This old-fashioned Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the kind you remember from grandma’s kitchen—juicy chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth and topped with big fluffy dumplings that cook to perfection right on top. It’s warm, filling, and the ultimate Southern comfort food dinner that tastes like home.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is for anyone who loves hearty, soul-soothing meals. Perfect for busy families, home cooks wanting a from-scratch chicken recipe, or anyone craving a budget-friendly comfort food classic that stretches simple ingredients into a meal that feels luxurious.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fluffy, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the flavor.
- One-pot dinner that’s easy and affordable.
- Comfort food classic that never goes out of style.
- Perfect for cold days or when you just need something cozy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), cut into pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
For the Fluffy Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a squeeze of lemon juice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the broth
- Place chicken in a large pot with broth, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and seasonings. Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes until chicken is tender. Remove chicken, shred the meat, and discard bones/skin. Return meat to the pot.
- Prepare the dumpling dough
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture looks crumbly. Stir in buttermilk until just combined (do not overmix).
- Drop the dumplings
- Bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of the broth.
- Steam to fluffy perfection
- Cover the pot tightly with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not peek—this ensures dumplings puff up big and fluffy.
- Serve warm
- Ladle chicken, broth, and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large stockpot
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk & wooden spoon
- Ladle
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
- Not ideal for freezing (dumplings may lose texture).
FAQ
Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but simmering a whole chicken makes the broth much richer.
Q: How do I keep dumplings fluffy?
Don’t overmix the dough and keep the lid on while steaming.
Q: Can I add cream to the broth?
Absolutely—stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end for a creamy chicken and dumplings variation.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Dumplings recipe with fluffy drop dumplings is a nostalgic, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With tender chicken, rich broth, and dumplings that melt in your mouth, it’s the ultimate homemade comfort food.
Enjoy !!
