Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumpling Recipe

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This Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings recipe is made with tender shredded chicken, rich broth, and soft, buttery dumplings. It’s a simple, homemade meal that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving comfort food. Serve it on its own or over buttery mashed potatoes for an extra-hearty dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumpling Recipe

This is one of those family recipes you’ll want to make again and again. The homemade dumplings are soft, fluffy, and full of flavor because they cook right in the chicken broth. Everything comes together in one pot with simple ingredients. It takes a little time, but the homemade dumplings are worth it!

Types of Dumplings

There are two types of dumplings used in chicken and dumplings: flat dumplings, which are more like noodles, and drop dumplings, which are soft and biscuit-like.

Both are delicious, but this recipe uses drop dumplings, just like Grandma made them! I love their soft, fluffy texture, which pairs perfectly with the chicken and savory broth. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Which kind do you like best?

Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you’ll need to make old-fashioned chicken and dumplings, from the flavorful broth to the tender dumplings.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and soften the onions and carrots.
• Chicken: A whole chicken cut into eight pieces adds plenty of flavor to the broth. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts work well, too.
• Onion and Carrots: These classic veggies add flavor and a little sweetness to the broth.
• Chicken Broth: Regular or low-sodium broth works just fine. Homemade chicken broth is great if you have some on hand.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Thyme, poultry seasoning, tarragon, garlic powder, and bay leaves give the broth that familiar, savory flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the homemade dumplings.
• Salt: Brings out the dumplings’ flavor.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Help the dumplings puff up as they cook.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps keep the dumplings tender.
• Buttermilk: Gives the dumplings a tender texture with a little tang. No buttermilk in the fridge? Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of milk instead.

Love warm, comforting soup? Check out these recipes: 10-Minute Broccoli Cheese Soup, Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup, Creamy Tomato Bisque Recipe, and Chicken Meatball & Barley Soup.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

The steps are simple, and if you follow these carefully, you won’t have any issues. For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card down below.

Step 1: Brown Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then brown in batches, turning to brown both sides. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil before browning the second batch.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Add the Broth

Remove the chicken and sauté the onions and carrots over medium heat for about 3 minutes, until the onions begin to soften. Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add the thyme, poultry seasoning, tarragon, garlic powder, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Simmer the Chicken

Cover the pot and bring the broth to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Return It to the Pot

Remove the chicken, discard the bones and excess fat, and shred or cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot. (Save those bones for your next batch of GAPS bone broth!)

Step 5: Make the Dumplings

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the melted butter and buttermilk, stirring just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the dumplings tender.

Step 6: Drop the Dumpling Dough into the Simmering Chicken Pot

Drop large tablespoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the dumplings puff up and float to the surface.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste the broth and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the chicken, dumplings, and broth into bowls. Add chopped chives, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the dough: Stir just until everything comes together. A few lumps are fine! Overworking the dough can make your dumplings tough instead of soft and tender.
• Keep the broth at a gentle simmer: A rolling boil can break apart the dumplings before they set. Lower the heat before adding the dough.
• Leave room for the dumplings: Drop the dough into the pot, leaving a little space between each spoonful so they can expand as they cook.
• Keep the lid on while the dumplings cook: Trapped steam helps the dumplings cook evenly. Resist the urge to lift the lid too soon.
• Let the broth thicken naturally: The dumplings release a little starch as they cook, helping give the broth more body. Gently stir around the dumplings rather than stirring them directly.

What to Serve With Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings make a filling meal on their own, but a simple side dish rounds everything out. Here are a few favorites to serve alongside them.

• Corn Casserole: A creamy, buttery corn casserole adds sweetness.
• Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds: Crunchy broccoli, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing balance out the warm, savory chicken and dumplings.
• Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad: Shaved Brussels sprouts and tangy Caesar dressing add a fresh, crisp side.
• Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make the meal extra filling and pair well with the savory broth.

For more ideas, check out What to Eat With Chicken and Dumplings for more side dishes to try.

I hope you love this family-favorite chicken-and-dumplings recipe! The fluffy homemade dumplings are my favorite part. The printable recipe card is below. Enjoy! 🙂

Tools You’ll Need

Here are the basic tools you’ll need to make this Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumpling recipe.

• Large pot or Dutch oven – gives the chicken, broth, and dumplings plenty of room to cook.
• Mixing bowl – makes it easy to prepare the dumpling dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons – help you measure the ingredients accurately.
• Prep bowls – keep your ingredients organized and ready to use.

More Chicken Soup Recipes to Try!

If you loved my Chicken and Dumplings recipe, you’ll love these other chicken soups too!

• Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Noodles
• Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
• Chicken Pot Pie Soup
• Creamy Chicken Chowder
• Lemon Chicken Quinoa Soup
• White Chicken Chili

Storing and Reheating

Allow leftover chicken and dumpling soup to cool to room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that the dumplings may be a little softer after freezing.

To Reheat: Warm leftovers in the microwave or in a pot on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. If the broth has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tag me @laurens_latest.