Grandma’s Classic Chicken and Dumplings

Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings – Comfort in a Bowl

This version of Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings is pure comfort food nostalgia. Simmering a whole chicken creates a deep, golden broth that’s far richer than anything from a carton. The dumplings are the traditional drop style—soft, fluffy, and gently steamed rather than baked—giving them that signature cloud-like texture. Keeping the lid on while they cook is essential to ensure the dumplings stay light instead of heavy.

Ingredients

Broth & Chicken

Whole chicken (or 3–4 cups shredded) – 3/4 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 tbsp
Salt and black pepper – to taste

Dumplings

All-purpose flour – 2 cups
Baking powder – 1 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Milk – 1 cup
Unsalted butter, melted – 2 tbsp

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Add the chicken to a large pot and cover with 8 cups of water. Stir in the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes, until the chicken is fully tender.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken and Strain

Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth into a large bowl, discarding the vegetables and herbs. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, yielding about 4 cups.

Step 3: Return to the Pot

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pot over medium heat. Add 6–7 cups of the strained broth along with the shredded chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter just until combined. The dough should be thick with a few lumps.

Step 5: Drop and Steam the Dumplings

Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings steam for 15–18 minutes. Do not lift the lid—steam is essential for light, fluffy dumplings.