🐔 Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: A Hearty Classic Worth Repeating

Few dishes say comfort food like a bowl of old-fashioned chicken and dumplings. It’s more than just a meal — it’s a tradition, a memory, and a warm hug in food form. Whether served on a chilly evening or at a family gathering, this Southern staple delivers rich flavor, pillowy dumplings, and tender chicken with every bite.

If you’ve never made it from scratch before, don’t worry — this recipe is easy to follow, made with simple ingredients, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to get a bowl.

 What Is Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings?

This beloved dish consists of slow-cooked chicken in a savory broth, thickened slightly and loaded with soft, doughy dumplings. Unlike drop dumplings (which are spooned in like biscuit dough), old-fashioned dumplings are rolled flat and cut into strips, giving them a noodle-like bite that holds up in the rich broth.

 Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken & Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs), cut into pieces (or 4 bone-in thighs + 2 breasts)

• 8 cups water (or low-sodium chicken broth)

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tsp dried thyme or parsley (optional)

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

• 3/4 cup whole milk (plus more if needed)

 How to Make It: Step-by-Step

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