Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction

There’s a reason Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings has stood the test of time: this cozy, comforting meal wraps up tender chicken and pillowy dumplings in a rich, homemade broth for the ultimate soul-satisfying dinner. Ideal for feeding a crowd or warming up a chilly evening, this classic recipe is as hearty as it is heartwarming, delivering big flavor with simple ingredients.

Why These Chicken and Dumplings Stand Out

What makes these Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings truly special is their perfect balance of tender, slow-cooked chicken and fluffy homemade dumplings, all swimming in a savory, silky broth. The ingredients are pantry staples, but the payoff is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s always greater than the sum of its parts.

Building Deep, Homestyle Flavor

To get the most flavor, start by searing chicken pieces until golden brown and building a classic mirepoix (onion, carrot, and celery) as the base of your broth. Consider using a sturdy Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet for even browning and depth of flavor. As the chicken simmers, it releases rich juices that meld beautifully with the vegetables, while simple pantry herbs like thyme and bay leaf elevate the sauce without fuss.

Simplifying Preparation with the Right Tools

Chopping vegetables for the base can be quick and uniform using a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, cutting down prep time and ensuring consistent texture in every bite. When it’s time to shred your chicken after cooking, a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen efficiently pulls the meat into the perfect bite-sized pieces without burning your fingers.

When you need a place to set your utensils or transfer the dough, protect your counters with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, which also helps with rolling out dumpling dough and easy cleanup.

Homemade Dumplings: Light, Fluffy, and Foolproof

The secret to the best old-school dumplings is to mix the dough just until combined and drop it by spoonfuls directly into the simmering broth. This cooks the dumplings gently, resulting in tender, fluffy pillows that soak up the savory broth and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Comfort

Ladle the stew generously into bowls, making sure every serving gets a good balance of chicken and dumpling. Pair with a simple green salad, or serve alone for a truly old-fashioned dinner that needs no embellishment.

Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep them fresh for next-day lunches or a quick meal reheat.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each portion contains approximately 340–380 calories, depending on the size of your dumplings and the richness of your broth. It’s filling, wholesome, and best enjoyed fresh and hot.

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings (Recap)

With its flavorful, classic combination of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich broth, this dish is a time-tested comfort food legend. It’s sure to please at family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you crave a nostalgic meal that feeds both body and soul.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear on both sides until golden (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add onion, carrots, and celery (quickly chopped with a vegetable chopper if desired). Sauté until softened, about 6–7 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, then add chicken back to the pot. Pour in chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 30–35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavorful.
4. Remove the chicken, shred it with a chicken shredder tool, and return the meat to the pot (discard bones). Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. For the dumplings: In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Stir in melted butter and milk just until a sticky dough forms (don’t overmix).
6. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Using two spoons, drop small mounds of dough over the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Dumplings should be puffy and cooked through.
7. Sprinkle with parsley if desired and serve immediately, piping hot.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes