Grandma’s Classic Chicken and Dumplings – Comfort in a Bowl

There are some recipes that don’t just feed your body—they feed your memory. Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings is one of those timeless dishes that instantly brings warmth, comfort, and a deep sense of home.

This old-fashioned version is the real deal. No shortcuts. No canned soup. No flat, heavy dumplings. Just a slow-simmered whole chicken, a rich golden broth, and soft, pillowy drop dumplings cooked gently by steam. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with a comforting aroma and gathers everyone to the kitchen before it’s even ready.

Why This Recipe Is a True Classic

This is the style of chicken and dumplings many of us grew up with—passed down through generations, scribbled on recipe cards, and made by instinct rather than measurement.

Whole chicken simmered for deep, natural flavor
Simple vegetables that enhance, not overpower
Drop-style dumplings that are light and fluffy
No cream, no shortcuts—just honest cooking

The secret isn’t fancy ingredients. It’s patience, steam, and keeping the lid firmly closed while the dumplings cook.

Ingredients

Broth & Chicken

Whole chicken (or 3–4 cups shredded cooked chicken) – 3 to 4 lbs
Carrots, chopped – 2
Celery stalks, chopped – 2
Medium onion, diced – 1
Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
Water – 8 cups
Fresh thyme – 2 sprigs
Bay leaf – 1
Unsalted butter – 1 tablespoon
Salt & black pepper – to taste

Dumplings

All-purpose flour – 2 cups
Baking powder – 1 tablespoon
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Milk – 1 cup
Unsalted butter, melted – 2 tablespoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Broth

Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot and cover with 8 cups of water. Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover loosely and cook for 45–60 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Tip: Skim any foam from the surface during the first 10 minutes for a clearer broth.

Step 2: Shred Chicken & Strain Broth

Carefully remove the chicken and allow it to cool slightly. Strain the broth into a large bowl, discarding the vegetables and herbs.

Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You should have about 4 cups of meat.

Step 3: Reassemble the Pot

Return the empty pot to the stove over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter, then pour in 6–7 cups of the reserved broth.

Add the shredded chicken and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Stir in the milk and melted butter just until combined. The dough should be thick, slightly sticky, and lumpy—do not overmix.

Step 5: Drop & Steam Dumplings

Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough directly onto the simmering broth.

Cover the pot tightly with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let the dumplings steam for 15–18 minutes.

Important: Do not lift the lid during cooking. The trapped steam is what makes the dumplings light and fluffy.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the lid, gently stir, and allow the dumplings to slightly thicken the broth.

Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot in deep bowls.

Grandma’s Best Tips for Perfect Dumplings

Keep the broth at a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil
Never peek while dumplings are steaming
Do not overmix the dough
Dumplings should be soft, not doughy or dense

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm biscuits or cornbread
Add a simple green salad on the side
Perfect for cold evenings or when someone needs comfort food

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water. Avoid boiling to keep dumplings tender.

Freezing: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen without dumplings for best texture.

Why This Recipe Endures

Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition. It’s what was made when someone was sick, when snow fell outside, or when family gathered around a worn kitchen table.

Simple ingredients. Gentle cooking. Big comfort.

Make it once, and it becomes part of your family story too.