Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
When you crave a hug in a bowl, Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect comfort food dinner recipe. This classic dish offers tender chicken, soft dumplings, and a rich, savory broth that will warm you from the inside out.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth works best. You can use vegetable broth for a different flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is essential for both the sauce and dumplings.
- Milk: Whole milk creates a richer sauce, but 2% also works.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion are standard. You can add frozen peas or corn at the end.
- Herbs: Dried parsley is great; fresh parsley or thyme can also be used.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, mixing bowls, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken and Broth
Add the cut chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Dumpling Dough
While the chicken cooks, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined; do not overmix. The dough will be slightly sticky.
4. Drop the Dumplings
Increase the heat under the pot to a gentle boil. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth. Leave a little space between each dumpling.
5. Cook the Dumplings
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to allow them to steam properly.
6. Serve Your Comfort Food Dinner
Once the dumplings are cooked, gently stir the pot. Ladle the Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Variation Ideas
- Herbaceous Twist: Add dried sage or rosemary to the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) at the very end for a thicker, creamier broth.
- Vegetable Boost: Include frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken. Add it during step 2 after the vegetables have softened and before adding the broth.
Why are my dumplings tough?
Overmixing the dumpling dough or cooking them at too high a heat can make them tough. Mix until just combined and maintain a gentle simmer.
Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
While you can freeze the chicken and broth portion, the dumplings tend to get mushy when thawed and reheated. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or store leftovers in the fridge.
What if my broth isn’t thick enough?
You can create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the simmering broth before adding dumplings until desired thickness is reached.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
You can cook the chicken and vegetables in a slow cooker, but it’s best to add the dumplings to a simmering pot on the stovetop during the last 20 minutes for best results.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced potatoes, green beans, or even spinach for extra nutrients in this comfort food dinner recipe.
