Chicken and Dumplings

Classic Homemade Comfort Food, Just Like Grandma Used to Make

Chicken and Dumplings is one of the most beloved comfort food dishes in American home cooking. Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this classic recipe brings together tender chicken, rich homemade broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up every bit of flavor.

Perfect for cold days, family dinners, or whenever you need a comforting meal, this dish has been passed down through generations for good reason—it’s simple, filling, and unforgettable.

 What Is Chicken and Dumplings?

Chicken and Dumplings is a traditional dish made by simmering chicken in seasoned broth and adding homemade dumplings made from flour, milk, and butter. The dumplings cook directly in the broth, becoming soft and tender while thickening the soup naturally.

There are two main styles:

• Flat dumplings (rolled and cut, Southern style)
• Drop dumplings (soft and fluffy)

This recipe follows the classic Southern flat dumpling style.

 Ingredients

For the Chicken & Broth

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) or 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 8 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large pot and cover with water or chicken broth.

Add:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Poultry seasoning

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

Slow simmering builds a rich, flavorful broth.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly.

• Remove skin and bones
• Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces

Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 3: Add Butter and Onion

Add:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• Finely chopped onion

Simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings. The onion will soften and add depth to the broth.

 How to Make Homemade Dumplings

Step 4: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Stir in:

• Milk
• Melted butter

Mix until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dumplings

Lightly flour a clean surface.

• Roll the dough thin (about 1/8 inch thick)
• Cut into strips or small squares

Thin dumplings cook evenly and stay tender.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer.

• Drop dumplings in one at a time, stirring lightly
• Cover the pot
• Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally

Dumplings are done when they are tender and no longer doughy.

 Final Touches & Serving

Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed with salt and pepper.

Serve hot, straight from the pot, for the ultimate comfort meal.

 Pro Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings

• Bone-in chicken creates richer flavor
• Don’t boil hard after adding dumplings—gentle simmer only
• Let dumplings cook covered for best texture
• Leftovers taste even better the next day

 What to Serve With Chicken and Dumplings

• Cornbread
• Biscuits
• Green beans
• Simple side salad

 Why This Recipe Never Goes Out of Style

• Simple pantry ingredients
• One-pot meal
• Budget-friendly
• Comforting and filling
• Perfect for family gatherings

 Final Thoughts

Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a meal—it’s a warm memory in a bowl. Soft dumplings, tender chicken, and rich broth come together in a dish that feels like home.

Whether you’re making it for the first time or continuing a family tradition, this classic recipe will always bring comfort to the table.