I’ve always loved the comfort of a warm, hearty meal on a chilly day, and nothing brings back memories of family gatherings quite like my grandma’s chicken and dumplings. Growing up, the smell of tender chicken simmering in a rich, flavorful broth, combined with fluffy dumplings, would fill the entire house and draw everyone to the kitchen. Today, I’m sharing my version of this classic dish, staying true to the flavors that made it a family favorite while giving it a touch of my own kitchen magic.
You will love this recipe because it delivers the ultimate comfort food experience: tender chicken, savory broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings all in one pot. Every bite feels like a hug from the inside, reminding you of the simple joys of home-cooked meals. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or just a cozy night in.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use leftover chicken, swap vegetables according to what you have on hand, or even add a hint of your favorite herbs to make it uniquely yours. The dumplings can be shaped into little rounds, strips, or even small pillows, depending on your preference. You can also adjust the thickness of the broth to suit your taste, making it creamy or more soup-like.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its affordability. With simple, everyday ingredients, you can create a meal that feels luxurious without breaking the budget. Chicken, flour, milk, and basic vegetables are all you need to create a hearty dish that feeds a crowd. Even pantry staples like butter and seasonings turn this dish into something extraordinary.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
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1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into pieces
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6 cups chicken broth
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3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¾ cup milk
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Preparing this classic chicken and dumplings is easier than it seems. With a few simple steps, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. The key is to cook the chicken slowly to develop a rich, flavorful broth while preparing fluffy dumplings to finish the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken and Broth
Begin by placing the chicken pieces in a large pot. Add the chicken broth, diced onion, garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sprinkle in thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45–50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. -
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Carefully shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the simmering broth. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed. -
Make the Dumpling Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter gradually, stirring until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If necessary, add a little extra flour or milk to achieve the right consistency. -
Cook the Dumplings
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop portions of the dough onto the simmering broth. Make sure to leave some space between dumplings, as they will expand while cooking. Cover the pot and cook over low heat for 15–20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is essential for cooking the dumplings evenly. -
Finish and Serve
Once the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy, gently stir the mixture to combine the dumplings with the chicken and vegetables. Check the seasoning one last time, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each portion gets a good mix of chicken, dumplings, and vegetables.
Quick and Easy Tips
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Use leftover cooked chicken to save time; just simmer it briefly in the broth for flavor.
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For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream to the broth before adding dumplings.
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The dumplings can be seasoned with herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
Customizable Options
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Swap vegetables according to season or preference—peas, corn, or green beans work wonderfully.
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Adjust the thickness of the broth: add more chicken broth for a soup-like consistency or let it reduce for a thicker, stew-like dish.
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Make the dumplings smaller for bite-sized portions or larger for a more filling meal.
Popular With Everyone
This dish is loved by kids and adults alike. The combination of tender chicken, rich broth, and soft dumplings appeals to a wide range of tastes. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy solo meal when you crave something comforting and homemade.
Print
This Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings back the cozy flavors of a classic family meal. Tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings combine in a rich broth for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dish that warms both heart and home.
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Place chicken pieces in a large pot and add chicken broth, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the pot and shred the meat, discarding bones and skin. Return shredded chicken to the simmering broth and adjust seasoning.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add milk and melted butter, stirring until dough forms a soft but not sticky consistency.
- Drop portions of dough onto the simmering broth using a spoon or small ice cream scoop. Leave space between dumplings. Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Gently stir the cooked dumplings into the chicken and vegetables. Serve hot, ensuring each portion includes chicken, dumplings, and vegetables.
Notes
Use leftover cooked chicken to reduce prep time.
For a creamier broth, add a splash of milk or cream before adding dumplings.
Adjust vegetables or herbs according to preference.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
FAQs About Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and broth a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the dumplings just before reheating and serving to keep them fluffy.
Q: Can I use boneless chicken instead of a whole chicken?
A: Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Adjust the cooking time, as they will cook faster than bone-in pieces.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent the dumplings from becoming too dense.
Q: Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
A: You can freeze the cooked chicken and broth without the dumplings. Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Prepare fresh dumplings when ready to serve.
Q: Can I make gluten-free dumplings?
A: Yes, substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may differ slightly, but they will still be soft and delicious.
Q: How can I make the broth more flavorful?
A: Sauté the onion, garlic, and celery in a little butter before adding the broth. You can also simmer the broth longer with additional herbs for deeper flavor.