Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

August 12, 2025 by admin

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**For the Dumplings:**

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tbsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
* 3/4 cup milk (plus more if needed)

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### **Instructions**

1. **Cook the Chicken:**

* In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken, water or broth, carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
* Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

2. **Remove and Shred the Chicken:**

* Remove the chicken from the pot, discard skin and bones, and shred the meat. Return it to the pot and simmer while you prepare the dumplings.

3. **Make the Dumplings:**

* In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* Stir in milk just until the dough comes together (don’t overmix).

4. **Drop Dumplings into the Pot:**

* Using a spoon or your hands, drop small spoonfuls of dough on top of the simmering stew. Cover with a lid and let the dumplings cook (steam) for about 15 minutes — don’t lift the lid during this time!

5. **Serve and Savor:**

* Once dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, ladle the chicken, veggies, broth, and dumplings into bowls. Serve hot.

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### **Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings**

* **Don’t overwork the dumpling dough** — gentle hands make for tender dumplings.
* **Use homemade broth** if possible — it deepens the flavor and feels more traditional.
* **Make it ahead** — leftovers taste even better the next day.
* **Add a splash of cream** or milk to the broth for a richer, creamy version.

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### **Why We Keep Coming Back to This Dish**

In a world full of fast food and complicated trends, Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a reminder that the simplest things are often the best. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together — around tables, across generations, and through memories.

So the next time you need a dish that feels like home, make a pot of this. Let it simmer slowly. Let the aroma fill the house. Let the first bite remind you that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated.

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Would you like a printable version of this recipe, a step-by-step video script, or social media captions to go with it? I’d be happy to help!