Name: Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional); 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Ah, Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings—a dish that has stood the test of time and for good reason! There’s just something about the warm, comforting combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings that makes this a family favorite. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly evening or serving it up for a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish wraps you in comfort and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Let me give you all the reasons why this recipe is going to become your new go-to:

Comfort in a Bowl:

This dish is the definition of comfort food. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft dumplings are like a hug in a bowl—perfect for any occasion when you need a little warmth and love.

Hearty and Filling:

It’s hearty enough to be a full meal, with tender pieces of chicken and dumplings that are light yet satisfying. You won’t be left feeling hungry after this one!

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor:

This recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic spices or hard-to-find ingredients—just good old-fashioned pantry staples that create rich, comforting flavors.

Quick and Easy:

Though it tastes like it took all day to make, this recipe comes together in under an hour. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend when you want to enjoy something comforting without hours of prep.

Family-Friendly:

This is a dish that will please everyone at the table—kids, adults, and everyone in between. It’s one of those recipes that is universally loved and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic, comforting dish:

Chicken: Tender, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The chicken gets cooked in the broth, absorbing all that delicious flavor.

Chicken Broth: The base of the soup. You’ll want a good-quality chicken broth for rich, savory flavor.

Carrots & Celery: These veggies add sweetness, crunch, and a nice depth of flavor to the broth.

Onion & Garlic: A must for that aromatic base that makes your kitchen smell divine!

Flour: To help thicken the broth and create that creamy texture.

Heavy Cream or Milk: Adds a little richness and creaminess to the broth, making every bite feel indulgent.

Dumplings: The stars of the show! You’ll need flour, baking powder, butter, milk, and a little salt to make the dumplings light and fluffy.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves are the perfect combination for seasoning the broth and creating a well-rounded flavor.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is easier than you might think—let’s get started!

Prepare the Chicken:

Start by heating a little oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken (whole breasts or thighs), season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set aside.

Make the Soup Base:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir to combine, cooking for an additional minute. This helps thicken your broth later.

Add the Broth and Seasonings:

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Add the thyme, bay leaves, and more salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.

Make the Dumplings:

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and milk until a thick batter forms. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup, covering the entire surface. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect—those little dumplings are going to puff up and cook perfectly as they simmer!

Cook the Dumplings:

Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Try not to lift the lid during this time, as the dumplings need steam to cook through properly.

Add the Chicken:

Once the dumplings are cooked, gently stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Let it heat through for a few minutes, and then adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Serve and Enjoy:

Ladle the soup and dumplings into bowls, and enjoy the cozy goodness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that creamy broth!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 430
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

This hearty dish is perfect as a standalone meal, but if you’d like to add some extra sides to complement it, here are a few suggestions:

Green Salad:

A simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.

Crusty Bread:

A warm, crusty baguette or dinner rolls are ideal for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccoli are a great side to round out the meal with some extra color and nutrients.

Mashed Potatoes:

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a side of mashed potatoes is always a winner with this dish—perfect for soaking up the delicious broth!

Additional Tips

Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts work great, chicken thighs add extra flavor and tenderness, making the dish even more comforting.

Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme sprinkled on top add a nice pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Make it Ahead: You can make the soup base and chicken ahead of time, then just cook the dumplings when you’re ready to serve.
For Extra Creaminess: If you want a creamier broth, add more heavy cream or use half-and-half instead of regular milk.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
A1: Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly! Just shred the chicken and add it in with the dumplings once they’re done cooking.

Q2: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A2: Yes! Simply cook the chicken and veggies in the slow cooker with the broth and seasonings. Add the dumplings about 30 minutes before serving and cook on high for the best results.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simmer on the stove until heated through.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: You can freeze the chicken and broth mixture without the dumplings. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and cook fresh dumplings to add in. The dumplings don’t freeze well on their own.

Q5: Can I add more vegetables?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans to the soup base for extra flavor and texture.

Q6: Can I use gluten-free flour for the dumplings?
A6: Yes, gluten-free flour can be used, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid to get the right consistency for the dumplings.

Q7: Can I make the dumplings without dairy?
A7: Yes! You can substitute non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and vegan butter for a dairy-free version of the dumplings.

Q8: What can I use instead of thyme?
A8: If you don’t have thyme, you can use rosemary or sage for a slightly different flavor profile. You could also omit it if you prefer a simpler taste.

Q9: How do I keep the dumplings from sinking?
A9: Make sure the broth is simmering gently before adding the dumplings. Don’t stir the soup after adding the dumplings, and avoid opening the lid while they cook to ensure they stay light and fluffy.

Q10: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A10: You can make the soup and shred the chicken ahead of time. Just add the dumplings right before you’re ready to serve, so they don’t get soggy or overcooked.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings to warm you up and make you feel right at home. This timeless recipe combines simple ingredients with big, comforting flavors, and it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding your family or sharing it with friends, this dish will bring everyone together and leave them asking for seconds. Enjoy the warmth, the flavor, and the nostalgia of this classic comfort food!

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings