Grandma’s Soul-Warming Old-Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Comfort comes alive in this classic old-fashioned chicken and dumplings recipe that whispers stories of grandma’s kitchen.

Memories flood back with each spoonful of hearty goodness.

Soft, pillowy dumplings nestle among tender chicken pieces in a creamy broth that feels like a warm embrace.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this dish as a symbol of pure, uncomplicated love.

Generations have shared this meal around wooden tables, passing down traditions with every bite.

Ingredients simple yet profound create magic in your cooking pot.

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Comfort

• Maximize Comfort: Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that wraps you in pure culinary comfort with minimal kitchen effort.
• Simplify Cooking: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal using a slow cooker, making gourmet cooking accessible for all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing dinner that satisfies everyone from picky kids to hungry adults with its classic, beloved flavors.
• Versatile Meal Prep: Enjoy a one-pot wonder that combines protein, vegetables, and dumplings, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken Breasts: The tender, lean meat that forms the heart of this comforting dish and provides substantial protein.

• Onion, Celery, Carrots, Peas: A classic blend of vegetables that adds depth of flavor, texture, and nutritional value to the chicken and dumplings.
• Garlic: A fragrant ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile of the recipe.

• Dried Oregano, Fresh Thyme: Herbs that bring aromatic and earthy notes to the dish.
• Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost and balance the flavors.
• Bay Leaf: An herb that adds a subtle, complex background flavor to the chicken mixture.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy base that helps create a rich and smooth sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional moisture and deepens the savory flavor of the dish.
• Refrigerated Biscuits: The convenient dumpling component that adds a soft, comforting texture.

Stepwise Instructions for Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

Place chopped onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer chicken breasts evenly over the onions.

Generously sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the chicken to build a flavorful base for the dish.

Step 2: Combine Liquid Ingredients

Pour cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Add fresh thyme sprigs and a bay leaf to infuse the mixture with deep, aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Slow Cook Chicken

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for about 3 hours. The chicken should become tender and fully cooked, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Shred and Prepare Chicken

Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Use two forks to gently shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, creating a delightful texture for the dish.

Step 5: Add Vegetable Medley

Mix in a colorful combination of chopped celery, diced carrots, sweet green peas, and minced garlic.

Stir thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the chicken.

Step 6: Create Dumpling Magic

Tear refrigerated biscuits into small pieces and gently fold them into the chicken and vegetable mixture. Spoon some extra liquid over the biscuits to keep them moist and ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Final Slow Cooking

Continue cooking on high for another 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and to promote even cooking.

Check that the vegetables are tender and the biscuits are fully cooked.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Ladle the hot, comforting chicken and dumplings into bowls.

Helpful Tips for Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

• Add a splash of white wine or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the depth of taste and create a more complex flavor profile.
• Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini, parsnips, or sweet potatoes to add nutrition and customize the dish to your preference.
• Cut biscuits into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and a consistent dumpling texture throughout the slow cooker.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative or use coconut milk to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Make a double batch and freeze portions for easy weeknight dinners, ensuring a comforting meal is always within reach.

Flavorful Twists on Chicken and Dumplings

• Herbal Infusion Delight: Swap dried oregano and thyme with fresh rosemary, sage, and parsley for an aromatic herb-packed version that elevates the classic recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to transform the dish into a zesty southwestern-style chicken and dumplings with a bold flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace chicken broth with white wine, incorporate sundried tomatoes, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Creamy Mushroom Transformation: Mix in sautéed wild mushrooms and replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for an earthy, rich alternative that adds depth to the classic comfort meal.

Pairing Ideas for Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: A light, buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy chicken dish, balancing its rich flavors with subtle oak undertones.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Tear apart a warm, crusty sourdough to soak up the delicious broth, adding texture and enhancing the meal's comfort factor.
• Match with Fresh Garden Salad: Toss a light, crisp salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Roast asparagus spears with olive oil and garlic to add a green vegetable side that brings a subtle earthiness to the hearty chicken and dumplings.

Storage Tips for Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Place cooled chicken and dumplings in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Pour leftovers into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and creamy.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

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

• Do I need to pre-cook the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker?

No, you can add raw chopped celery, carrots, and peas directly to the slow cooker. They’ll cook perfectly during the second cooking phase.

• What type of biscuits work best for the dumplings?

Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits work great. Avoid using flaky or layered biscuits as they might break down too quickly during cooking.

Old-Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty old-fashioned chicken and dumplings deliver Southern comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen, bringing warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table. Creamy broth, tender chicken, and pillowy dumplings invite you to savor a classic meal that feels like a comforting culinary hug.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 (10.5 ounces) cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (16.3 ounces) can refrigerated biscuits

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Instructions

1. Layer chopped onions at the base of a slow cooker, then arrange chicken breasts on top. Sprinkle dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper for robust seasoning.
2. Drench the chicken with cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, then introduce fresh thyme and bay leaf for aromatic depth.
3. Secure the lid and set slow cooker to High, allowing chicken to cook thoroughly for approximately 3 hours until fully tender.
4. Remove and discard thyme and bay leaf. Utilize two forks to meticulously shred the cooked chicken into delicate strands.
5. Incorporate a colorful medley of chopped celery, carrots, peas, and minced garlic into the shredded chicken mixture, enhancing nutritional value and texture.
6. Transform refrigerated biscuits into rustic dumplings by tearing them into bite-sized morsels. Gently fold these pieces into the chicken blend, ensuring even distribution.
7. Continue cooking on High for an additional 1 to 1½ hours, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and promote uniform cooking. Verify vegetable tenderness and complete biscuit integration.
8. Ladle the steaming, comforting chicken and dumplings into serving bowls, presenting a hearty, homestyle meal perfect for satisfying hunger and warming souls.

Notes

• Optimize Texture by cutting biscuits into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent doughy centers.
• Enhance Flavor by using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought for a richer, more authentic taste profile.
• Customize Diet by substituting gluten-free biscuits or low-sodium soup for those with dietary restrictions or health concerns.
• Boost Nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale to increase the dish’s vitamin and mineral content.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 344 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg