Name: Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)); 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup diced onion; 1/2 cup diced carrots; 1/2 cup diced celery

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect comfort food, combining tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings in a satisfying meal. This hearty dish takes about 1 hour to prepare and cook, using simple ingredients like chicken, flour, butter, milk, and seasonings to create a warm and delicious homemade meal.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.

For more comforting chicken dishes, check out Chicken Noodle Soup.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the milk and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Add Dumplings to the Pot

Bring the broth to a gentle boil. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the pot, making sure they do not overcrowd. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to allow the dumplings to steam properly.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Gently stir the chicken and dumplings, allowing them to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with fresh parsley for garnish. For another cozy meal, try Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings

Use bone-in chicken – It adds extra flavor to the broth.
Don’t overmix the dumpling dough – A light mix keeps them tender and fluffy.
Let the dumplings steam – Keeping the lid closed ensures perfect texture.
Season well – Taste the broth and adjust seasoning before adding dumplings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a classic, comforting dish packed with rich flavors. It’s perfect for chilly days and brings a nostalgic taste of home-cooked meals.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Prepare the dumpling dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing: Freeze the broth and chicken separately; add fresh dumplings when reheating for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or a slice of warm cornbread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a heartwarming meal that brings comfort and nostalgia to the dinner table. Its rich broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings make it a perfect choice for family meals or cozy nights at home. Try this timeless recipe and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness!