Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings Made Completely From Scratch

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings-a timeless dish that wraps you in nostalgia with every bite. But while many enjoy its hearty flavors from store-bought shortcuts, the real magic lies in making it entirely from scratch. From hand-rolling the tender dumplings to simmering juicy chicken in a rich, flavorful broth, crafting this homestyle classic yourself transforms a simple meal into a sincere labor of love. In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step journey to creating chicken and dumplings the way your grandmother might have, celebrating the beauty of scratch-made cooking in its purest form.

Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings Made Entirely From Scratch is a soul-warming classic that brings the heart of comfort food right to your kitchen. This dish celebrates every carefully chosen cut of tender chicken, pillowy homemade dumplings, and a rich broth that melds flavors into a hug on a plate. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a family gathering, mastering this recipe means creating a timeless meal with wholesome ingredients and heartfelt technique.

Prep and Cook Time

• planning: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Yield

Serves 6 generously.

difficulty Level

Medium – perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their comfort food repertoire.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken and Broth:
  • 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
  • 1 large yellow onion, quartered
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (preferably homemade or high-quality)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For the dumplings:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for extra flavor)
• Additional:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to finish

Instructions

1. Choosing the Perfect Cuts for tender, Flavorful Chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken thighs and drumsticks under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.These cuts provide a caramelized richness and tender texture after slow simmering. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, then add chicken pieces skin-side down. Sauté until golden brown, about 7 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and creates a beatiful base for the broth.
2. Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving the flavorful browned bits in the pot. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, sautéing gently until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon.Return the chicken,then add thyme,bay leaves,salt,and pepper.Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes to develop a deeply satisfying broth and tender chicken.
4. Crafting the Dumplings from Basics for the Ideal Texture: While the broth simmers, combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk, eggs, and parsley until just combined-avoid overmixing to keep dumplings light and fluffy.
5. Remove chicken pieces from the pot and shred meat off bones, discarding bones and skin.return shredded chicken to the broth and keep hot over low heat.
6. Building a Rich, Comforting Broth to Bind Every Bite: Measure broth quantity in the pot-it should be around 6 cups. If too thick,add water or broth to reach this amount. Bring broth back to a gentle simmer and drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter directly into the pot.Cover tightly and cook for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing dumplings to steam perfectly.
7. Once dumplings are puffed and cooked through,taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
8. Tips for Serving and Storing Your Homemade Classic: Ladle the chicken, dumplings, and broth into wide soup bowls.Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to elevate the rustic presentation. Serve promptly for the best texture and warmth.
9. Let leftovers cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze portions for up to 2 months.Reheat gently on the stove to preserve dumpling tenderness.

Chef’s Notes

• For an herbal twist, infuse the broth with rosemary or sage along with the thyme.
• Use homemade chicken broth if possible; its depth of flavor transforms this dish.
• If you prefer gluten-free dumplings, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend-add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for better structure.
• To make ahead: Prepare the broth and shredded chicken in advance. Mix dumpling batter just before cooking to maintain its lightness.
• If broth appears cloudy, skim off impurities during simmering for a cleaner taste and appearance.

serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty homestyle chicken and dumplings with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance richness. A crusty, buttered bread roll complements the silky broth and dumplings wonderfully.For a cozy finishing touch, drizzle a few drops of chili oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors just before serving.

Discover more on enriching broths in our Guide to Homemade Chicken Broth. for in-depth facts about chicken nutrition,visit USDA.gov.

Q&A

Q&A: Homestyle Chicken and dumplings Made Completely From Scratch

Q1: What makes “Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings” special compared to other versions?
A1: The homestyle version captures the warmth and comfort of a classic family recipe,made entirely from scratch.This means homemade, tender chicken broth, freshly prepared dough for dumplings, and carefully cooked chicken, all combining for a rich, hearty dish that nostalgic memories are made of.

Q2: Why is it notable to make the dumplings from scratch? Can’t I use store-bought?
A2: While store-bought dumplings save time, making them from scratch gives you full control over texture and flavor. Freshly rolled and hand-cut dumplings absorb the savory broth beautifully, offering a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience that pre-packaged versions simply can’t match.

Q3: What type of chicken should I use for the best flavor?
A3: For authentic homestyle taste, bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are ideal. Thay provide rich flavor to the broth as they simmer slowly, resulting in a deeply savory base that elevates both the chicken and dumplings.Q4: Can this recipe be made in advance and reheated?
A4: Yes, the flavors develop even further after resting overnight. Store your chicken and broth separately from the dumplings if possible.When reheating,add fresh dumplings or gently rewarm them to avoid overcooking.

Q5: Are there variations to the dumpling dough I can try?
A5: Absolutely! Some prefer fluffy, biscuit-like dumplings using baking powder, while others enjoy thin, noodle-like strips rolled out thinner. You can also infuse herbs or spices into the dough for an extra flavor twist.

Q6: How do you prevent the dumplings from becoming soggy?
A6: timing is key. Add dumplings to the simmering broth toward the end of cooking, allowing them to cook gently without breaking down. Avoid stirring excessively once dumplings are in, as this can make them sticky or soggy.Q7: Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
A7: Definitely! While it involves a few steps, the process is straightforward and rewarding. Taking your time to simmer the chicken and prepare the dough carefully will yield satisfying,comforting results even for first-timers.

Q8: What sides pair well with homestyle chicken and dumplings?
A8: Sence this dish is hearty on its own,light sides like steamed green beans,a crisp garden salad,or roasted root vegetables complement it perfectly,adding freshness without overwhelming the palate.

Q9: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A9: Yes, by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free blend suited for baking, you can create gluten-free dumplings. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the comforting flavors will still shine through.

Q10: What’s the secret ingredient or technique that really brings this dish home?
A10: Patience in simmering the chicken and making the broth is the secret. Allowing flavors to build naturally creates that soul-warming depth, and folding the dumplings gently into the soup finishes the dish with a loving touch that feels genuinely homestyle.

In Summary

As the last tender bite of these homestyle chicken and dumplings lingers,you’ll find more than just a meal on your plate-you’ll uncover a comforting tradition crafted from scratch,one doughy dumpling and flavorful simmer at a time. with each hearty spoonful,this classic dish reminds us that the simplest ingredients,when patiently prepared,can create a warmth that feels like home.Whether you’re new to making it or a seasoned cook, this recipe invites you to slow down, savor the process, and relish the cozy reward waiting at the end of your efforts.