Homemade Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
A classic Southern comfort food recipe featuring tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings. Perfect for cozy family dinners!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Broth:
- 1 whole chicken or chicken parts, such as thighs or breasts
- 10 cups of water
- 1 medium onion quartered
- 2-3 garlic cloves smashed
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 carrots cut into big chunks (optional)
- 2 celery stalks cut into large chunks (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 3/4 cup of milk or buttermilk for a creamier taste
- Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Broth: Simmer chicken, vegetables, and herbs in water for 30-40 minutes. Remove chicken, shred, and strain the broth.
- Make the Dumplings: Mix flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk to form a thick batter.
- Combine and Cook: Add shredded chicken back to the broth, drop dumpling batter into the simmering broth, and cook for 20-30 minutes until fluffy.
Notes
- For a richer broth, use fresh chicken and roast it before simmering.
- Avoid overmixing the dumpling batter to keep them light and fluffy.
- Add vegetables like peas or celery for extra flavor and texture.
- Shortcut option: Use Bisquick or Pillsbury biscuits for quicker dumplings.