Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring everything together and cook up this delicious dish. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a traditional old-fashioned chicken and dumplings recipe.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken, which will serve as the flavorful base for your soup. In a large pot, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. If using a whole chicken, brown it on all sides for 5-7 minutes, until golden. If using chicken thighs, brown them skin-side down for 4-5 minutes per side. This will help develop flavor. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Don’t worry if the chicken is only partially cooked at this point.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Broth
Return the chicken to the pot (if using a whole chicken, you may need to break it into smaller pieces). Add the chicken broth and water to the pot. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If using chicken thighs, this will take less time than a whole chicken.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. When it’s cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and discard any bones. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 5: Make the Dumpling Batter
While the soup is simmering, you can prepare the dumplings. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, sugar, and garlic powder (if using). Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Next, add the buttermilk and stir just until combined. The dough will be thick, and that’s exactly what you want. Be careful not to overmix; the dumplings will turn out best if they’re a little lumpy and light.
Step 6: Drop the Dumplings
Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the simmering soup. The dumplings will expand as they cook, so make sure to leave a little space between each one. Cover the pot with a lid and cook the dumplings for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid, as this can cause them to collapse. The dumplings should be puffed and cooked through.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the dumplings are cooked, gently stir the soup to ensure everything is well combined. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad to round out the meal.
Serving and Storage
Chicken and dumplings are perfect for a cozy family dinner, a weeknight meal, or even a comforting lunch the next day. Here are some serving suggestions and storage tips:
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve your chicken and dumplings with a slice of warm, crusty bread or cornbread to soak up all the delicious broth.
- As Leftovers: The flavors only improve the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeks or meal prepping.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley, thyme, or chives on top can elevate the dish and add a touch of color.
Storage
Chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dumplings may become a bit more dense as they sit, but the soup will remain flavorful. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if needed. You can also freeze the soup (without the dumplings) for up to 3 months. When reheating, add fresh dumplings or make new ones to complete the dish.
Tips
Here are a few helpful tips to make your chicken and dumplings even better:
- Use Bone-in Chicken: Bone-in chicken (especially thighs) gives the broth more flavor, so try not to skip this step. The bones release rich, savory collagen, making your broth
