neat and prevents splashing hot broth

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum
Expect slightly denser dumplings with a different texture – they’ll still be delicious but less fluffy
Add an extra tablespoon of milk if the dough seems too dry
Consider using almond flour mixed with tapioca starch (¾ cup almond flour + ¼ cup tapioca starch) for a nuttier flavor

Dairy-Free Modifications:

Substitute unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for regular milk in equal amounts
Replace shortening with coconut oil (solid, not melted) or vegan butter
The coconut oil adds a subtle richness that complements the savory broth beautifully

Low-Carb Version:

Skip the traditional dumplings and add cauliflower florets during the last 10 minutes of cooking
Create “dumplings” using almond flour (1 cup) mixed with 2 eggs and ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Add heavy cream (½ cup) to make the broth richer and more satisfying

Flavor Variations:

Herb-infused version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the broth
Spicy kick: Include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the vegetables
Vegetable-loaded: Add diced carrots, peas, or corn during the last 15 minutes
Southern-style: Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for tangier dumplings

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights:
This hearty bowl delivers approximately 320-380 calories per serving, with a balanced macronutrient profile perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings. The chicken thighs provide about 25-30 grams of high-quality protein per serving, while the dumplings contribute complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Each serving contains roughly 12-15 grams of fat, primarily from the chicken and shortening, with 3-4 grams of fiber from the vegetables and flour.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
Chicken thighs are rich in selenium, which supports immune function and thyroid health, plus they contain B vitamins essential for energy metabolism. The onions and celery provide antioxidants and potassium, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. Garlic powder contains allicin compounds known for their antimicrobial properties. The Better than Bouillon adds flavor while keeping sodium levels more controlled than traditional high-sodium broths.

Dietary Considerations:
This recipe contains gluten (from flour) and may contain dairy depending on the bouillon base used. It’s naturally nut-free and can easily accommodate dairy-free diets with simple substitutions. The high protein content makes it suitable for active lifestyles, while the moderate calorie count fits well into balanced meal planning. Consider pairing with a green salad to boost vegetable intake and add fresh nutrients.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Chicken thighs → Chicken breasts (reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes), turkey thighs, or pork shoulder for different flavor profiles
Shortening → Cold butter (same amount), coconut oil (solid), or lard for richer dumplings
Better than Bouillon → Chicken stock (use 4 cups instead of water + bouillon), vegetable broth for lighter flavor
All-purpose flour → Self-rising flour (omit baking soda and salt), whole wheat flour for nuttier taste

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Boneless chicken thighs → Bone-in thighs (remove bones after cooking, adds more flavor)
Fresh vegetables → Frozen mirepoix (celery, onion, carrot mix)
Shortening → Vegetable oil (use 1 tablespoon instead of 1½ tablespoons)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Milk → Water + 1 tablespoon butter, chicken broth, or half-and-half diluted with water
Baking soda → Baking powder (use double the amount)
Fresh garlic powder → Minced fresh garlic (1 clove = ¼ teaspoon powder)

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

Store shortening in the refrigerator for easier cutting into flour
When using butter instead of shortening, keep it very cold for fluffier dumplings
Bone-in chicken requires 15-20% longer cooking time but provides richer flavor

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Flour & Carb Modifications:

Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour (¾ cup) mixed with 2 tablespoons coconut flour to reduce carbs by approximately 15-20 grams per serving
Use cauliflower florets instead of traditional dumplings – add during last 10 minutes of cooking
Try shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles as a low-carb alternative to dumplings

Broth Enhancements:

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to increase fiber and nutrients without adding carbs
Include 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream to increase satiety and slow carb absorption
Boost healthy fats with 1 tablespoon olive oil drizzled before serving

Portion & Timing Tips:

Recommended serving size: 1 cup with plenty of chicken and vegetables
Estimated carbs: Traditional version has 25-30g carbs per serving; modified version has 8-12g carbs
Pair with: Side salad with olive oil dressing or steamed broccoli to add fiber and healthy fats
Best timing: Serve as lunch or dinner with 2-3 hours between other carb-containing meals

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version reduces carbs by approximately 60-70% while maintaining the comfort food satisfaction

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:
A crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio complements the rich, savory broth without overwhelming the delicate dumpling flavors. For beer lovers, a wheat beer or light lager provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish. Sweet tea or fresh lemonade offers that classic Southern touch, while herbal teas like chamomile or ginger provide a soothing, digestive-friendly option.

Side Dish Recommendations:
Honey-glazed cornbread is the quintessential pairing, offering sweet contrast to the savory broth. Simple green salad with apple cider vinaigrette cuts through the richness while adding fresh crunch. Roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips echo the comfort food theme, while steamed green beans with almonds provide color and nutritional balance.

Complete Meal Ideas:
Start with deviled eggs or pimento cheese crackers for authentic Southern appetizers. Follow the chicken and dumplings with peach cobbler or banana pudding for dessert. For entertaining, serve alongside mac and cheese and collard greens for a true Southern feast. Biscuits with honey butter make excellent bread accompaniments.

Occasion Suggestions:
Perfect for Sunday family dinners, potluck gatherings, or cold weather comfort meals. Ideal for meal prep Sundays since it reheats beautifully. Great for new parent meals or sympathy dinners – it’s the kind of food that truly comforts. Excellent choice for casual entertaining where you want impressive results without stress.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques:
Don’t overmix the dumpling dough – stir just until ingredients come together for the lightest texture. Keep shortening cold before cutting into flour for fluffier results. Scrape the Instant Pot bottom thoroughly after sautéing to prevent burn warnings. Let chicken rest on the cutting board for 5 minutes before shredding to retain more juices.

Common Mistake Prevention:
Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during the final hour when dumplings are cooking – this releases steam needed for proper cooking. Don’t skip the natural pressure release in the Instant Pot, as quick release can make chicken tough. Cut dumplings uniformly so they cook at the same rate. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as flavors concentrate during cooking.

Storage and Reheating:
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Reheat gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Dumplings may absorb liquid during storage – this is normal and actually creates an even heartier texture. Freeze portions for up to 3 months, though dumplings may become slightly softer after thawing.

Make-Ahead Strategies:
Prep vegetables and cut dumplings up to 24 hours ahead, storing separately in refrigerator. Season chicken the night before for deeper flavor penetration. Double the recipe easily – just increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes in Instant Pot. Scale down by halving all ingredients for smaller households.

This recipe proves that the best comfort food doesn’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients – just quality basics prepared with care and a little bit of that Dolly Parton magic that turns simple ingredients into something truly special.