My grandma has been making this for as long as I can remember!

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken and Dumplings

Now comes the fun part—assembling everything!

Add the Chicken and Broth Together: Return the shredded chicken to the strained broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the heavy cream (if using) for extra richness, and stir to combine.
Drop in the Dumplings: Once the broth is simmering, use a spoon to drop small spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the broth. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot; the dumplings will puff up as they cook. You may need to do this in batches.
Cover and Simmer: Once all the dumplings are added, cover the pot with a lid. Let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are fully cooked through. Don’t lift the lid during this time—keeping the steam trapped inside is key to making the dumplings tender.
Check for Doneness: After about 15 minutes, check a dumpling by cutting it in half to ensure it’s cooked all the way through. If the center is still raw, let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are cooked, taste the broth one last time and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the chicken, broth, and dumplings into bowls, making sure to get a good balance of chicken and dumplings in each serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and a burst of freshness. Then, grab a spoon and dig into a warm bowl of comfort that’s been passed down through the generations.

Tips for Success

Broth: If you want to take this recipe to the next level, make your own homemade chicken broth. It takes more time, but the flavors are unbeatable.
Dumplings: Make sure your butter is cold when you incorporate it into the flour. This helps to create a flaky, tender dumpling.
Seasoning: Always taste your broth before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can really enhance the flavors.

Conclusion

Making my grandma’s chicken and dumplings feels like a walk down memory lane, filled with warm memories of her kitchen and the love she poured into each meal. It’s the kind of dish that comforts the soul and brings everyone together, whether it’s a chilly winter night or a family gathering. Now, you can share this dish with your loved ones, and maybe one day, they’ll be saying, “My grandma has been making this for as long as I can remember!”

Enjoy!