Baked Dumplings are just the answer for a satisfying family dinner. These golden-topped beauties start with a simple dough made with cold butter and milk, dolloped over a savory filling of chicken and vegetables. Baking them to perfection creates fluffy, tender dumplings that soak up the rich broth. A comforting one-pan meal ready in well under an hour, they’re sure to become a weeknight favorite.
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Table of Contents
Ingredients for Baked Dumplings
For the dough
- All-purpose flour – The base of the dumplings, so make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
- Baking powder – This is what gives the dumplings their rise and fluffiness.
- Salt – A must for balancing the flavors in the dough.
- Unsalted butter – Cold and cubed, it creates that perfect crumbly, tender dough.
- Whole milk – Adds richness and brings the dough together.
For the filling
- Cooked chicken – Finely shredded to make every bite flavorful and hearty.
- Yellow onion – Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness that complements the chicken.
- Carrots – Finely diced, they add a lovely crunch and a touch of sweetness.
- Frozen peas – Thawed, they bring a pop of color and freshness to the filling.
- Chicken broth – The base of the filling, adding moisture and savory depth.
- Dried thyme – Just a bit for that classic comforting herb flavor.
- Black pepper – A pinch to round everything out with a little spice.
Cook Time for Easy Baked Dumplings
I love how quickly these Baked Dumplings come together on a busy night. Honestly, the oven does most of the work for you! While this dish bakes, you can easily whip up one of my simple vegetable side dishes to round out the meal. The total time is under an hour from start to finish.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
How to Make Savory Baked Dumplings
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, ensuring the bottom and sides are evenly coated.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
Step 3: Bring Dough Together
Gradually pour in 3/4 cup whole milk, stirring with a wooden spoon until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold its shape when pressed. Cover and set aside.
Step 4: Simmer the Filling
Combine 1 cup shredded chicken, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup thawed peas, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender and the broth is aromatic.
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough evenly over the filling, leaving 1/2-inch gaps between dumplings to allow for expansion.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the dumplings are puffed and golden brown, and the filling bubbles at the edges. A toothpick inserted into a dumpling should come out clean.
Step 7: Rest & Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The dumplings should be light and fluffy, with a thickened, savory filling.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make these Baked Dumplings even more special. Don’t be afraid to make them your own! After all, some of the best recipes come from a little improvisation in the kitchen.
- Flavor Swap: For a different herb profile, try rosemary or sage instead of thyme. It completely changes the character of this comfort food dish.
- Diet Tweak: To lighten it up, use a low-sodium broth and swap the butter in the dough for a light olive oil. I often serve it with a simple healthy soup for a balanced meal.
- Texture Fix: Keep your butter ice-cold! This is the secret to achieving those beautifully fluffy baked pastry pockets. If the butter melts before baking, the dumplings can become dense.
- Storage Tip: These reheat beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container and warm them in the oven to keep the topping crisp. They pair wonderfully with baked jicama fries for next day’s lunch.
Baked Dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup cooked chicken finely shredded
- 1/2 cup yellow onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots finely diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas thawed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment
- oven
- skillet
- saucepan
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually pour in the milk, stirring until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together when pressed. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the shredded chicken, onion, carrots, peas, chicken broth, thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the dough evenly over the top, leaving small gaps between each dumpling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through. The filling should be bubbly around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. The dumplings should be fluffy, and the filling should be thick and savory.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
These Baked Dumplings aren’t just about comfort—they pack genuine nourishment too. I always feel good serving this dish because it combines protein-rich chicken, fiber-filled vegetables, and satisfying carbohydrates in one pan. The carrots provide vitamin A for vision health, while peas add plant-based protein and essential micronutrients.
When I’m looking for a lighter meal, I often pair smaller portions with one of my favorite healthy soup recipes for a perfectly balanced dinner. The broth-based filling keeps everything moist without excess fat, making these savory hand pies both comforting and sensible.
| Nutrient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Chicken Protein | Supports muscle maintenance and keeps you full longer |
| Vegetable Fiber | Aids digestion and promotes gut health |
| Complex Carbs | Provides sustained energy without blood sugar spikes |
According to Dumpling Texture Science, the baking method helps retain more nutrients compared to boiling, as vitamins don’t leach into cooking water. This makes our oven-baked version particularly nutrient-dense!
A Lighter Version of Easy Baked Dumplings
I’ve learned that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy. Over the years, I’ve developed several tweaks to lighten up these Baked Dumplings without sacrificing that soul-warming quality we all love.
For a leaner option, try using ground turkey instead of chicken—it works beautifully with the herbs and vegetables. I sometimes use the same technique from my chicken burgers recipe by mixing lean ground poultry with the vegetables.
You can also reduce the butter in the dough by half and substitute Greek yogurt for the remaining fat. The dough still comes together nicely and bakes up with a tender crumb. For extra vegetables, add chopped zucchini or mushrooms to the filling—they blend perfectly with the thyme and pepper notes.
If you enjoy these lighter tweaks, you might also appreciate my cottage cheese recipes for adding protein without excess calories. The versatility of this dish means you can adapt it to whatever fits your dietary preferences!
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I’ve had many friends and family members with different dietary needs around my table over the years, and I’ve learned that with a few thoughtful adjustments, everyone can enjoy these comforting Baked Dumplings. Whether you’re sugar-conscious or managing specific health considerations, small changes can make a big difference.
For those watching their carbohydrate intake, try replacing half the flour in the dough with almond flour or whole wheat pastry flour—it creates a densier but still delicious dumpling with a lower glycemic impact. I often serve smaller portions alongside a large salad or vegetable side to balance the meal.
If you’re using store-bought broth, check the label for hidden sugars. Many commercial broths contain added sweeteners that can affect blood sugar. Making your own broth is surprisingly easy and lets you control exactly what goes into it. For the filling, you can increase the non-starchy vegetables like carrots and peas while slightly reducing the dough portion for a more glucose-friendly balance.
How to Serve Baked Dumplings
I’ll never forget the first time I served these Baked Dumplings to my book club gathering. The aroma filled the entire house, and everyone drifted into the kitchen like moths to a flame. There’s something magical about pulling a steaming pan of golden-topped comfort from the oven that brings people together instantly.
For a complete meal, I love pairing these hearty dumplings with simple roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. The contrast between the rich, savory filling and fresh, bright sides creates a perfect balance on the plate. If you’re looking for vegetable inspiration, my vegetable side dishes collection has plenty of quick options.
During colder months, I often start the meal with a warm soup course. My Mexican sweet potato chicken soup makes an excellent precursor to these dumplings, as the flavors complement each other beautifully without overwhelming the palate. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon slices works wonderfully to cut through the richness.
Remember to let the dumplings rest for those few minutes after baking—it allows the flavors to settle and makes serving much cleaner. I usually garnish with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for a touch of color and freshness that makes the whole presentation feel extra special.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve learned that even the simplest recipes have little pitfalls that can make or break your results. When making these Baked Dumplings, I’ve noticed a few common mistakes that can easily be avoided with just a bit of know-how.
One mistake I see often is overworking the dough. Remember, this isn’t bread dough—it should come together gently without too much kneading. Overworked dough becomes tough instead of yielding those lovely fluffy baked pastry pockets we all love. Another common error is using cold filling straight from the refrigerator. I always let my chicken and vegetable mixture come to room temperature before assembling, which helps everything bake evenly.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking either! I learned this lesson the hard way when I served dumplings straight from the oven to impatient dinner guests. The filling spilled out everywhere because I didn’t let the flavors settle. According to Baked Fruit Dumpling Variations, this resting period is crucial for texture development in all types of baked dumplings.
For the best results with ground meats, I use the same technique from my ground beef tacos recipe—browning the meat properly before adding vegetables. And if you’re making a larger batch, check out my ground beef tacos recipe guide for scaling tips that work beautifully for these dumplings too.
Trust me, I’ve made all these mistakes myself over the years, and now I share them so you can enjoy perfect baked dumplings on your first try!
How to Store Baked Dumplings
I’ll never forget the time my neighbor brought over a pan of these Baked Dumplings when I was recovering from surgery. She had made a double batch and frozen half, and that thoughtful gesture taught me just how well these comforting hand pies hold up for future meals.
For short-term storage, let the dumplings cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I prefer the oven method—place them on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain that wonderful texture better than microwaving.
For freezing, I arrange the cooled dumplings in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then I transfer them to freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. They’ll keep for up to 3 months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake frozen dumplings at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through—no need to thaw first!
If you enjoy meal prepping like I do, you might also appreciate my cottage cheese egg bites for easy breakfast options. And for another freezer-friendly side dish, my baked jicama fries make a wonderful accompaniment to these dumplings.
Try This Baked Dumplings Yourself
I still remember the first time I made these Baked Dumplings for my grandmother. She grew up making traditional boiled dumplings, but after one bite of these oven-baked versions, she declared them her new favorite comfort food. There’s something magical about how this recipe bridges generations while creating new memories around the table.
I encourage you to try this recipe yourself—whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with loved ones. These hearty dumplings with peas and carrots have become one of those reliable dishes that never fails to bring people together. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, just like it does in my home.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my cottage cheese bread recipe for another easy baked good, or try my cottage cheese bagels for a protein-packed breakfast option. For lighter sides, my zucchini fries and jicama fries both complement these dumplings beautifully.
And if you’re looking for more cottage cheese inspiration, don’t miss my cottage cheese cauliflower thins—they’re another great way to add protein to your meals. However you choose to enjoy them, these baked dumplings are waiting to become part of your family’s story too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put dumplings in the oven?
Absolutely! That’s exactly what makes this recipe so special. Baking dumplings creates a wonderful golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. I find oven-baking gives me more consistent results than other methods, and it’s hands-off once they’re in the oven.
How long do dumplings take to bake?
These baked dumplings typically take about 20-25 minutes in a 375°F oven. I always check at the 20-minute mark—they’re ready when the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The exact time might vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your dumplings.
How to make dumpling bake?
It’s simpler than you might think! You start by making a simple dough, preparing a savory chicken and vegetable filling, then assembling them into little pockets. The magic happens in the oven where everything bakes together into one comforting meal. For more detailed instructions, check out my healthy soup recipes that pair perfectly with these dumplings.
Is it better to bake or fry dumplings?
I prefer baking for several reasons! Baking is hands-off once the dumplings are in the oven, it uses less oil than frying, and it creates a wonderfully tender texture throughout. While frying gives a crispier exterior, baking provides more consistent results and fits better into my weeknight cooking routine.
More Comforting Recipes You’ll Love
If these baked dumplings warmed your heart, here are more recipes that bring that same cozy feeling to your table.
Cottage Cheese Bread – Soft, protein-packed bread that toasts up perfectly for breakfast or sandwiches.
Mexican Sweet Potato Chicken Soup – A vibrant, comforting soup with just the right amount of spice and sweetness.
Sweet Potato Chicken Soup Recipe – Another take on the classic, with warming spices and tender chicken.
Vegetable Side Dishes Collection – Easy, flavorful sides that turn any meal into something special.
