Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food that warms the soul and satisfies every craving. This timeless classic features tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth with fluffy, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors. Perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly days, this hearty dish delivers nostalgic flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness and tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings
Rich, savory broth: Slow-cooked chicken and vegetables create a deeply flavorful base.
Tender chicken: Juicy, fall-apart pieces that melt in your mouth.
Fluffy dumplings: Soft, comforting pillows of dough that absorb the broth perfectly.
Hearty and filling: A complete meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Classic comfort: A dish that evokes warmth, tradition, and family memories.
Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps for home cooks.
Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners or special Sunday meals.
Indulge in this Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings recipe—a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to your table!
Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings
Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings: A Delicious Classic Recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken is the star of the show. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken from a previous meal.
Chicken broth: A rich broth adds depth to the dish. Homemade is best, but store-bought works just fine.
Carrots: Diced carrots bring a touch of sweetness and color. They also add a nice crunch to the mix.
Celery: Diced celery contributes a fresh, crisp flavor that balances the richness of the broth.
Onion: Chopped onion enhances the savory base of the dish. It’s a must for that classic flavor.
Garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder adds a subtle kick without the fuss of fresh garlic.
Dried thyme: This herb infuses the broth with a warm, earthy aroma, making it feel like home.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for fluffy dumplings. It gives them that perfect texture.
Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the dumplings rise and become light and airy.
Milk: A splash of milk in the dumpling batter keeps them moist and tender.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness to the dumplings, making them irresistible.
Egg: A large egg binds the dumpling ingredients together, ensuring they hold their shape.
For those looking to switch things up, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the broth for a richer flavor. You can also substitute chicken with turkey for a delicious post-holiday meal option. Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This process is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by pouring the chicken broth into a large pot. Add the diced carrots, celery, chopped onion, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s a good sign!
Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together. You want those carrots and celery to be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on it; this is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Batter
While the broth is simmering, grab a mixing bowl. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This batter is what will create those fluffy dumplings!
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Broth
Now it’s time to add the shredded chicken to your simmering broth. Stir it in gently, ensuring the chicken is well-distributed. This is where the dish starts to come together, and you can already imagine how comforting it will be!
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the broth. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll spread out a bit as they cook. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid during this time; it’s crucial for the dumplings to cook through properly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are cooked through, it’s time to serve! Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, making sure to include plenty of that savory broth. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy this warm, comforting dish with your loved ones, and watch as smiles spread around the table!
Tips for Success
Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for a quick prep.
Don’t skip the simmering step; it enhances flavor.
For fluffier dumplings, avoid overmixing the batter.
Keep the lid on while cooking dumplings for best results.
Feel free to add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
Equipment Needed
Large pot: A sturdy pot is essential for simmering the broth. A Dutch oven works great too.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple for mixing the dumpling batter and combining ingredients.
Spoon: A large spoon for dropping the dumpling batter into the broth.
Lid: A tight-fitting lid is crucial for cooking the dumplings evenly.
Variations
Herb-Infused Dumplings: Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the dumpling batter for an aromatic twist.
Vegetable Medley: Toss in additional vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the broth for a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings gluten-free.
Low-Fat Version: Use low-sodium chicken broth and replace butter with olive oil for a lighter dish.
Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the broth.
Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Wine Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or a light red wine pairs beautifully with this comforting meal.
FAQs about Old-Fashioned Chicken & 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 and adding it to the broth.
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 it up.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the broth and vegetables in advance. Just add the dumplings and chicken when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
What can I serve with Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings? This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some crusty bread. A glass of white wine also complements the flavors beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing? While the chicken and broth freeze well, the dumplings may become soggy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider making the broth and chicken separately, then add fresh dumplings when reheating.
Final Thoughts
Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day. Each spoonful brings back memories of family gatherings and laughter around the table. The simplicity of this dish makes it accessible, yet the flavors are anything but ordinary. It’s a meal that invites conversation and connection, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this comforting classic is sure to become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the joy of cooking this timeless dish!
A classic recipe for Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings, 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 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
Instructions
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
While the broth is simmering, prepare the dumpling batter by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
In another bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Add the shredded chicken to the simmering broth, stirring to combine.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the broth.
Cover the pot with a lid 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 in bowls, making sure to include plenty of broth.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream to the broth just before serving.
You can substitute the chicken with turkey for a delicious post-holiday meal option.
