Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings

A Culinary Legacy: Learning from the Best

There are some recipes that transcend mere sustenance, becoming a cherished part of family history and tradition. For me, Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings is precisely that dish, a culinary legacy passed down from my incredible mom, SuSu. Every time she visits, the kitchen transforms into a hub of activity, always at her insistence, and I’m always eager to learn. Growing up, I was fortunate to have a mother who infused every meal with love and a passion for cooking, instilling in me a similar adoration for the art of creating delicious food and gathering loved ones around the table. Of all her magnificent creations, her Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings stands unparalleled. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, my absolute favorite dish, and a true taste of home.

Watch the Magic Unfold: Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings

Witnessing the creation of this dish is almost as delightful as savoring it. While a video is usually embedded here to guide you through each step, you can imagine the meticulous care and love that goes into preparing this time-honored recipe. From prepping the chicken to kneading the dough for those wonderfully fluffy dumplings, every movement is designed to ensure a perfect, soul-satisfying meal.

My Personal Homestyle Special: A Childhood Tradition

For as long as I can remember, birthdays in our family were marked by a special meal. While my sister had her own favorite, mine has always been, and will forever be, Chicken and Dumplings. This dish holds a special place in my heart, evoking warm memories of childhood celebrations and family gatherings. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures: tender, succulent chicken bathed in a rich, creamy broth, perfectly complemented by those pillowy, fluffy dumplings. It’s the epitome of comfort food – hearty, incredibly satisfying, and bursting with an amazingly delicious flavor that’s both familiar and extraordinary. My family knows the drill; when the pot of chicken and dumplings hits the table, they practically have to pry it away from me to stop me from going in for fourths! It’s simply irresistible.

A True Labor of Love: The Reward of Homemade

My mom’s homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is a testament to the fact that some of the best things in life take a little time and effort. This dish is made entirely from scratch, a process that requires patience and a gentle touch, but the payoff is immeasurable. As the comforting aroma of simmering chicken and rising dumplings fills your home, you’ll know that every minute spent is a worthwhile investment. Your family will undoubtedly appreciate the genuine love and attention you pour into this meal, as it nourishes not just their hungry bellies but also their souls. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a meal from the ground up, knowing that you’re providing a wholesome, delicious experience for your loved ones. I’m eager to guide you through the process, giving you a glimpse into how this beloved family recipe comes to life.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings

Crafting the perfect batch of Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the incredible depth of flavor and texture that makes this dish so special. From the main star, the chicken, to the humble flour that creates our signature dumplings, quality matters. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comfort food classic to life in your kitchen:

• Whole Fryer Chicken (4-5 pounds): A whole chicken is essential here, as simmering it on the bone provides a richer, more profound flavor for your broth than using pre-cut pieces.
• Water: The foundation of our flavorful broth, combined with chicken broth.
• Chicken Broth (or Stock): Adds a concentrated savory base, enhancing the natural chicken flavors.
• Whole Milk: Crucial for the creamy texture of the broth and for creating tender, moist dumplings.
• Salt and Pepper: The fundamental seasonings to bring out the best in every ingredient. Always season generously and taste as you go.
• Self-Rising Flour: The secret to perfectly light and fluffy dumplings. Its leavening agents ensure they rise beautifully in the simmering broth.
• Vegetable Shortening or Butter: Essential for making rich, tender dumplings. Shortening yields a classic tender texture, while butter adds a lovely flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux, which thickens the broth to that ideal creamy consistency.

Step-by-Step Perfection: Crafting Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings

Creating this beloved dish is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve the most tender chicken, the fluffiest dumplings, and the richest, most comforting broth. Patience and attention to detail are your best ingredients here!

• Prepare the Chicken and Broth: Begin by thoroughly rinsing and cleaning your whole fryer chicken. Place it into a large, sturdy pot. Add 6 cups of water and 2 cups of chicken broth or stock. Season the top generously and evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the liquid to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, maintaining a gentle simmer, and let the chicken cook for 1 to 1½ hours. The goal is for the chicken to be cooked all the way through and incredibly tender, easily coming off the bone when poked with a fork.
• Cool and Debone the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate or cutting board to cool. This cooling step is important to prevent burning your hands and to allow the meat to firm up slightly, making it easier to handle. Once the chicken is cool enough to touch, remove all the meat from the bone, discarding the bones and skin. You can shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces; aim for a good mix of both for texture.
• Prepare the Broth for Dumplings: Keep the rich, flavorful broth in the pot and return it to medium heat. To this simmering liquid, add 2 cups of whole milk and an additional 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir gently and bring the mixture back to a steady simmer. This will be the luxurious base for your dumplings and the final stew.
• Thicken the Broth with a Roux: To achieve that signature creamy, thickened consistency, we’ll make a simple roux. In a jar with a tightly fitting lid, combine 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 2 cups of water. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Alternatively, you can whisk it thoroughly in a bowl. Slowly pour this flour mixture into the simmering liquid in the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk gently until the soup begins to thicken to your desired consistency.
• Craft the Fluffy Dumplings: Now for the star of the show! In a large mixing bowl, place the 4 cups of self-rising flour. Add the 1 cup of vegetable shortening or butter. Using a pastry blender, or by skillfully using two knives in opposite directions, cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Next, add ½ cup of chicken broth and ½ cup of whole milk to the flour mixture. Stir with a sturdy spoon or mix with clean hands until the dough is just combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough dumplings. Turn half of the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
• Roll and Cut Dumplings: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. For consistent and perfectly sized dumplings, cut the rolled dough into strips that are about 1-inch wide by 3-inches long. Many find that a pizza cutter works exceptionally well for this task, yielding clean, even cuts. Place the cut strips onto a clean pan or baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
• Cook the Dumplings: Gently drop the prepared dumpling strips, one by one, into the simmering liquid in the pot. Once all the dumplings are in, very gently press down on them with a large spoon to ensure they are submerged in the liquid. **Crucially, do not stir the dumplings at this stage.** Stirring can cause them to break apart or become dense. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to cook undisturbed for 10-15 minutes. They will puff up and cook through in the simmering broth.

• Combine and Finish: After the dumplings have cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded or diced chicken that you set aside earlier. Allow the chicken and dumplings to cook together until the entire dish has thickened to your preference, usually another 10-15 minutes. This final simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste the dish and season generously with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately and savor every comforting, homemade bite!

The Ultimate Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Card

For your convenience, here’s a comprehensive recipe card detailing every step and ingredient for this cherished Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings dish. Pin it, print it, and make it a staple in your family’s meal rotation!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings

Achieving that perfect, soul-satisfying bowl of chicken and dumplings is all about a few key techniques. Here are some pro tips to ensure your homemade version turns out flawlessly every time:

• Choose the Right Chicken: Using a whole fryer chicken, rather than just breasts or thighs, makes a huge difference. The bones, skin, and various cuts of meat contribute immense flavor to the broth, which is the heart of this dish.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the chicken ample time to simmer. This not only ensures the chicken is fork-tender but also allows the flavors to fully develop in the broth. A low and slow simmer is key for depth of flavor.
• Season in Layers: Season the chicken initially, then season the broth again after adding milk and broth, and finally, taste and adjust at the very end. This layering of seasoning ensures a well-balanced flavor throughout the dish.
• Handle Dumpling Dough Gently: Overmixing dumpling dough can result in tough, rubbery dumplings. Mix just until combined. When cutting in the shortening, aim for pea-sized pieces to create pockets of steam for fluffiness.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pot: Drop dumplings into the simmering broth in batches if your pot isn’t large enough. Overcrowding can lower the broth’s temperature and cause dumplings to stick together or cook unevenly.
• Resist the Urge to Stir Dumplings: Once the dumplings are in the pot and submerged, do not stir them until they are fully cooked. Stirring too early can cause them to break apart and release too much starch, making the broth gummy.
• Adjust Broth Consistency: If your broth becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer, or add a very small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) at the end.
• Leftovers are Gold: Chicken and dumplings often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating as the dumplings will absorb more liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master this comforting classic!

• What kind of chicken is best for chicken and dumplings? A whole fryer chicken (4-5 pounds) is highly recommended. The bones and various parts render a much richer, more flavorful broth compared to boneless, skinless cuts.
• Can I use store-bought broth? Absolutely! High-quality store-bought chicken broth or stock works perfectly. However, if you have homemade chicken stock, that will elevate the flavor even further.
• What if I don’t have self-rising flour? You can make your own! For every cup of all-purpose flour, whisk in 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Adjust the recipe accordingly for the total amount needed.
• Can I add vegetables to my chicken and dumplings? While traditional homestyle chicken and dumplings often keep it simple, you can certainly add finely diced carrots, celery, or onions to the broth during the initial simmering stage for extra flavor and nutrients.
• How do I prevent my dumplings from being tough? The key is not to overmix the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, cutting the cold shortening or butter into the flour thoroughly helps create tender dumplings. Do not stir the dumplings while they are cooking.
• Can I freeze chicken and dumplings? Yes, you can! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit more broth or milk if needed to restore the consistency.
• What’s the difference between self-rising and all-purpose flour for dumplings? Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, which helps the dumplings puff up and become light and fluffy. All-purpose flour requires you to add your own leavening agents. For these homestyle dumplings, self-rising flour is preferred for its characteristic texture.

More Comfort Food Classics to Savor

Our family cherishes the memories made over home-cooked meals, and Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings is just one of many beloved recipes that bring us together. If you’re looking for more dishes that evoke warmth, nostalgia, and incredible flavor, here are some of our other favorite family recipes:

• Mom’s Special Apple Pie: Experience homemade goodness at its very best! This pie features deliciously sweet, tender apples mounded in a perfectly flaky crust, all crowned with an irresistible, nutty streusel topping.
• Great Aunt Ina’s Apple Dumplings: Indulge in the ultimate dessert comfort. Perfectly flaky pastry wraps around juicy, tart apples, bathed in an amazing cinnamon sugar syrup. So comforting, so delicious, and truly a family treasure!
• Angel Biscuits: One bite of these divinely delicious creations and you’ll instantly understand why they’re called Angel Biscuits. Incredibly light, wonderfully fluffy, and perfectly buttery, they truly taste heaven-sent!
• SuSu’s Sour Cream Pound Cake: This pound cake, from my mom SuSu, boasts a moist and tender crumb with a delightful crackly crust. It pairs beautifully with seasonal fresh fruits, offering a simple yet incredibly crowd-pleasing dessert that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Sharing this day in the kitchen with my mom, preparing her cherished Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings, was an invaluable experience. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a piece of our family heritage, one that I will lovingly carry forward and prepare for my own family for generations to come. I’m so incredibly thrilled that she agreed to share her secrets and show all of you how these magical dumplings are made! If you embark on the journey of making this Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings recipe, please be sure to snap a picture and share it with me, or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see your wonderful creations. I absolutely love seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy every heartwarming spoonful!

Thank you, Mom, for everything. You truly are the best! I love you!

xoxo,