Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings: A Timeless Comfort Food Recipe That Warms the Soul

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Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings: A Timeless Comfort Food Recipe That Warms the Soul

There’s something truly heartwarming about a steaming bowl of old-fashioned chicken and dumplings. This dish has been a comforting staple in Southern kitchens and family gatherings for generations — a recipe that embodies love, nostalgia, and the art of slow cooking. Tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy homemade dumplings come together to create a meal that soothes both the stomach and the soul.

Let’s dive into this timeless comfort food and learn how to make it step by step, just like Grandma used to.

🐔 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken and Broth:

1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cut into pieces
8 cups chicken broth or water
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
2 tablespoons butter

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
4 tablespoons butter, melted

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Broth

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, place the chicken pieces, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth (or water if you prefer a lighter base). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily falls off the bone.

💡 Tip: Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface to keep your broth clear and clean-tasting.

Step 2: Remove and Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a plate to cool slightly.
Discard the bay leaves and strain the broth if you want a smoother soup base.
When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside for later.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the broth continues to simmer, it’s time to prepare the dumplings.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and milk, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together into a soft dough.
Do not overmix — a light hand ensures your dumplings stay fluffy instead of dense.