Here’s a classic, comforting Chicken and Dumplings recipe—perfect for a hearty, homestyle meal. 🍲
Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Chicken Stew
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) or 4–5 bone-in chicken thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter or shortening, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Place chicken in a large pot with chicken broth and water.
- Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 45–60 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
2. Remove and Shred Chicken
- Take the chicken out, let cool slightly, then remove bones and skin.
- Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return chicken to the pot.
3. Optional: Thicken the Broth
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a small pan, stir in 2 tbsp flour to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk into the chicken broth to make it slightly thicker.
4. Make the Dumplings
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in butter/shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk until dough comes together.
5. Cook the Dumplings
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto simmering chicken stew.
- Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Dumplings should double in size and be cooked through.
6. Serve
- Ladle chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls.
- Optional: sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Do not lift the lid while dumplings cook—steam is essential for fluffiness.
- Use bone-in chicken for the richest broth.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.
If you want, I can also give a “Southern-style quick version” that uses store-bought biscuits or pre-cooked chicken—perfect for a comforting meal in under 30 minutes.
Do you want me to do that?
