The Best Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade chicken and dumpling recipe brings comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a lazy weekend meal.
- Rich and hearty flavors that remind you of grandma’s kitchen, with tender chicken and soft, fluffy dumplings.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile and customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
Recipe
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth. This classic recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a cold day.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 8 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup shortening
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine chicken, water, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the broth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until the dough comes together.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes:
- For added flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of water.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or ladle
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6-8 servings
Nutrition
| Nutrition | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Total Carbs | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade chicken and dumplings with classic side dishes, like buttery cornbread or a crisp green salad, to balance the rich flavors. Comforting pairings, such as mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, make the meal even heartier, perfect for chilly nights. Don’t forget a tangy coleslaw or warm biscuits—they add just the right touch to round it all out.
Classic Side Dishes
When you’re serving up a comforting bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings, it’s easy to think the dish is complete on its own, but I’ve found that adding a few classic sides can really elevate the whole meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a revitalizing contrast to the richness of the dumplings. Steamed or roasted green beans, tossed with a hint of garlic, bring a healthy, earthy note to the table. And don’t forget a basket of warm, buttery cornbread—it’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that savory broth. These simple sides make the meal feel complete.
Comforting Pairings
Even though chicken and dumplings can stand on their own, I’ve found that pairing them with the right sides can take the meal from cozy to unforgettable. I love serving it with a simple green salad—crisp lettuce, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette—to balance the richness. Garlic butter green beans or roasted carrots add a pop of color and freshness. For a heartier option, cornbread or crusty bread soaks up the creamy broth perfectly. And don’t forget a glass of chilled sweet tea or a crisp white wine to round it all out. These pairings elevate every bite without stealing the show.
