There’s something particularly heartwarming about a bowl of Chicken and Dumplings. This classic comfort dish, filled with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth, carries the nostalgia of family gatherings and comforting meals shared with loved ones. It’s a recipe that combines simplicity with rich, homey flavors, making it perfect for those cozy evenings or special family occasions.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, chicken broth, water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 40 minutes. Skim any foam that forms on the surface.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Discard the bay leaves. Shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and season the broth with salt and black pepper to taste.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the dumplings.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the buttermilk until a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth, cover the pot, and cook until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy, about 15-20 minutes.
- Ladle the Chicken and Dumplings into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Helpful Tips
If you’re a beginner, don’t worry about the shape of your dumplings. They may look rustic, but they will taste amazing.
For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. You can also add a splash of cream to the broth for a creamier texture.
Substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if needed.
Pairings
Serve Chicken and Dumplings with a side of crusty cornbread to soak up the delicious broth. A refreshing lemonade or iced tea complements this meal beautifully.
We hope this comforting Chicken and Dumplings recipe becomes a beloved favorite in your household. Share your delicious creations using #ZynahzRecipes or tag Zynahz on Instagram. We would love to hear your feedback; leave a comment on the website here! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest recipes and updates, and follow Zynahz on social media for more culinary inspiration.
