Few dishes bring the same comfort as a warm bowl of Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings. This Southern classic is rich, creamy, and full of flavor — tender chicken simmered in a golden broth with soft, pillowy dumplings that melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes everyone feel at home.
This recipe brings back the feeling of slow-cooked Sunday dinners, where family gathered around the table, and every spoonful carried love and tradition. Despite its hearty taste, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare — no fancy ingredients, just pure homemade goodness.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, diced
3 tablespoons butter
For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes
¾ cup milk
For the Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparing the Chicken
Start by making a flavorful base. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. The aroma will instantly give your kitchen that warm, home-cooked scent.
Add the chicken broth, water, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well, then place the chicken pieces into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Set it aside while you prepare the dumplings.
Making the Dumplings
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Pour in the milk gradually and stir just until a soft dough forms. The key is not to overmix — the lighter you handle the dough, the fluffier your dumplings will be.
Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into small squares (about 1×1 inch). You can also drop spoonfuls of dough directly into the broth if you prefer more rustic dumplings.
Cooking the Dumplings
Return the pot with the broth to medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil. Drop the dumplings one at a time into the simmering broth, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings cook for about 10–12 minutes. They’ll puff up slightly and become soft and tender. You’ll notice the broth thickening as the flour from the dumplings mixes with the liquid, creating that creamy, velvety texture that defines this dish.
Bringing It All Together
Once the dumplings are fully cooked, stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Pour in the heavy cream (or milk, if using) and stir gently. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
If you want a thicker texture, whisk two tablespoons of flour with a little water and stir it into the pot. Let it simmer for an extra 5 minutes to reach the perfect creamy consistency.
The chicken will absorb the flavors of the broth, while the dumplings soak in the buttery, savory sauce — creating the ultimate comfort meal.
Serving the Dish
Ladle generous portions into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve it hot, ideally with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce or a side of green beans or salad to balance the richness.
Chicken and dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, but they taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s the perfect dish for cozy evenings, cold weather, or whenever you need something hearty and satisfying.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
• Don’t overmix the dough — that’s the secret to tender, fluffy dumplings.
• Use chicken thighs for extra flavor; they stay juicy even after simmering.
• Add a dash of thyme, rosemary, or poultry seasoning if you want a deeper herbal note.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of sour cream just before serving.
• If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken — it works beautifully.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe captures the heart of Southern comfort food — slow-simmered simplicity with layers of rich, homemade flavor. The broth forms the foundation: buttery, seasoned, and lightly thickened for that classic creamy texture. The dumplings bring the magic, transforming from soft dough to delicate, cloud-like bites that soak up every bit of flavor.
The balance between the tender chicken and the savory sauce is what makes this dish timeless. Every bite feels wholesome and deeply comforting — the kind of meal that warms your body and soul at the same time.
It’s not just food; it’s a piece of tradition, passed down through generations, and loved for its simplicity and heart.
Home-Cook Review
“I’ve been making this old-fashioned chicken and dumplings for years, and it never fails to impress. My family asks for it every week! The dumplings are so soft, and the broth is rich and creamy. Sometimes I add a bit of thyme or use rotisserie chicken when I’m in a hurry — it’s always delicious and comforting. Definitely a recipe to keep forever.”
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
You can also freeze it for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly — it will taste just as delicious as the day you made it.
Final Touch
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a recipe — it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Simple ingredients come together to create something deeply comforting and full of flavor. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and soft dumplings make every bite a reminder of why homemade food always feels special.
Serve it on a chilly evening, share it with loved ones, and enjoy that feeling of warmth that only true comfort food can bring. With just one pot and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a dish that tastes like home every single time.