Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that warms the soul and fills the belly? This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings together tender chicken, rich broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings – just like grandma used to make!

Ingredients:

For the Soup:
1 whole chicken (about 1.5–2 kg), cut into pieces or 4 cups cooked shredded chicken

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

1 onion, diced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

8 cups chicken broth

1 tsp dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup milk

3 tbsp butter (melted)

Optional: 1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives for added flavor

Instructions:

Cook the Chicken (if using raw)
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and brown slightly. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Simmer the Broth
Return chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth, add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 45 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Shortcut: If using pre-cooked chicken, skip the simmering and just heat the broth and veggies for 15–20 minutes.

Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces, discard bones and skin, and shred the meat. Return the meat to the pot.

Make the Dumplings
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

Add the Dumplings
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 tbsp each) into the pot. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid.

Tip: The steam cooks the dumplings—do not stir!

Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure everyone gets dumplings and chicken in every bite. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic, nostalgic flavor

Budget-friendly and filling

One-pot meal

Easy to adapt with leftover chicken or turkey

Ideal for cold weather and cozy nights.