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This classic homemade chicken and dumplings recipe features tender shredded chicken simmered in rich, creamy broth with fluffy scratch-made dumplings. Perfect for cozy family dinners, Sunday suppers, meal prep, and comforting cold-weather meals, this Southern favorite delivers hearty flavor and timeless homemade goodness in every bowl.

Grandma's Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

This classic homemade chicken and dumplings recipe features tender shredded chicken simmered in rich, creamy broth with fluffy scratch-made dumplings. Perfect for cozy family dinners, Sunday suppers, meal prep, and comforting cold-weather meals, this Southern favorite delivers hearty flavor and timeless homemade goodness in every bowl.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 whole chicken
  • 8 cups broth
  • Onion
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Bay leaves
  • Salt & pepper
Dumplings
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • ¾ cup milk
Finish
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh parsley

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or stock pot
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Simmer chicken with vegetables and broth.
  2. Strain broth and shred chicken.
  3. Prepare dumpling dough.
  4. Drop dumplings into simmering broth.
  5. Cook covered until fluffy.
  6. Make roux and thicken broth.
  7. Return chicken to pot.
  8. Season and serve warm.

Notes

Homemade broth creates the richest flavor.
Fresh cracked pepper is highly recommended.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Serve with biscuits or cornbread for the ultimate comfort food meal.