Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings recipe, a timeless classic that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Tender, slow-cooked chicken stews in a rich, savory broth, while fluffy, pillowy dumplings gently cook on top, soaking up every bit of the delicious flavor. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a homey, hearty meal, this dish is a nostalgic reminder of cozy family dinners and simple, soulful cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Hearty & Comforting: A warm, satisfying meal that feels like a big, cozy hug.
Tender Chicken & Fluffy Dumplings: The perfect texture contrast in every bite.
Rich, Flavorful Broth: Slow-simmered with herbs and veggies for deep, home-cooked goodness.
Simple & Classic: Traditional flavors that never go out of style.
Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for sharing around the table.
Ingredients
These tasty essentials will elevate your dish to the next level. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken is the star of this dish. You can use leftover roast chicken or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Chicken broth: A rich broth adds depth to the flavor. Homemade is great, but store-bought works just as well.
Carrots: Diced carrots bring a touch of sweetness and color to the mix.
Celery: This adds a nice crunch and aromatic flavor, balancing the dish perfectly.
Onion: Chopped onion enhances the savory base of the broth.
Garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder gives a subtle kick without the fuss of fresh garlic.
Dried thyme: This herb adds an earthy note that complements the chicken beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Milk: Used to thicken the broth and make the dumplings fluffy.
All-purpose flour: This is used both for thickening the broth and for making the dumplings.
Butter: Melting butter to sauté the vegetables adds richness to the dish.
Baking powder: A key ingredient for fluffy dumplings, helping them rise as they cook.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh touch when serving.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!
How to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Creating Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting two tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. As the butter sizzles, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for your dish, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth
Once your vegetables are tender, it’s time to stir in the shredded chicken and pour in the chicken broth. Add the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about ten minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a savory broth that’s simply irresistible.
Step 3: Thicken the Broth
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the pot, stirring constantly. This will thicken the broth slightly, giving it that rich, comforting texture we all love in chicken and dumplings.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
Now, let’s make the dumplings! In another bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir in 1/2 cup of milk until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. This is what will create those fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
With the broth simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the pot. Make sure to cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This is crucial! The steam helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy, so resist the urge to peek.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are cooked through, it’s time to serve! Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, and if you like, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy this hearty dish hot, and watch as it warms both your belly and your heart.
Tips for Success
Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
Don’t skip the sautéing step; it builds essential flavor.
Keep the lid on while cooking dumplings to ensure they rise properly.
Feel free to add your favorite herbs to the dumpling dough for extra flavor.
Adjust the thickness of the broth by adding more or less flour mixture.
Equipment Needed
Large pot: A sturdy pot is essential for simmering the chicken and dumplings. A Dutch oven works great too.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring the ingredients and ensuring nothing sticks.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple for preparing the dumpling dough and thickening the broth.
Measuring cups: Handy for accurate ingredient measurements.
Variations of Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Herb-Infused Dumplings: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or chives to the dumpling dough for an aromatic twist.
Vegetable Medley: Toss in additional vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the broth for a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer broth.
Serving Suggestions for Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Green Salad: A light green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
Herbal Tea: Pair with a soothing herbal tea for a cozy meal experience.
Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
FAQs about Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, frozen chicken works just fine. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding it for the dish.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the mixture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and broth in advance. Just add the dumplings right before serving to keep them fluffy and fresh.
What can I serve with Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings? This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. A light herbal tea can also complement the meal nicely.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets? Definitely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings.
Final Thoughts
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth to the heart and home. Each spoonful is a reminder of simpler times, filled with laughter and love. The tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory broth create a symphony of flavors that can turn any ordinary day into something special. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet evening alone, this dish wraps you in a cozy embrace. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let this recipe bring joy to your kitchen!
A comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth.
Ingredients
Scale
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
1/2 cup milk (for dumplings)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the shredded chicken, chicken broth, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup flour and 1/2 cup milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the pot, stirring constantly until the broth thickens slightly.
In another bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in 1/2 cup milk until a soft dough forms.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering chicken mixture. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Once the dumplings are cooked through, serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
You can customize the dumplings by adding herbs like rosemary or chives for extra flavor.
