Homemade Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: Cozy Bliss

Comfort seeps through every spoonful of this classic old-fashioned chicken and dumplings recipe that transports you straight to grandma’s kitchen.

Tender chicken nestles among soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth that hugs your soul.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty dish as a symbol of warmth and love.

Generations have passed down this cherished recipe, each spoonful telling a story of home-cooked tradition.

The simple ingredients come together in a magical dance of flavor and nostalgia.

Steaming hot and impossibly delicious, this recipe promises to become your new weekend comfort food staple.

One bite will make you fall in love with this timeless culinary treasure.

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings — Just Like Grandma Made

• Customize with Ease: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, healthier version that doesn't compromise on flavor or creaminess.
• Spice Up Your Meal: Dial up the heat by tossing in extra diced jalapenos, allowing you to personalize the casserole's intensity to match your taste preferences.
• Freezer-Friendly Delight: Prepare this dish ahead of time and stash it in the freezer, giving you a convenient meal option that's ready to bake whenever hunger strikes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This casserole brings together cheesy, creamy goodness with tender chicken, making it a guaranteed hit for family dinners and potluck gatherings.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that forms the heart of this comforting dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich, savory liquid base for cooking the chicken and vegetables.

• Onion, Celery, Carrots, Peas: Classic vegetable mix that adds nutrition, texture, and sweetness to the stew.
• Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Thyme Sprigs, Bay Leaf: Herbs that infuse the chicken with subtle, earthy undertones.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy element that thickens the sauce and adds richness.
• Refrigerated Biscuits: Quick and convenient dumpling substitute that creates fluffy, tender pieces.

• Salt, Pepper, Oregano: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Step-by-Step Chicken and Dumplings Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

Spread chopped onion across the bottom of the slow cooker. Gently place chicken breasts on top of the onions.

Sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken to create a flavorful foundation.

Step 2: Add Liquid and Herbs

Pour cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the chicken.

Tuck thyme sprigs and bay leaf into the liquid. Cover the slow cooker and set to High, cooking for approximately 3 hours until chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 3: Shred Chicken

Remove thyme and bay leaf. Using two forks, carefully shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring an even texture throughout the dish.

Step 4: Mix in Vegetables

• Chopped celery
• Diced carrots
• Sweet peas
• Minced garlic

Blend these vegetables thoroughly with the shredded chicken.

Step 5: Create Dumpling Mixture

Tear refrigerated biscuits into small chunks.

Gently fold these pieces into the chicken and vegetable mixture. Spoon some liquid over the top to ensure even moisture.

Step 6: Final Cooking

Continue cooking on High for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

The dish is ready when vegetables are tender and biscuits are fully cooked.

Tips for Classic Chicken and Dumplings

• Use a large, reliable slow cooker to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor infusion for the chicken and vegetables.
• Wait until chicken is fully cooked before shredding, using two forks to create tender, uniform pieces that blend perfectly with the stew.
• Cut refrigerated biscuits into small, consistent pieces to help them cook evenly and absorb the delicious broth.
• Add vegetables like celery, carrots, and peas during the last hour of cooking to maintain their texture and prevent overcooking.
• Gently stir the mixture every 30 minutes to distribute heat, prevent sticking, and ensure all ingredients cook uniformly.

Variations to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Your Own

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace refrigerated biscuits with gluten-free biscuit mix or almond flour dumplings. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for a celiac-friendly meal.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Use plant-based cream of mushroom soup for a hearty meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute biscuits with cauliflower florets or zucchini chunks. Use fewer carrots and peas. Add extra herbs like rosemary and parsley for enhanced flavor profile.

What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy chicken dish, cutting through its richness with bright, citrusy notes.
• Serve with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Tear chunks of crusty sourdough to soak up the delicious broth, adding a delightful textural contrast and extra comfort to the meal.
• Create a Fresh Garden Salad: Toss mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty stew, providing a crisp and light side that brightens the entire dining experience.
• Add Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a simple side of roasted carrots, zucchini, and asparagus with fresh rosemary and thyme to echo the herbs in the chicken and dumplings.

Storing Chicken and Dumplings the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the dish stays fresh and tasty.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.
• Pour leftovers into saucepan, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through completely.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.

• Is it okay to substitute the vegetables?

Absolutely! You can swap out carrots, peas, or celery with other vegetables like green beans, corn, or diced bell peppers that you prefer or have on hand.

• What if I don't have a slow cooker?

You can make this recipe in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot on the stovetop. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, and follow similar cooking times and instructions.

Old-Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty old-fashioned chicken and dumplings bring Southern comfort straight to your table with creamy, classic goodness. Rich chicken stew topped with pillowy dough dumplings promises pure, soul-warming deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Liquid and Dumplings:

• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (16.3-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits

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Instructions

1. Layer chopped onions across the bottom of a slow cooker, then arrange chicken breasts on top. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor profiles.
2. Drizzle cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the chicken. Nestle thyme sprigs and bay leaf into the liquid. Secure lid and cook on High for 3 hours until chicken reaches full internal doneness.
3. Remove and discard thyme and bay leaf. Utilize two forks to meticulously shred the cooked chicken into tender, uniform pieces.
4. Incorporate chopped celery, carrots, peas, and minced garlic into the shredded chicken mixture, distributing vegetables evenly throughout.
5. Transform refrigerated biscuits into bite-sized morsels by cutting or tearing. Gently fold these pieces into the chicken and vegetable blend, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
6. Cascade remaining cooking liquid over the top to moisten biscuit pieces. Continue cooking on High for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. Verify vegetables are tender and biscuits are fully cooked before serving.

Notes

• Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting chicken broth quantity for desired consistency.
• For gluten-free option, replace refrigerated biscuits with gluten-free alternatives or cornstarch dumplings.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer, more tender meat.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg