When it comes to comfort food, few dishes stick to the heart and soul quite like chicken and dumplings. This classic dish is a symbol of home-cooked goodness, cherished across generations. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply longing for a taste of tradition, chicken and dumplings delivers all the cozy vibes in a single bowl. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Interestingly, chicken and dumplings has its roots in both Southern and rural cooking in the United States. It was a practical way to stretch ingredients while creating a hearty meal. Over time, it evolved into much more than sustenance—it’s now a nostalgic dish that brings families together at the table.
This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for cooks of all levels. Roll up your sleeves, and let's get started!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of comforting chicken and dumplings:
For the Chicken and Broth
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium works best)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or buttermilk works well)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken, chicken broth, diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
- Skim any excess fat off the broth, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough
- While the broth simmers, prepare the dumplings. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers, creating a crumbly texture.
- Gradually stir in the milk until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—it should be soft but not sticky.
Step 3: Add the Dumplings to the Pot
- Bring the chicken and broth back to a simmer. Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly onto the simmering broth. Space them out slightly to give them room to expand.
- Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid while the dumplings cook, as this could release steam and interfere with their fluffiness.
- After 15 minutes, check the dumplings by cutting one open—it should be fully cooked through, with a light and fluffy center.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully ladle the chicken, dumplings, and broth into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cozy, homemade goodness!
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken adds depth to the broth, but boneless cuts will work in a pinch. For maximum flavor, stick to darker meat like thighs.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Dumplings: The dumplings expand as they cook, so leave some breathing room when dropping them into the broth.
- Buttermilk Bonus: If you have buttermilk on hand, use it to make your dumplings extra tender and flavorful.
- Thicken the Broth (Optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the broth before adding the dumplings.
A Bowl of Nostalgia
Chicken and dumplings isn’t just food—it’s a hug in a bowl. Every bite transports you back to a slow Sunday afternoon or a family gathering around the kitchen table. Whether you're making it to relive those nostalgic memories or creating new ones, this recipe gives you the perfect excuse to pause, savor, and connect through good food.
Go ahead—pull out your largest pot and bring warmth to your kitchen. Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll see why chicken and dumplings has stood the test of time as a staple in comforting home cooking!
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