Grandma’s Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings: A cozy, one-pot classic that feels like a hug from Grandma!
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Grandma’s Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings to wrap you up in comfort—just like those Sunday dinners when Grandma knew exactly what you needed. This one-pot wonder is loaded with tender, juicy chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and a creamy, savory broth. Best of all? It uses pantry staples, so you can whip up this nostalgic comfort food any night of the week.
Whether you’re craving a taste of home or need a little remedy for a long day, this dish brings all the love and warmth you remember—without the fuss.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3/4 cup milk (add more if needed for soft dough)
Supplies Needed
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Sauté the Veggies
Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Build the Stew
Pour in chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning (if using). Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Add shredded chicken and let it simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors combine.
Make the Dumpling Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms—think drop biscuit consistency. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk.
Drop the Dumplings
Use a spoon to drop small scoops of dumpling dough onto the simmering stew. Do not stir! Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes. (No peeking—trust me, steam is the secret to fluffy dumplings!)
Finish with Cream
Gently stir in the heavy cream to give the broth its creamy, comforting finish.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and savor every cozy, nostalgic bite.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.
Freezing: Freeze the stew (without the dumplings) for up to 3 months. Make fresh dumplings when reheating.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
Pantry Hack: No cooked chicken? Simmer 2 raw chicken breasts in the broth for 15 minutes, shred, and continue with the recipe.
Fluffy Dumplings: Drop the dough onto simmering stew, not boiling—it keeps the dumplings light and tender.
Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas, corn, or green beans for extra color and nutrients.
Variations
Creamy Turkey and Dumplings: Swap chicken for leftover turkey. Perfect for post-holiday meals!
Cheesy Dumplings: Stir 1/2 cup shredded cheddar into the dumpling dough for a cheesy twist.
Herb Dumplings: Add fresh parsley, thyme, or dill to the dumpling dough for extra flavor.
FAQ
Can I use canned biscuits instead of homemade dumplings?
Yes! Pinch off pieces of canned biscuit dough and drop them into the stew. Steam as directed.
What if my dumplings are dense?
Dense dumplings often come from over-mixing. Stir the dough just until combined, and steam gently.
How do I thicken the stew?
Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew before adding the dumplings.
Final Thoughts
This Grandma’s Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is comfort food at its finest—a warm, nostalgic meal perfect for chilly nights, sick days, or when you just need a little taste of home. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Did this recipe remind you of Grandma’s cooking?
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 large carrots sliced
- 3 celery stalks sliced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in butter and oil. Stir in garlic.
- Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and shredded chicken. Simmer.
- Mix dumpling ingredients into a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls onto stew.
- Cover and steam for 15 minutes. Stir in heavy cream. Serve warm.