There's something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. It's a dish that evokes childhood memories, cozy evenings, and the kind of soul-satisfying flavor that only comes from a slow-cooked meal. Forget the canned versions; once you try this recipe, you'll never go back to anything less than scratch-made goodness.
This classic comfort food features tender, shredded chicken swimming in a rich, savory broth, topped with irresistibly soft and fluffy dumplings. It’s a complete meal in one pot, perfect for chilly weather or any time you need a culinary hug.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Our homemade chicken and dumplings recipe isn't just a meal; it's an experience. We're talking about a deeply flavored broth that builds its foundation from a whole chicken, simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices. The dumplings are the star – pillowy soft, light, and perfectly cooked, absorbing all the deliciousness of the broth.
- Authentic Flavor: Using a whole chicken ensures a superior, richer broth.
- Easy-to-Follow Steps: We break down each stage to make it approachable for home cooks.
- Ultimate Comfort: This dish truly warms you from the inside out.
- Feeds a Crowd: Generous servings make it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
The Secret to Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
The Rich, Flavorful Broth
The heart and soul of any great chicken and dumplings recipe lie in its broth. We start by simmering a whole chicken with water, store-bought chicken broth for an extra boost, and a medley of seasonings. This slow simmer extracts maximum flavor, creating a liquid gold that forms the base of your dish. Don't rush this step; it's where the magic happens!
Once the chicken is tender, it's removed and shredded, then returned to a silky, thickened broth that has been enriched with sautéed celery, carrots, and onions. These vegetables not only add flavor but also a subtle sweetness and texture.
Fluffy, Tender Dumplings
Our dumplings are of the 'drop' variety, meaning they're spooned directly into the simmering broth. Made with a simple combination of flour, baking powder, milk, and melted butter, they cook up light and airy. The trick to their perfect texture is not to overmix the dough and to cook them covered, allowing the steam to work its magic.
Essential Tools for Your Kitchen
While you don't need a lot of fancy equipment for chicken and dumplings, a good Quality Chef's Knife will make quick work of dicing your vegetables and shredding your chicken, ensuring a smoother prep process.
Tips for Success
- Don't Overcrowd the Pot: When cooking the dumplings, ensure there's enough space for them to expand. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Gentle Simmer: Maintain a gentle simmer for both the chicken and the dumplings. A rolling boil can break apart the chicken and make dumplings tough.
- Don't Overmix Dumpling Dough: Mix the dumpling ingredients just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough dumplings.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your broth before adding dumplings and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Card
Ready to create this incredible dish? Follow our detailed recipe card below for all the measurements and instructions. Get ready for a truly satisfying meal!
FAQs
What kind of chicken is best for chicken and dumplings?
Using a whole chicken, or bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs and drumsticks, is ideal. The bones and skin add tremendous flavor and richness to the broth, which is crucial for a deeply satisfying dish.
How do I prevent my dumplings from being dense or gummy?
The key to fluffy dumplings is not to overmix the dough. Mix just until combined. Also, ensure your broth is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, when you drop them in, and cook them covered without peeking to trap the steam.
Can I make chicken and dumplings ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and broth portion a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the broth to a simmer and then add the freshly made dumpling dough.
What's the difference between drop dumplings and rolled dumplings?
Drop dumplings, like in this recipe, are typically a softer, spoon-dropped dough that cooks directly in the simmering liquid, resulting in a fluffy, irregular shape. Rolled dumplings are often rolled flat and cut into strips, offering a chewier, noodle-like texture.
Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A comforting, classic recipe for tender chicken in a rich, savory broth topped with fluffy, homemade dumplings.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups water
2 tsp salt (for broth)
1 tsp pepper (for broth)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 bay leaf
½ cup butter
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 onion, diced
½ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
1â…› cups chilled milk
6 tbsp melted butter (for dumplings)
3 cups all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
2 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt (for dumplings)
¼ tsp pepper (for dumplings)
¼ tsp thyme
Instructions
Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the whole chicken, 4 cups chicken broth, 4 cups water, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
Step 2: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate bowl, discarding solids. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat from the bones, discarding skin and bones.
Step 3: In the same pot, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat. Add diced celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are softened. Stir in ½ cup flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Step 4: Gradually whisk the strained chicken broth into the roux, a little at a time, until smooth and no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the broth thickens to a creamy consistency. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and keep warm.
Step 5: To prepare the dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, 2 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and ¼ tsp thyme. In a separate bowl, combine 1⅛ cups chilled milk and 6 tbsp melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon just until combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough (about 1.5-2 tablespoons each) directly into the simmering chicken and broth mixture. Ensure they are submerged. Cover the pot tightly and cook for exactly 10 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows the dumplings to steam and become fluffy.
Step 7: Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your comforting homemade chicken and dumplings!
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, you can roast the whole chicken first before simmering, or add a splash of white wine to the sautéed vegetables. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make a lovely garnish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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