Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless dish that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia. It’s the kind of recipe that brings back memories of family gatherings around the dinner table, with the delicious aroma wafting through the house. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly evening or a quick but hearty dish for a weeknight dinner, this classic recipe is perfect for almost any occasion. It brings together tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich broth that satisfy both the palate and the soul.
Why you’ll love this dish
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings. This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, kid-approved, and packed with flavor. There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating a homemade meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive family brunch, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
"This was the best chicken and dumplings I’ve ever made! The dumplings were light and fluffy, just like my grandma used to make. It brought back so many memories." — Emma R.
The cooking process explained
Making Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a straightforward process that anyone can master. In just a few easy steps, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a hearty meal. Start by simmering your chicken broth to build that rich flavor, then prepare the easy dumpling dough. Lastly, drop those delicious dumplings into the bubbling broth until they float to the top, which indicates they’re ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
These ingredients create a beautiful balance of flavors. You can substitute rotisserie chicken for the cooked chicken if you’re short on time, and feel free to tweak the broth using vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Directions to follow
- Begin by heating the chicken broth in a large pot until it simmers.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into strips.
- Gently drop the dough strips into the simmering broth. They will float to the surface when cooked, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
- Once the dumplings are floating, stir in the shredded chicken and allow it to heat through.
- Serve hot and enjoy the heartiness of this classic!
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings, presentation can elevate the experience. Ladle the stew into deep bowls, making sure to showcase a generous amount of chicken and fluffy dumplings. For a pop of color, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top. Pair this dish with a simple garden salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the case because it’s so delicious!), storing them properly is crucial. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can safely store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maximize freshness, consider freezing the dumplings separately from the broth and chicken. This way, you can reheat them without compromising their texture.
Helpful cooking tips
To ensure success with your Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings, keep a few pro tips in mind:
- Don’t overwork the dumpling dough; this keeps them light and fluffy.
- If the broth thickens too much while reheating, simply add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
- Adding a bay leaf while simmering the broth can enhance the flavor, so consider trying that for an extra depth of taste.
Creative twists
While the traditional recipe is fantastic, there are plenty of ways to customize your Chicken and Dumplings. Try adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn for a pop of color and nutrition. For those looking for a spicy kick, a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños can turn this comfort classic into something exciting. Gluten-free all-purpose flour can also be used for those with dietary restrictions.
Your questions answered
What is the prep time?
The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, while the entire cooking time is around 30 minutes.Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken as long as you cook it thoroughly. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before shredding it.How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for best results. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to gather those ingredients and delight in the comforting experience of making Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings!
Print
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A timeless dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia, bringing together tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich broth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Heat the chicken broth in a large pot until it simmers.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into strips.
- Gently drop the dough strips into the simmering broth. They will float to the surface when cooked, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
- Once the dumplings are floating, stir in the shredded chicken and allow it to heat through.
- Serve hot and enjoy the heartiness of this classic!
Notes
Don’t overwork the dumpling dough for best results. Add vegetables or spices for customization.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: chicken and dumplings, comfort food, family recipe, classic, easy recipes