Grandmother’s Creamy Chicken and Dumplings

One of my most cherished childhood memories revolves around Sunday afternoons spent in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. The air would be filled with the comforting aromas of simmering broth and baked bread, creating an irresistible invitation that drew my family together. As winter chill settled outside, my grandmother would masterfully whip up her famous Chicken and Dumplings—a dish that not only warmed our bellies but also our hearts. This recipe was more than just a meal; it was a tradition, a family connection, a chance to create beautiful memories while savoring every delicious bite.

What makes this Chicken and Dumplings special is its rich, velvety broth combined with fluffy homemade dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. Perfect for colder days or any occasion when you need a bit of comfort, this dish is not just food; it’s a celebration of togetherness and love. So roll up your sleeves and join me in the kitchen to recreate a time-honored classic that will surely delight your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: Perfectly rich and savory.
• Family-Friendly: Kid-approved; even picky eaters will love it!
• One-Pot Wonder: Easy clean-up with all ingredients in one pot.
• Customizable: Easily adapt with seasonal vegetables or proteins.
• Make Ahead: Ideal for meal prep or freezing!

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs), cut into pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup butter, melted
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook Chicken: In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for about 1 hour until the chicken is tender.
2. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Set aside.

Create the Broth

3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until softened.
4. Add Chicken and Seasoning: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.

Make the Dumplings

5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
6. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine milk and melted butter. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
7. Drop Dumplings: Spoon the dumpling dough over the simmering broth in heaping tablespoons. Do not overcrowd; they will expand.

Cook Dumplings

8. Simmer: Cover the pot and simmer for 15–20 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, avoiding lifting the lid during cooking to keep the steam in.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetable Boost: Add seasonal veggies like peas or green beans for extra color and nutrition.
• Herbs & Spices: Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or dill to change the flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450
• Servings: 6

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use rotisserie chicken?
  Absolutely! Just shred the chicken and add it to the broth near the end of cooking.

• What can I substitute for milk in the dumplings?
  You can use any dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk.

• Is it okay to make this dish in advance?
  Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

• How do I fix too-thick broth?
  Simply add a bit more chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions or Pairings

Serve this comforting Chicken and Dumplings with a simple green salad or buttermilk biscuits to soak up that delicious broth. For drinks, a chilled glass of iced tea or a warm apple cider complements the meal beautifully.

Final Thoughts

As you prepare this Chicken and Dumplings recipe, I hope you feel the warmth of family traditions infusing each step. Cooking is all about sharing love and joy, so don’t forget to make it your own. I invite you to share your versions of this dish, or leave a comment below! Let’s keep these cherished memories alive together. Happy cooking!