When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth come together under a blanket of fluffy homemade dumplings. Each spoonful is cozy, filling, and nostalgic—like a warm hug straight from the kitchen.
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces | 2 lbs |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup |
| Olive oil, divided | 2 tablespoons |
For the Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Large carrots, peeled and diced | 2 |
| Celery stalks, diced | 2 |
| Large onion, diced | 1 |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Chicken broth | 5–6 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Frozen peas, thawed | 1 1/2 cups |
For the Dumplings:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Buttermilk | 3/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste (for chicken & sauce) |
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss in flour until coated.
- Brown Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Cook chicken until browned on the outside, about 3–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil and butter, then sauté carrots, celery, and onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Build Broth: Stir in chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Return chicken to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Finish Sauce Base: Add heavy cream and peas. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Prepare Dumplings: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in buttermilk and eggs just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth, leaving space for expansion.
- Simmer & Serve: Cover, reduce heat, and cook for about 15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and the chicken is cooked through. Serve hot.
This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is hearty, flavorful, and the ultimate bowl of comfort—perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a little food for the soul.