Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish made with tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth and topped with soft, fluffy dumplings.

Traditionally, the chicken is cooked low and slow with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to create a flavorful stock. Then, simple dough dumplings (made from flour, baking powder, milk, and butter) are dropped into the simmering broth, where they cook until light and tender.

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), cut into pieces (or 4–5 bone-in chicken thighs)

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 3 celery stalks, sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 8 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover the chicken)

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed

• 1 cup whole milk (more if needed)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Optional Finishing:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a richer broth)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Place chicken pieces in the pot and pour in chicken broth until the meat is covered. Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes, until chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Discard skin and bones, then shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.

3. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Dumplings

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Stir in milk until just combined (don’t overmix). The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

4. Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tbsp each) onto the simmering broth. Keep them slightly apart as they will expand.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

1. Cover the pot with a tight lid and simmer over low heat for 15–18 minutes.

2. Do not lift the lid while cooking — the steam is what makes the dumplings fluffy.

3. Once done, gently stir and add heavy cream if you want a richer broth.

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Serving Suggestions

• Classic Bowl Meal – Serve hot in deep bowls with plenty of broth and fluffy dumplings for a filling, comforting main dish.

• With a Side Salad – A crisp green salad or coleslaw adds freshness to balance the richness of the stew.

• Pair with Vegetables – Roasted green beans, Brussels sprouts, or glazed carrots complement the flavors beautifully.

• Bread on the Side – Though dumplings are hearty, a slice of crusty bread or cornbread is great for soaking up extra broth.

• For a Cozy Dinner – Serve with sweet iced tea, lemonade, or a glass of white wine for a full Southern-inspired meal.

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but light, fresh sides make it even more satisfying.

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Tips & Tricks

• Choose bone-in chicken – It makes the broth richer and more flavorful than boneless cuts.

• Don’t overmix the dumpling dough – Mix just until combined; overworking will make the dumplings tough instead of fluffy.

• Keep the lid closed – While dumplings cook, avoid lifting the lid. The trapped steam is what makes them light and tender.

• Adjust broth thickness – For a creamier stew, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water or a splash of heavy cream before adding the dumplings.

• Season in layers – Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs after the chicken is shredded and again after dumplings are done.

• Vegetable add-ins – Carrots, peas, or corn can be stirred in for extra flavor and texture.

• Make ahead – Cook the chicken and broth in advance, refrigerate, then reheat and add dumplings fresh before serving.

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Why you love the recipe

You’ll love Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings because it’s the ultimate comfort food — warm, hearty, and soul-soothing. The tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and satisfying. It’s a dish that not only fills you up but also brings a sense of home and tradition, perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or when you just want a cozy, homemade meal.