Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

When you think of comfort food, nothing quite compares to a bowl of Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings. This dish is the very definition of cozy—tender chicken, a rich, flavorful broth, and fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings that soak up all that goodness. It’s the kind of meal that takes you back to your grandma’s kitchen, where everything was made with love and patience. Every spoonful is like a warm hug, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little comfort. Trust me, this recipe will have you coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

This dish is so much more than just a meal. It’s a tradition, a hug in a bowl, and here’s why it’s so irresistible:

• Classic Comfort: The combination of tender chicken and creamy broth is a warm reminder of home-cooked meals.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make this dish. Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen!
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. It’s easy, and you get that all-in-one comforting meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the soft dumplings and rich, flavorful broth. It’s a dish everyone can agree on.
• Hearty and Filling: This dish is filling enough to make it a complete meal on its own. You’ll be full and satisfied after just one bowl!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy, comforting dish:

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. They cook up tender and juicy and add that delicious chicken flavor to the broth.

Carrots

Fresh carrots bring a slight sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.

Celery

Celery adds a crisp texture and savory note, balancing out the richness of the broth.

Onion

Chopped onions provide depth of flavor, giving the broth an aromatic base.

Chicken Broth

The base of the dish, chicken broth infuses the soup with savory goodness. You can use homemade or store-bought broth.

Flour

Flour is used to thicken the broth, giving it that creamy, smooth texture.

Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor to the broth and helps the vegetables soften beautifully.

Herbs and Spices

Bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper are the simple seasonings that give this dish its comforting, homey flavor.

Milk or Heavy Cream

For a creamy finish, milk or heavy cream is added to the broth.

Dumplings (Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Butter, Milk)

The dumplings are the star of the show! Made with simple ingredients, they’re light and fluffy and perfect for soaking up the broth.

(Note: The full list with measurements is in the recipe card directly below!)

Instructions

Ready to dive into the comforting goodness? Here’s how you can make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings:

Prepare the Chicken

In a large pot, add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and cover them with water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to cool. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Soup Base

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and aromatic. Add the flour and stir to coat the veggies, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will help thicken the soup base.

Add the Broth

Slowly add the chicken broth to the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the milk or heavy cream, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Make the Dumplings

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. Stir until the mixture forms a thick dough. Use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot; leave some space between the dumplings.

Cook the Dumplings

Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes. They should puff up and become soft and fluffy. Don’t lift the lid during this time, as the steam helps cook the dumplings.

Finish the Soup

Once the dumplings are cooked through, stir in the shredded chicken. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the chicken and dumplings into bowls, and enjoy! This dish is perfect for cozy dinners and will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are some great ways to round out the meal:

• Fresh Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread or cornbread to sop up all that delicious broth.
• Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Steamed Vegetables: For extra veggies, steamed broccoli, green beans, or peas would pair nicely with the dish.
• Pickles: For a little zing, serve alongside some tangy dill pickles.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can make the soup base and shred the chicken ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the dumplings and finish the dish.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the broth.
• Gluten-Free Dumplings: If you need gluten-free dumplings, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free blend and make sure to check the baking powder ingredients for gluten-free options.
• Dumpling Variations: You can add herbs like parsley or garlic powder to the dumpling dough to give it extra flavor.
• Freezing Tip: This dish freezes well! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it needs thinning.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own chicken?
A1: Yes! If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great. Just shred it and add it at the end when you’re ready to serve.

Q2: How do I make sure the dumplings are cooked through?
A2: Don’t lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking. Steam is essential for them to cook properly. Once they’ve puffed up and are no longer doughy in the center, they’re ready!

Q3: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A3: Yes! You can cook the soup base and chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours, and then add the dumplings in the last 30 minutes to cook through.

Q4: Can I freeze leftover chicken and dumplings?
A4: Yes, you can freeze it! Just store the soup and dumplings in an airtight container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Q5: How can I make the soup richer?
A5: To make the broth extra rich, use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add a little extra butter for a silky finish.

Q6: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
A6: Yes! Frozen carrots and peas can easily be substituted. Just add them when you add the chicken and broth to the pot.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Absolutely! You can double the recipe for a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a bigger pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Q8: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
A8: Yes! Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and color.

Q9: Can I make the dumplings in advance?
A9: The dumplings are best made fresh, but you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. Drop it into the simmering soup when ready to cook.

Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?
A10: Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat. If the soup has thickened, add a little more broth or milk to bring it back to the right consistency.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and nostalgia to the table. It’s simple, satisfying, and the perfect meal to enjoy with your loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a way to bring a little joy to a chilly day, this recipe will make your kitchen smell amazing and leave everyone feeling full and content. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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