As the crisp autumn breeze whispers through the window, I’m taken back to my grandma’s cozy kitchen. The aroma of her famous homemade chicken and dumplings fills the air. This classic comfort food dish has been a beloved tradition in my family for generations.
I spent countless hours with my grandma, watching her prepare each part of this dish. The tender, juicy chicken, the soft dumplings, and the rich broth were all made with love. Now, it’s my turn to share this recipe that has warmed the hearts of my loved ones for years.
Why This Classic Comfort Food Will Warm Your Soul
Classic comfort foods like chicken and dumplin recipe are special. They’re more than food; they’re a warm hug. They bring back happy memories and make us feel at home.
The chicken and dumplin dish is a favorite in American homes. It reminds us of family times and old recipes. The smell of chicken and dumplings takes us back to simpler days.
This dish is loved for many reasons. It’s good for your body and soul. The broth and chicken are tasty, and the dumplings are soft and yummy. It’s perfect for when you need comfort.
Homemade chicken and dumplin recipe is great for any occasion. It makes us feel better and fills us with warmth. It’s a classic that always brings joy and nourishment.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Dumplings
Creating the best chicken and dumplings starts with the right ingredients. You need the best flour and chicken. Each part is key for a soft, tasty dumpling.
Choosing the Right Flour Type
All-purpose flour is the best for dumplings. It makes them light and tender. You can also mix it with cake flour for an even softer dumpling.
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs Comparison
Fresh herbs give a bright taste to dumplings. Dried herbs add a deeper flavor. Mixing both gives a great mix of tastes.
Best Chicken Cuts for Tender Results
The chicken is the main part. Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a whole chicken. Dark meat stays juicy, even after cooking.
| Ingredient | Recommended Type | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | All-purpose or a mix of all-purpose and cake flour | Provides the ideal texture and structure for light, tender dumplings |
| Herbs | Fresh and dried herbs like thyme, parsley, and sage | Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor, while dried herbs offer a deeper, more concentrated taste |
| Chicken | Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a whole chicken cut into pieces | Dark meat stays moist and tender during the long cooking process |
Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings: A Family Heritage Recipe
This dumplin recipe is a big part of my family’s cooking history. It’s been passed down for many years. It shows how classic comfort food stays loved over time.
My great-grandmother started this recipe during the Great Depression. It was a cheap and filling meal that helped our family. It reminded us of our ancestors’ strength and creativity.
Now, I see how special this recipe is. It’s more than just food. It connects me to my family’s past. Making this dish is a way to honor our traditions and bring us closer together.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make classic chicken and dumplings, you need some basic tools. As a home chef, I know the right tools make a big difference. They help get the perfect taste and texture.
Essential Cookware
- A large, heavy-bottomed stock pot or Dutch oven for simmering the chicken and broth
- A sharp chef’s knife for dicing vegetables and cutting the chicken
- A medium-sized saucepan for cooking the dumpling dough
- A rolling pin for rolling out the dumpling dough
Measuring and Mixing Tools
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning ingredients
- A large mixing bowl for preparing the dumpling dough
- A wooden spoon or rubber spatula for stirring and folding the dough
Optional but Helpful Equipment
Some tools are not needed but help a lot:
| Item | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dough cutter or biscuit cutter | Helps cut the dumpling dough into uniform pieces |
| Slow cooker or Instant Pot | Allows for hands-off simmering of the chicken and broth |
| Ladle | Facilitates the transfer of broth and dumplings to serving bowls |
With these tools, you’re ready to make this classic dish. It’s sure to warm your heart. Let’s start cooking!
Step-by-Step Chicken Preparation Guide
Getting the chicken ready is key to making great chicken and dumplings. Follow these easy steps to make sure your chicken is tender and tasty. Let’s go through the steps to help you make delicious chicken dishes.
First, pick the best chicken for your recipe. Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts and drumsticks. The bones and skin add rich flavors as it cooks.
- Rinse the chicken under cool water and dry it with paper towels. This removes extra moisture that can stop browning.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. You can also add herbs and spices like garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, but don’t overcrowd the pot.
- Brown the chicken on all sides for 3-4 minutes each. This makes the skin crispy and adds flavor.
- After browning, take the chicken out and set it aside. You’ll add it back later.
By following these steps, you’ll get tender, juicy chicken. This is the base for your chicken and dumplings. Take care with the chicken and let its natural flavors shine. Get ready for a comforting and tasty chicken dish!
Mastering the Perfect Dumpling Dough
Making the perfect dumpling dough is key to yummy homemade dumplings. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or just starting. I’ll share tips to make your dumpling recipe amazing every time.
Proper Dough Consistency Tips
The dough should be soft and a bit sticky. But not too wet or dry. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use a mix of all-purpose and self-rising flour.
- Add warm water slowly while mixing until it forms a dough.
- Don’t overwork the dough to avoid tough dumplings.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes before shaping.
Rolling and Cutting Techniques
Rolling and cutting the dough right is important. Here’s how to do it well:
- Roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Fold the dough in half and cut into squares or rectangles.
- Use a cookie cutter for a traditional look.
- Handle the dumplings gently to keep them whole.
Common Dumpling Mistakes to Avoid
Stay away from these mistakes to make perfect dumpling recipe:
- Don’t overmix the dough to avoid chewy dumplings.
- Make sure dumplings are not too thick.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot to prevent sticking.
- Let the dough rest before shaping for even dumplings.
Follow these tips to make amazing homemade dumplings. Your dish will be comforting and delicious.
Creating Rich and Flavorful Broth
The base of a great chicken and dumplings dish is a tasty chicken broth. Making the perfect broth is an art. It makes the whole meal better.
To make a great broth, start with good chicken pieces. Use whole chickens or thighs and drumsticks. These add body and depth to the broth.
Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot next. They give the broth a strong, savory taste.
Herbs and spices are key for a complex broth. Bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns are a classic mix. You can also try rosemary or parsley for a different flavor. Let the broth simmer for at least an hour. This makes the flavors mix well and the broth silky.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken or chicken parts (thighs, drumsticks) | 3-4 pounds |
| Onion, diced | 1 large |
| Carrots, diced | 2 medium |
| Celery, diced | 2 stalks |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Thyme sprigs | 3 |
| Peppercorns | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Follow these tips to make a chicken broth that’s the heart of a delicious chicken and dumplings dish. The broth’s rich flavor will make every bite a joy.
Cooking Times and Temperature Guidelines
To make perfect chicken and dumpling soup, you need to get the timing and temperature right. Let’s look at the details to make your homemade soup a hit.
Broth Simmering Instructions
For a rich broth, simmer patiently. Start by boiling your chicken, veggies, and herbs. Then, lower the heat to low.
Let it simmer for 45-60 minutes. Skim off any foam that forms. This slow cooking brings out the best flavors, making your soup comforting and aromatic.
Dumpling Cooking Stages
Learning to make homemade dumplings is fun. When your broth is ready, follow these steps for perfect dumplings:
- Drop the dumpling dough by large spoonfuls into the simmering broth. Be careful not to overcrowd.
- Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes. Dumplings should be tender and fluffy.
- Don’t lift the lid while cooking. It can make the dumplings dense and heavy.
Keep the simmer gentle to cook the dumplings right. With practice, you’ll serve warm, homemade dumpling soup that feels like a hug.
| Cooking Time | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Broth Simmering | 45-60 minutes |
| Dumpling Cooking | 15-20 minutes |
Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumplings Recipe From Scratch
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs) or 2 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter (cubed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, place the chicken and cover it with the chicken broth. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it cool. Shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Set aside.
- Make the Dumplings: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk and mix until a soft dough forms. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness and cut into squares or strips.
- Prepare the Broth Base: In the same pot, heat a bit of olive oil and sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the chicken broth back to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Dumplings: Drop the dumplings into the simmering broth, one at a time, to prevent sticking. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Combine Chicken and Dumplings: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and gently stir to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
Kcal per serving: 450 kcal
Storage Tips and Reheating Methods
I love a warm bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. But sometimes, I have leftovers. It’s important to store and reheat them right to keep the taste and texture good.
I put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I want to eat them again, I heat them on the stovetop. I add a bit of broth or water to keep the dumplings moist.
For bigger leftovers, I freeze them in portions for up to 2 months. To thaw and reheat, I put the frozen part in the fridge overnight. Then, I gently heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Whether it’s fresh or leftovers, being gentle and patient is key. A little care makes sure I always enjoy this classic dish at its best.
