Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a classic dish that transports you right back to Grandma’s kitchen with every comforting spoonful. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, cozy weeknight dinners, or when you’re seeking a warm bowl of nostalgia. With its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings simmered in a savory broth, it’s no wonder this meal has earned a special place in the hearts and homes of so many.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe brings together quick preparation and budget-friendly ingredients, making it a go-to for busy families. It’s a dish that’s not just filling but also nurturing, wrapping you in warmth with every bite. Chicken and dumplings is the epitome of comfort food, reminding us of home and family gatherings.

“Every time I make this, my kids ask for seconds! It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights!” – Happy Home Cook

Step-by-step Overview

Making Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is simpler than you might think! You’ll start with a flavorful broth filled with tender sautéed vegetables, then whisk together the dough for those delicious dumplings. In no time, you’ll have a hearty one-pot wonder ready to warm your spirits and satisfy your hunger.

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What You’ll Need

Gather these items to make your chicken and dumplings:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• Pepper to taste

Feel free to use leftover chicken or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time!

Step-by-step Instructions

Here’s how to prepare this heartwarming dish:

1. In a large pot, heat the chicken broth and add the onion, carrots, and celery. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk to form a dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut it into strips.
4. Once the vegetables are tender, drop the dumpling strips into the simmering broth.
5. Add the shredded chicken and season with pepper. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, until dumplings are cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Make sure to keep an eye on the dumplings as they cook, to ensure they rise perfectly and soak up the flavor.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

While Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a meal in itself, you can enhance your dining experience with a crispy green salad or some fluffy cornbread on the side. A drizzle of hot sauce might add a wonderful kick if your family enjoys a bit of spice!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, this dish also freezes beautifully—just let it cool first, and then scoop into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If the broth thickens too much while stored, just add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Always taste your broth before adding pepper; the seasoned chicken can add saltiness!
• Roll your dumplings to about ½-inch thick for the best texture—a little thicker and they’ll be heartier.
• This recipe is quite forgiving, so don’t worry if your dumplings aren’t perfect shapes. They’ll still be delicious!

Recipe Variations

Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra layer of flavor. You can also mix in a cup of peas or swap the carrots for sweet potato for a fun twist!

Common Questions

What is the prep time for this dish?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is around 20-25 minutes, making it a quick meal option.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish gluten-free.

How do I reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat is on the stove over medium heat. Add a bit of broth to loosen it up, stirring until heated through.

With its rich flavors and comforting textures, Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Enjoy the warmth this dish brings to your table!

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

A comforting classic that combines shredded chicken, tender vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Feel free to use leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free options.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt Always taste your broth before adding pepper; the seasoned chicken can add saltiness!
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced You can swap carrots for sweet potato for a fun twist!
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• Pepper to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat the chicken broth and add the onion, carrots, and celery. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk to form a dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut it into strips.

Cooking

1. Once the vegetables are tender, drop the dumpling strips into the simmering broth.
2. Add the shredded chicken and season with pepper. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, until dumplings are cooked through.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to keep an eye on the dumplings as they cook, to ensure they rise perfectly and soak up the flavor. Best served with a crispy green salad or fluffy cornbread on the side.