Ben Kenwood November 22, 2025

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Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Name: Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup butter; 3/4 cup milk

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There’s something undeniably heartwarming about Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings, a dish that encapsulates the essence of home-cooked comfort. Imagine the aroma of simmering broth mingling with tender chicken and pillowy dumplings wafting through your kitchen on a chilly afternoon. It’s the perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy evenings when you want to nourish both body and soul. This traditional dish, rich in flavor and nostalgia, brings warmth to the table, making it an essential in every home cook’s repertoire.

Why This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Works

What makes Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings so appealing? It’s not just the comforting flavors that linger on your palate; it’s also the simplicity and versatility of the dish. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Incredibly comforting: The combination of tender chicken and soft dumplings creates a hug in a bowl.
Quick to prepare: This dish can be on the table in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Customizable: You can easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables or spices.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty meal, making it perfect for shared family moments.

Gather These Ingredients

Before you dive into making your Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings, ensure you have all your ingredients ready. The simplicity of the components highlights their important roles in this dish. Be sure to swap in turkey bacon for a lighter touch. Here’s what you will need:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup milk

These everyday ingredients blend together to deliver warmth and satisfaction.

Bringing It Together

Creating Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a straightforward yet rewarding process. Follow these easy steps to bring this cozy dish to life:

Simmer the broth: In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth and heat it over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, filling your kitchen with its comforting aroma.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry components will ensure an even rise for your dumplings.
Incorporate butter: Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This will create a tender texture in your dumplings.
Add the milk: Gradually stir in the milk, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Prepare the dumplings: On a floured surface, roll out the dough until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough into strips, creating the classic dumpling shape.
Cook the dumplings: Drop the strips gently into the simmering broth. Allow them to cook for about 15 minutes until they float and are tender; this is the moment your kitchen will feel like home.
Combine chicken: Finally, add the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring gently until it is warmed through. Serve hot, and enjoy the delightfully comforting taste.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 30 minutes, Total ~ 45 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 250 per serving (estimation).

Plan Ahead

If you want to save some time on a busy day, you can prepare several components of your Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time. You can cook and shred the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The dumpling dough can also be made ahead—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply simmer the broth, drop in the dumplings, and add the chicken for a quick and comforting meal.

How to Store Leftovers

Should you have any leftovers, don’t worry—Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings keep well! Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish, but note that the dumplings may lose some texture upon reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy again, gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. The telltale smell of savory broth is your cue that it’s time to dig in.

Perfect Pairings

When serving Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings, you might want to consider accompanying dishes to complete the meal. Here are a few ideas:

Freshly baked cornbread for a sweet contrast.
A crisp garden salad for a refreshing touch.
Steamed green beans seasoned with a bit of salt.
A side of mashed potatoes if you want to add more comfort.
A dollop of your favorite hot sauce for those who enjoy a little kick.

Make It Your Own

One of the joys of Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is how easily you can switch things up to suit your tastes. Try these variations to customize your dish:

Add vegetables: Toss in diced carrots, peas, or celery during the broth simmering step for added nutrition and flavor.
Herb it up: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the broth with fragrant notes.
Go creamy: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a richer consistency.
Swap proteins: Feel free to use rotisserie chicken or even ground turkey in place of the shredded chicken for a different twist.
Make it spicy: Kick up the flavor with a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for heat.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

For the best results when crafting your Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings, keep these tips in mind:

Use fresh ingredients to enhance flavor.
Allow the dumplings sufficient space to puff up in the broth—avoid overcrowding the pot.
Check the dumplings for doneness; they should be fluffy and cooked through.
If you prefer thicker broth, consider adding a cornstarch slurry during the simmering stage.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, frozen chicken works fine. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding.
Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely. You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend, though results may vary.
How do I know when the dumplings are done? Dumplings are done when they float to the top of the broth and are fluffy to touch.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, using beef broth will provide a different, but equally satisfying flavor profile.
How can I make this a one-pot meal? Consider adding frozen mixed vegetables directly into the pot with the broth and chicken for a wholesome and complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a simple dish; it’s a statement of comfort and love. Perfect for gatherings or simple weeknight dinners, this recipe brings warmth and joy to your table. With its heartening flavors and wholesome qualities, it’s a dish that not only nourishes your body but also warms your heart. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and make this timeless classic soon—you won’t regret it!

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Traditional

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Description

A heartwarming dish combining tender chicken and pillowy dumplings in a flavorful broth, perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup milk

Instructions

In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth and heat it over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually stir in the milk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough until it’s about 1/2 inch thick and cut into strips.
Drop the strips gently into the simmering broth and cook for about 15 minutes until they float and are tender.
Add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir gently until warmed through. Serve hot.