Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings to warm your heart and soul, especially on chilly evenings. This timeless dish combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from home—the perfect way to slow down and savor the tradition of wholesome cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a tribute to the simplicity and love of home-cooked meals. The rich broth, soft vegetables, and melt-in-your-mouth dumplings come together in a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of nostalgia. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or simply craving something cozy, this recipe delivers all the warmth and flavor of a classic.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 8 cups water
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 1 onion (quartered)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons shortening
- ¾ cup milk
How to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth
- In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, water, celery, carrots, onion, salt, pepper, and thyme. This forms the base of your dish, with the vegetables and seasonings infusing the broth with rich flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let it cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily falls off the bone.
Step 2: Strain and Shred
- Remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot. Strain the broth to ensure it’s clear and free of debris, then return the broth to the pot.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, discard the bones and skin, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the broth.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for creating light, fluffy dumplings.
- Gradually stir in the milk until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the dough can make the dumplings tough.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
- Bring the broth to a gentle boil. Using a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized pieces of dumpling dough into the simmering broth.
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows them to steam and puff up beautifully.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Once the dumplings are cooked and tender, add the reserved vegetables back into the pot. Stir gently to combine and warm everything through.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Pair with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or parsley, use it for an extra burst of flavor.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: When cooking the dumplings, resist the urge to peek! Keeping the lid closed ensures they cook evenly and stay fluffy.
- Shred the Chicken Ahead: To save time, shred the chicken while the dumpling dough is being prepared.
- Customize the Veggies: Add potatoes, parsnips, or green beans for a twist on the classic recipe.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the consistency.
Freezing:
- This dish can be frozen, but the dumplings may lose some of their fluffiness. Freeze the broth and chicken separately from the dumplings for best results.
Flavor Variations
This recipe is a classic, but there’s always room for creativity. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Add Heat: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Creamy Twist: Add ½ cup of heavy cream to the broth for a richer, creamier base.
- Cheesy Dumplings: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the dumpling dough for added flavor.
- Herb Dumplings: Add dried parsley or chives to the dough for an herbal twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work beautifully and are often more convenient.
2. What’s the secret to fluffy dumplings?
The key is not overmixing the dough and letting the dumplings steam without lifting the lid.
3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, then transfer the broth to a pot to cook the dumplings.
4. Can I use store-bought broth?
While homemade broth is ideal for flavor, you can use store-bought chicken broth to save time.
The Ultimate Comfort Food
This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the perfect way to bring warmth and tradition to your table. It’s a dish that feels like home, with every bite offering a comforting blend of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and pillowy dumplings.
Whether you’re serving it for a Sunday dinner or just need a little extra coziness in your day, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the timeless joy of a home-cooked meal!
