Chicken and Dumplings

Classic Homemade Comfort Food, Just Like Grandma Used to Make

Introduction

Chicken and Dumplings is one of the most cherished comfort food dishes in American home cooking. Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this timeless recipe combines tender chicken, rich homemade broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up every ounce of flavor.

Perfect for cold days, family gatherings, or moments when you crave something comforting and familiar, chicken and dumplings has been passed down through generations for a simple reason—it feels like home in every bite.

What Is Chicken and Dumplings?

Chicken and Dumplings is a traditional one-pot dish made by simmering chicken in a seasoned broth and adding homemade dumplings crafted from flour, milk, and butter. The dumplings cook directly in the broth, becoming tender while naturally thickening the soup.

There are two classic styles:

Flat dumplings – rolled thin and cut (Southern-style)
Drop dumplings – soft and fluffy spoon-dropped dough

This recipe follows the traditional Southern flat dumpling method.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth

1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) or 4 bone-in chicken thighs
8 cups water or chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large pot and cover with water or chicken broth. Add salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Slow simmering is essential for developing a rich, flavorful broth.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 3: Add Butter and Onion

Add the butter and finely chopped onion to the pot. Let the mixture simmer gently while preparing the dumplings. The onion will soften and enhance the depth of flavor.

How to Make Homemade Dumplings

Step 4: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make dumplings tough.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dumplings

Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll the dough thin (about ⅛ inch thick) and cut into strips or small squares. Thin dumplings cook evenly and remain tender.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer. Drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring lightly to prevent sticking. Cover the pot and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dumplings are tender and cooked through.

Cooking Method Explained

This dish uses a slow-simmering, one-pot method. Cooking the chicken first creates a flavorful broth, while the dumplings cook directly in the liquid, absorbing flavor and thickening the dish naturally.

History of Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings dates back to early American settlers who relied on simple, affordable ingredients. The dish became especially popular in the Southern United States, where stretching a single chicken to feed a large family was both practical and comforting.

Over time, it evolved into a beloved family recipe, often associated with Sunday dinners, holidays, and home-style cooking.

Benefits of Chicken and Dumplings

High in protein from chicken
Comforting and filling
Budget-friendly ingredients
One-pot meal for easy cleanup
Emotionally comforting and nostalgic

What to Serve With Chicken and Dumplings

Cornbread
Buttermilk biscuits
Green beans or peas
Simple side salad

Tips for Chicken and Dumplings Lovers

Use bone-in chicken for richer broth
Simmer gently—do not boil hard after adding dumplings
Keep the pot covered while dumplings cook
Leftovers taste even better the next day

Why Chicken and Dumplings Lovers Adore This Dish

Lovers of chicken and dumplings appreciate its simplicity, warmth, and nostalgic flavor. It’s a dish that brings families together and turns ordinary ingredients into something truly special.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition. With tender chicken, soft homemade dumplings, and a rich, comforting broth, this dish continues to stand the test of time.

Whether you’re recreating a childhood memory or starting a new family tradition, this classic comfort food will always have a place at the table.