Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

A comforting, hearty classic with tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings—just like Grandma used to make!

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 1 hour 30 mins | Servings: 6

---

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) or 4 cups cooked shredded chicken

• 8 cups water or chicken broth

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 3 celery stalks, sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• ¾ cup whole milk

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or shortening)

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken (if using whole chicken)

• In a large pot, combine chicken, water/broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until chicken is tender.

• Remove chicken, shred meat, and discard bones. Strain broth (optional for a clearer soup) and return to pot.

2. Thicken the Broth (Optional)

• Mix ¼ cup flour with ½ cup cold water, then whisk into simmering broth. Cook 5 mins until slightly thickened.

3. Make the Dumplings

• In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.

• Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined (do not overmix).

• Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tbsp each) into simmering broth.

4. Cook the Dumplings

• Cover and simmer for 15 mins (DO NOT STIR)—this steams the dumplings.

• Uncover and cook 5 more mins to firm them up.

5. Add Chicken & Serve

• Gently stir in shredded chicken and heat through.

• Adjust seasoning, discard bay leaves, and serve hot.

---

Tips for Success

✔ For extra flavor, use a mix of broth and water.
✔ Don’t overmix dumpling dough—it makes them tough.
✔ Drop dumplings on top of broth (don’t submerge) for fluffiness.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Peas, corn, or parsley for freshness

• A splash of cream for richness

Serve with buttered biscuits or a simple salad. Enjoy! 😊🍲