Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

 

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🥣 Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

Hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor

Made from scratch with simple pantry ingredients

The ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings or Sunday dinners

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken & Broth:

1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) – Provides rich flavor and tender meat

8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth – The base of the soup

2 carrots, sliced – Adds sweetness and texture

2 celery stalks, sliced – Adds depth and balance

1 onion, chopped – For aromatic base flavor

3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds subtle richness

2 bay leaves – Infuses a classic herbal note

1 tsp salt – Enhances the overall flavor

½ tsp black pepper – For a touch of warmth

1 tsp dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh – Classic flavoring for chicken

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour – The main dumpling base

1 tbsp baking powder – Makes dumplings light and fluffy

½ tsp salt – Balances flavor

¾ cup whole milk – Binds the dough

4 tbsp butter (cold and cubed) – Adds richness and tenderness

Optional: 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – For color and freshness

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chicken, water/broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

3. Remove the chicken, discard bay leaves, and shred the meat (discard skin and bones). Return shredded chicken to the pot.

2. Make the Dumplings

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.

3. Stir in milk until a sticky dough forms (do not overmix).

4. (Optional) Fold in parsley for a fresh touch.

3. Cook the Dumplings

1. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.

2. Drop spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon each) of dough onto the surface of the broth.

3. Cover and simmer (do not lift the lid!) for 15 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

4. Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley and cracked pepper.

Pair with warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits.

Add a side salad for a balanced meal.

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🔥 Pro Tips

Don’t peek while dumplings cook! Keeping the lid on traps steam that helps them rise.

Use leftover chicken or rotisserie for quicker prep.

Add a splash of cream to the broth if you want it extra rich and silky.

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🧡 Why This Recipe Is Loved

This old-fashioned chicken and dumplings recipe is beloved for its simple ingredients and soul-satisfying flavor. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just craving a warm bowl of nostalgia, it always delivers comfort with every spoonful.

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