Print

Cozy Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

chicken and dumplings recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, comforting homemade chicken and dumplings dish featuring tender chicken, savory broth, and light, fluffy dumplings. Perfect for cozy evenings and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup whole milk or buttermilk (or dairy-free milk substitute)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for extra creaminess

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs or breasts. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion into bite-size pieces.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Nestle the chicken pieces into the veggies. Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaves and thyme, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. While the chicken simmers, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. The batter should be thick but spoonable.
  5. Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Discard bay leaves. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir gently.
  6. Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the simmering broth. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. After 15 minutes, remove the lid and check that the dumplings are cooked through. Stir in a splash of cream if using, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and remove from heat.
  8. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Do not overmix dumpling batter to keep dumplings light and fluffy. Simmer gently to avoid breaking dumplings apart. Avoid lifting the lid while dumplings cook to trap steam. Use fresh baking powder for best rise. Shred warm chicken for better texture. For gluten-free dumplings, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum if needed. Dairy-free substitutions include plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and dumplings, comfort food, easy chicken recipe, homemade dumplings, cozy dinner, one pot meal

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/cozy-grandmas-chicken-and-dumplings-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/