Grandma’s Classic Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction

Grandma’s Classic Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—simple, hearty,
and made with love. This timeless dish has been passed down through generations,
filling kitchens with the comforting aroma of simmering chicken, rich broth, and
tender dumplings. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a little nostalgia in
a bowl, this recipe proves that humble ingredients can create unforgettable flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 pounds), cut into pieces
• 8 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Place the chicken pieces in a large pot. Add water or broth, onion, carrots,
   celery, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and
   simmer for about 45 minutes, until the chicken is tender.
2. Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Discard the skin
   and bones, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Stir in the butter.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter,
   stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
4. Bring the broth back to a gentle boil. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the
   simmering liquid. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
5. Uncover, gently stir, and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust
   seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Description

This dish features tender shredded chicken in a rich, savory broth, paired with soft,
fluffy dumplings that soak up every bit of flavor. The vegetables add gentle sweetness,
while the dumplings provide the classic, comforting texture Grandma always perfected.

Tips

• Use bone-in chicken for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Keep the pot covered while cooking dumplings so they steam properly.
• Add a splash of milk or cream near the end for a richer broth.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Correction

• If dumplings are dense, the dough may have been overmixed.
• If the broth is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• If dumplings fall apart, the broth may be boiling too hard—keep it at a gentle simmer.

Enjoy

Serve Grandma’s Classic Chicken and Dumplings with warm bread or homemade biscuits
and enjoy a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. This is the kind of
recipe that brings everyone to the table and keeps family traditions alive.