Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings : The Ultimate Southern Comfort Dish

When it comes to Southern classics, few dishes bring warmth and nostalgia quite like Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings. Rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and soft, pillowy dumplings — it’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes with the first bite. Whether you’re seeking a meal that warms the soul or looking for a traditional chicken dinner recipe to impress your family, this timeless comfort food belongs in your rotation.

This is more than just an easy chicken dumpling recipe — it’s a beloved staple of Southern recipes, served for Sunday suppers, special occasions, or anytime a little extra coziness is needed. From the homemade dumplings to the slow-simmered chicken, every element speaks to heart, heritage, and home-cooked love.

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What Makes Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings So Special?

There’s a reason this recipe has stood the test of time. Passed down through generations, old-fashioned chicken and dumplings combine humble ingredients with hearty technique. Unlike some modern shortcut versions using biscuit dough or canned soups, this version honors tradition with from-scratch dumplings, rich broth, and tender stewed chicken.

The dumplings themselves — soft but slightly chewy, absorbing the savory broth — are what set this dish apart. They transform a simple chicken soup into a full meal. While the ingredients are simple, the depth of flavor comes from slow cooking and a homemade touch.

This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can prepare it on the stove, in the oven, or even as one of your chicken crockpot recipes for added convenience.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

To make this comforting dish from scratch, gather these basic, pantry-friendly ingredients:

For the Chicken Stew:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken works well)

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• ¾ to 1 cup whole milk

Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

These ingredients create a perfectly seasoned, creamy broth with light, fluffy dumplings that soak up all the flavor.

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Step-by-Step Dumpling Recipe: How to Make It from Scratch

Making your own dumplings may sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple. Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare this dumpling recipe step by step.

1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

2. Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth, add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add shredded or diced chicken and continue simmering while preparing the dumplings.

3. Make the Dumpling Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and mix with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly. Stir in milk gradually until a soft dough forms — it should be moist but not sticky.

4. Drop the Dumplings
Using a spoon, drop small spoonfuls of the dough directly onto the simmering broth. The dumplings will puff as they cook. Do not stir once dumplings are added.

5. Cover and Cook
Cover the pot tightly with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time — they need steam to rise and set properly.

6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are cooked through, remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

This process yields a warm, filling meal that pairs beautifully with sides like garlic butter corn with melty cheese or cheesy mashed potato puffs.

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Classic Southern Recipes: Why This Dish Stands the Test of Time

Southern recipes like chicken and dumplings are more than just food — they’re traditions, often tied to family history and regional pride. In many Southern homes, this dish is cooked low and slow on Sundays or for gatherings where food is love and every serving comes with a story.

The use of simple, whole ingredients is a cornerstone of chicken dinner recipes from the South. The long simmering time, the hand-mixed dough, and the care taken with seasoning are all part of what makes this dish so meaningful — and satisfying.

For another Southern-inspired dish, try pumpkin chicken chili, which offers a spiced twist on a classic stew.

Easy Chicken Dumpling Recipes: Tips for Simpler Prep

Looking for a quicker version of this comfort classic? Here are a few easy tweaks:

• Use rotisserie chicken to save cooking time.
• Swap homemade broth for store-bought low-sodium chicken stock.
• Replace homemade dumplings with pre-made biscuit dough or Bisquick.
• Add frozen peas or corn during the final 5 minutes for extra nutrition.

These changes won’t sacrifice flavor but will get dinner on the table even faster — perfect for busy weeknights.

Want another quick idea? This crockpot fajitas recipe is full of flavor with minimal effort.

How to Make Chicken & Dumplings in the Crockpot

If you’re a fan of chicken crockpot recipes, you can easily adapt this dish to your slow cooker:

1. Add onion, celery, carrots, garlic, chicken, broth, and seasonings to the crockpot.
2. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
3. Mix the dumpling dough as described above.
4. Drop spoonfuls onto the hot stew during the final 45 minutes of cooking. Cover and do not open until done.

This method delivers tender chicken and fluffy dumplings with hardly any hands-on time.

Best Chicken Cuts for Chicken and Dumplings

You can use any cooked chicken for this recipe, but here are some favorites:

• Rotisserie chicken: convenient and flavorful
• Roasted chicken: adds depth
• Chicken thighs: moist and rich
• Chicken breast: lean and mild, but be sure not to overcook

Avoid using raw chicken unless you’re cooking it fully before adding the dumplings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken and Dumplings

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your dish is comforting, not chaotic:

• Overmixing dumpling dough: causes toughness.
• Boiling while dumplings cook: can break them apart.
• Lifting the lid while steaming dumplings: traps in steam and leads to soggy results.
• Adding salt too early: taste and season near the end once broth reduces.

With care, your dumplings will stay light and your broth perfectly seasoned.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Dinner Recipes Like This

You don’t need much on the side with this hearty meal, but if you want to round it out, consider:

• Apple crisp with oatmeal for a cozy dessert
• Cucumber dill salad for a refreshing bite
• Mini pancake cereal for a fun brunch pairing

You can even serve leftovers for brunch — it’s that versatile!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers Properly

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The dumplings will continue to absorb the broth and thicken.

Freezer: Freeze the chicken stew portion, but leave out the dumplings as they don’t freeze well. Add fresh dumplings when reheating.

Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth to thin if needed.

This dish tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded — a great reason to double the batch.

Variations: From Creamy to Brothy to Loaded with Veggies

This dish is endlessly adaptable. Here are some fun ways to change it up:

• Creamy version: Add ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk.
• Vegetable-heavy: Add green beans, corn, or spinach.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Dumpling swaps: Try using sourdough discard tortillas cut into strips for a noodle-style take.

Feeling creative? Add a sprinkle of parmesan or fresh thyme for an herby boost.

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Chicken and Dumplings FAQs

Can I make dumplings ahead of time?
The dough is best made fresh, but you can mix dry ingredients and prep wet ingredients separately in advance.

Can I freeze this dish?
Freeze the broth and chicken, but make fresh dumplings when serving for best texture.

What if my dumplings are gummy?
They were likely stirred or cooked at too high a temperature. Keep the pot covered and heat low.

Are these drop or rolled dumplings?
This recipe uses drop-style dumplings, which are quicker and easier to prepare than rolled.

Perfect for Sunday Suppers and Southern Celebrations

This recipe is perfect for Sunday family dinners, potlucks, and cold-weather evenings. Serve it alongside your favorite Southern favorites, like:

• Pumpkin truffles
• Stuffed acorn squash
• Creamy wild rice and mushroom soup

Whatever the occasion, Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings brings heart to the table.

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