Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy broth make this dish the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this hearty dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cooking Notes
• Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3 medium carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 rotisserie chicken (shredded, about 3-4 cups)

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 3/4 cup whole milk

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Chicken

1. Pour in the chicken broth, water, and add the bay leaf.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the shredded rotisserie chicken.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the dumplings.

Step 3: Make the Dumplings

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, dried thyme (if using), and black pepper.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the milk until just combined; the dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

1. Bring the chicken stew back to a gentle boil.
2. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam helps the dumplings cook evenly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
2. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, making sure each serving has plenty of tender chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Notes

• Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is convenient, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or poached chicken breasts.
• Broth: For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth or add a bouillon cube for extra depth.
• Dumplings: Be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough, as it can result in tough dumplings. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.

Variations

Herb Dumplings

• Add 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs such as parsley, rosemary, or chives to the dumpling dough for added flavor.

Creamy Chicken and Dumplings

• Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the broth before adding the dumplings for a creamier stew.

Vegetable Chicken and Dumplings

• Add 1 cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the chicken stew portion ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the stew, then prepare and cook the dumplings fresh.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Keep in mind that the dumplings may become denser after refrigeration.

Can I Freeze Chicken and Dumplings?

You can freeze the chicken stew portion, but the dumplings do not freeze well as they may lose their fluffy texture. To freeze, store the stew in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, defrost, reheat, and prepare fresh dumplings.

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, hearty meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a flavorful broth, it’s a dish that’s perfect for cold winter evenings or when you need a comforting meal. Customize it to your liking with different herbs and vegetables, and enjoy this classic family favorite.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every warm, comforting bite of this old-fashioned dish!