Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Byyasin
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There are some dishes that instantly feel like home — warm, cozy, and deeply satisfying. Old-fashioned chicken and dumplings is one of those meals. Tender chicken simmered in a rich broth, topped with soft fluffy dumplings, and finished in a creamy gravy… it’s the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style.

This is a traditional, hearty family-style recipe made with simple pantry ingredients. No complicated techniques, no fancy equipment — just real cooking that fills the kitchen with incredible aroma and everyone’s bowls with happiness.

Perfect for cold evenings, family dinners, or whenever you need a true comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic homestyle flavor
  • Rich, creamy, and filling
  • Great for feeding a crowd
  • Uses basic ingredients
  • Freezer-friendly leftovers

Ingredients Explained

For the Soup Base

  • Chicken pieces (7 lbs) – A mix of thighs and breasts gives the best flavor and texture.
  • Chicken stock (4 cups) – Homemade is best, but store-bought works great.
  • Onions (2, chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth.
  • Celery (3 stalks, chopped) – Essential for classic chicken soup flavor.
  • Salt (2 tsp) – Enhances all the natural flavors.

For the Dumplings

  • Egg (1 large) – Provides structure and softness.
  • Milk (¼ cup) – Keeps dumplings tender and moist.
  • All-purpose flour (1½ cups, divided) – Forms the dumpling dough and thickens gravy.
  • Baking powder (1½ tsp) – Makes dumplings fluffy.
  • Salt (1 tsp) – Balances the flavor.
  • Cold unsalted butter (2 tbsp) – Creates soft, rich dumplings.
  • Fresh parsley (1 tbsp) – Adds freshness and color.

For the Gravy

  • Water (1 cup) – Helps form the gravy base.
  • Black pepper (½ tsp) – Gentle warmth.
  • Fresh parsley (1 tbsp) – Bright finishing flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Place chicken pieces in a large pot.
  2. Add chicken stock, onions, celery, and salt.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  4. Reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes until chicken is tender.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

  1. In a bowl, whisk egg and milk together.
  2. Add 1 cup flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Grate cold butter into the mixture and stir.
  4. Mix in parsley.

The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Steam the Dumplings

  1. Drop 6 large spoonfuls of dough onto simmering chicken.
  2. Cover the pot tightly.
  3. Steam for 10 minutes (do NOT uncover).

This makes them fluffy instead of dense.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Remove dumplings and chicken.
  2. Shred chicken and discard bones.
  3. Keep warm.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

  1. Strain broth and return liquid to pot.
  2. Whisk water with remaining ½ cup flour until smooth.
  3. Slowly stir into broth.
  4. Add pepper and cook until thickened.

Gravy is ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

  1. Return shredded chicken to gravy.
  2. Place dumplings on top.
  3. Sprinkle parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Best Results

  • Don’t lift the lid while dumplings steam — they collapse.
  • Grate cold butter for lighter dumplings.
  • Thigh meat makes richer broth than breasts alone.
  • If gravy is thin, simmer longer.
  • If too thick, add warm stock.

Variations You Can Try

  • Add carrots and peas for extra vegetables
  • Season with thyme or rosemary
  • Use leftover turkey instead of chicken
  • Add a splash of cream for richer gravy
  • Make drop dumplings smaller for more servings

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store in airtight container up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze up to 3 months (leave space for expansion).

Reheating

  • Microwave: Stir halfway through
  • Stovetop: Add splash of broth and heat gently

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Classic homestyle chicken and dumplings made with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich creamy gravy — the ultimate comfort food meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 20
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Homestyle, Southern
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 7 pounds chicken pieces
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 3 celery stalks chopped
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • Dumplings:
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour divided
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • Gravy:
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Method
 

  1. Place chicken, stock, onions, celery, and salt in pot. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
  2. Mix egg and milk. Add flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Grate butter into mixture and stir in parsley.
  4. Drop spoonfuls onto simmering chicken, cover, and steam 10 minutes.
  5. Remove dumplings and shred chicken.
  6. Strain broth and return to pot.
  7. Whisk water with remaining flour and add to broth.
  8. Cook until thick gravy forms.
  9. Add chicken back and top with dumplings.
  10. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

  • Keep lid closed while dumplings steam
  • Add broth if gravy thickens too much
  • Best flavor with thigh meat
  • Freeze leftovers up to 3 months

FAQs

Why are my dumplings dense?
The pot was opened while steaming or dough was overmixed.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes — it tastes even better next day.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just simmer vegetables in stock first for flavor.

How do I thicken the gravy more?
Simmer longer or add small flour slurry.

Similar Posts