Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a simple and comforting meal that is perfect for family dinners and cozy evenings at home. This classic recipe combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft dumplings into one hearty dish that feels warm and satisfying.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients and easy cooking steps. Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup easier and the flavors even better. This dish is perfect when you want a filling homemade dinner that tastes comforting and classic.
1. Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe ( Yield: 6 Servings )
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon paste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 12 oz evaporated milk, canned
- ½ cup frozen peas
- fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
For the Dumplings
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add the diced celery, carrots, and chopped onion. Cook the vegetables for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the unsalted butter to the pot and allow it to melt completely. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. This helps cook out the raw flour taste and creates a roux that thickens the broth later.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Stir in the chicken bouillon paste, dried thyme, dried sage, dried rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until the seasonings are evenly combined.
Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir to combine.
Pour in the evaporated milk and add the frozen peas. Stir well and allow the soup mixture to simmer gently while preparing the dumpling dough.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt for the dumplings. Add the milk, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough because this can make the dumplings dense instead of light and fluffy.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly onto the simmering soup. Space the dumplings evenly across the top of the broth. Once all the dumplings are added, cover the pot tightly with a lid.
Reduce the heat to low and cook the dumplings for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid. The trapped steam helps the dumplings cook properly and become soft and fluffy.
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the lid and check that the dumplings are fully cooked through. They should look puffed up and no longer doughy in the center.
Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting homemade meal.
2. Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Use low heat when simmering the soup to keep the broth creamy and prevent the chicken from becoming tough. A gentle simmer also helps the dumplings cook evenly.
Make sure the dumpling dough is mixed just until combined. Overmixing can make the dumplings heavy instead of soft and fluffy.
Keep the lid closed while the dumplings cook. The steam trapped inside the pot is what helps them rise properly and stay tender.
Cut the carrots, celery, and onions into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and blend well into the soup.
If you prefer a thicker broth, let the soup simmer a little longer before adding the dumplings. For a thinner consistency, stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk.
Chicken thighs are a great option if you want extra juicy and flavorful meat, while chicken breasts create a lighter version of the dish.
Taste the broth before adding the dumplings and adjust the seasoning if needed. The flavor of the broth is important because the dumplings absorb some of it while cooking.
Fresh parsley added right before serving gives the dish a fresh finish and adds extra color to the bowl.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken and dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup portion ahead of time and refrigerate it. For the best texture, make the dumplings fresh when ready to serve.
Why are my dumplings dense instead of fluffy?
Dense dumplings are usually caused by overmixing the dough or cooking at too high of a temperature. Gentle mixing and low simmering help create soft dumplings.
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply add the cooked shredded chicken after the broth has simmered with the vegetables and seasonings.
Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
The soup freezes well, but dumplings can become softer after thawing. If freezing, many people prefer making fresh dumplings when reheating the soup later.
What side dishes go well with chicken and dumplings?
This dish pairs well with green beans, roasted vegetables, cornbread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
4. Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 125mg |
| Sodium | 980mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Calcium | 220mg |
Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a simple homemade meal that brings comfort and flavor to the dinner table. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings create a hearty dish that is both filling and satisfying. It is an easy recipe that works well for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy evenings at home.
Another great thing about this recipe is how timeless and versatile it is. You can adjust the seasonings, vegetables, or chicken to fit your preferences while still keeping the classic comforting flavor. Once you try this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe, it will easily become one of your favorite comfort food meals to make again and again.
