There’s a reason this dish is passed down through generations, scribbled in recipe cards, and served at family dinners after long days and hard times.
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings isn’t just a meal — it’s warmth in a bowl, a taste of home, and a hug from Grandma all in one.
Tender chunks of chicken swim in a rich, savory broth, blanketed by soft, pillowy dumplings that steam and rise as they cook — light, fluffy, and soaked in flavor.
This classic Southern and Midwestern staple has roots in American farmhouse cooking, where nothing went to waste. Leftover roasted chicken, simple pantry staples, and a little love were all it took to create a hearty, soul-soothing masterpiece.
And today, we’re bringing that tradition back — one simmering pot at a time.
Why This Recipe Is Timeless
Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food — simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that:
- Fills your kitchen with aromatic steam
- Heals hearts after a long week
- Brings families to the table
No fancy techniques. No rare ingredients.
Just real food, made with care.
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Serves 6 | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (for richness)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute more.
2. Make the Broth Base
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables — this creates a roux that will thicken the stew.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and water until smooth.
- Add the bay leaf (if using), then bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
3. Add the Chicken
- Stir in the cooked chicken and milk or cream.
- Keep the stew at a low simmer — do not boil hard, or the milk may curdle.
4. Make the Dumpling Dough
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add melted butter and milk. Stir until just combined — do not overmix (lumps are okay!).
- The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Drop in the Dumplings
- Use a spoon or small ice cream scoop to drop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto the surface of the simmering stew.
- Space them slightly apart — they’ll expand as they cook.
6. Simmer Until Fluffy
- Cover the pot tightly with a lid.
- Simmer for 15–18 minutes — do not lift the lid (this traps steam, which cooks the dumplings).
- When done, dumplings will be puffy and cooked through (test one by cutting it open — no wet dough inside).
7. Serve Warm and Comforting
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives
- Serve with a side of biscuits, cornbread, or a crisp green salad
- Add a dash of hot sauce or black pepper for extra kick
Tips from the Family Kitchen
✅ Use leftover or rotisserie chicken — it saves time and adds flavor
✅ Don’t stir the dumplings once dropped — they’ll break apart
✅ Keep the heat low while simmering — boiling will make dumplings tough
✅ Make it creamy — add a splash of half-and-half at the end
✅ Freeze for later — store in airtight containers for up to 3 months (reheat gently on the stove)
Variations to Try
- Herb Dumplings – Add 1 tsp chopped rosemary or dill to the dough
- Biscuit-Style – Use your favorite drop biscuit recipe for heartier dumplings
- Vegetarian Version – Swap chicken for mushrooms and use vegetable broth
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño to the stew
Final Thoughts: More Than a Meal — A Memory
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is more than a recipe.
It’s a story.
It’s childhood Sundays.
It’s sick-day care.
It’s laughter around the table.
It’s the kind of food that doesn’t just fill your stomach — it fills your soul.
So whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd,
Make this dish.
Share it.
Pass it on.
Because in every spoonful, there’s love.
Simple ingredients. Deep flavor. Endless comfort.
