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Grandma’s Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

A steaming bowl of Grandma's perfect chicken and dumplings, with fluffy dumplings, shredded chicken, and vegetables.

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A classic Southern comfort dish, this hearty one-pot meal features tender chicken and vegetables in a flavorful broth, topped with fluffy drop biscuit dumplings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 34 pounds), cut into pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • For the Dumplings:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Return chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
  5. Remove chicken from the pot and shred the meat, discarding bones and skin. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
  7. In a separate small bowl, combine milk and melted butter.
  8. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  9. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter onto the simmering chicken mixture.
  10. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
  11. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer broth, you can use a combination of chicken broth and water.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, you can thicken the broth with a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) before adding the dumplings.
  • Ensure the broth is simmering gently when you add the dumplings to prevent them from breaking apart.
  • This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken.

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