There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings to bring warmth and comfort to your table. This dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich, savory broth that’s the definition of home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this recipe delivers unbeatable flavor and satisfying textures with every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft dumplings make for the perfect cold-weather meal.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps mean you can have this meal on the table with minimal fuss.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or make the dumplings extra fluffy with one simple trick (keep reading!).
Ingredients & Their Roles
For the Chicken Stew:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs – A combination of both gives the best texture and flavor. Thighs add richness, while breasts stay lean.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – Helps create a thick, velvety broth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided – Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Adds a rich, comforting depth of flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped – Provides a flavorful base for the broth.
- 2 carrots, chopped – Adds natural sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – Enhances the broth’s savory undertones.
- 4 cups chicken broth – The foundation of the stew; homemade or low-sodium store-bought is best.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances and enhances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme – Infuses an earthy, herbal note.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano – Brings subtle depth to the broth.
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dumplings.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the dumplings rise and stay light.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the dumplings.
- 1 cup milk – Adds moisture for tender, fluffy dumplings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dumplings
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Cover and set aside while you make the stew.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Stir in the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Make the Gravy
Sprinkle the ½ cup of flour over the vegetables, stirring well to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. Simmer the Chicken
Return the browned chicken to the pot and add salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Cook the Dumplings
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid—this traps steam, helping the dumplings cook through.
7. Serve & Enjoy
Remove from heat and let the stew stand for 5 minutes. Serve hot, ensuring each bowl gets a generous scoop of dumplings and flavorful broth.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken – The bones add depth to the broth, making it even more flavorful.
- Want fluffier dumplings? Use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose.
- Don't overmix the dumpling batter! Stir just until combined; overmixing can make them dense.
- No chicken broth? You can use vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube for added flavor.
- Add more veggies – Stir in peas, corn, or even diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
- For a herbaceous touch, add a bay leaf to the broth while it simmers.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings
While this dish is a meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with:
- A side of crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up every drop of that rich broth.
- A fresh green salad – Balances the hearty flavors with a crisp, refreshing bite.
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts – Adds a bright contrast to the creamy dish.
Final Thoughts
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or when you just need a hug in a bowl. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying. Follow these simple steps and pro tips to create a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Make a pot today and savor the warmth of homemade goodness!