How to Create Classic Chicken and Dumplings (Step-by-Step Guide)
Chicken and dumplings are a timeless comfort food. There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich, savory broth. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it! This simple recipe will guide you through creating homemade, old-fashioned chicken and dumplings with easy-to-follow instructions. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a hearty meal, this dish is sure to bring smiles all around.
What Is Chicken and Dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings is a traditional, Southern-inspired dish that combines shredded chicken and fluffy dumplings in a thick, flavorful broth. The dumplings are soft dough balls that cook right in the soup, absorbing all the tasty flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need something warm and filling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these basic ingredients:
For the Soup/Base:
- 2 pounds of chicken (thighs, breasts, or a mix)
- 6 cups chicken stock or broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken. Here’s how:
1. Place your chicken in a large pot and add the chicken stock (or water if you’re using homemade stock later). Make sure the chicken pieces are submerged.
2. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot using tongs, and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Soup Base
Now it’s time to build the rich and flavorful broth. Follow these steps:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an extra minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the broth.
5. Slowly pour the chicken stock back into the pot, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Add the shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme if you’re using it. Let everything simmer for another 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
Making dumplings is super simple and requires only a few steps:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
2. Add 1/2 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing—the dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 4: Add Dumplings to the Pot
This is where the magic happens—adding dumplings directly into the bubbling broth!
1. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the soup. Use a small spoon or your fingers to shape rough, small dumplings. Each dumpling should be about the size of a walnut.
2. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook on low heat for about 15 minutes. Don’t peek! The steam trapped inside the pot helps the dumplings cook and rise.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
After 15 minutes, your chicken and dumplings should be ready to serve. Give everything a gentle stir, but be careful not to break apart your dumplings.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning—add extra salt or pepper if needed. If your broth looks too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.
Tips for Success
- Use Dark Meat for More Flavor: Chicken thighs add extra richness to the dish, but chicken breasts work fine if you prefer white meat.
- Homemade Stock Is Best: If you have time, making your own stock adds incredible depth to the flavor. Use leftover chicken bones, carrots, celery, and onions simmered in water for a couple of hours.
- Don’t Overcook Dumplings: Keep the pot covered while they cook to ensure soft, fluffy dumplings.
A Meal That Brings Everyone Together
Classic chicken and dumplings is more than just a meal—it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s simple, satisfying, and made with love. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe is a foolproof way to create a dish that feels warm and familiar.
So grab your apron and start cooking. With this recipe, you’ll have a delicious pot of chicken and dumplings ready to enjoy in no time. Fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma, and prepare for everyone to ask for seconds!
Bon appétit!
