Description
Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings is a true Southern comfort classic — rich, savory broth with tender chicken and soft, fluffy dumplings made completely from scratch. This beloved dish captures the essence of home cooking, combining simple ingredients and slow-simmered flavor for the ultimate cozy meal perfect for Sunday suppers or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Stew:
- 2 tbsp 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 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- 3/4 to 1 cup whole milk
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add Broth & Chicken: Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir in cooked chicken and continue simmering.
- Make the Dumpling Dough: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk until a soft dough forms.
- Drop the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough directly onto the simmering stew. Do not stir once added.
- Steam & Finish: Cover tightly and reduce heat to low. Cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, allowing dumplings to puff. Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Don’t lift the lid: Dumplings need steam to rise and cook properly.
- Keep heat low: Boiling will cause dumplings to fall apart or become gummy.
- Make ahead tip: Prep broth and chicken ahead, but make dumplings fresh before serving.
- Shortcut version: Use biscuit dough or Bisquick for quick drop dumplings.
- Storage: Store leftovers up to 3 days; reheat gently with extra broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Simmered
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings, Southern Chicken Recipe, Homemade Dumplings, Comfort Food, Chicken Stew, Classic Southern Dinner, Family Meal, Sunday Supper, Traditional Chicken and Dumplings, Chicken Dinner Recipe