Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: A Taste of Home and Comfort
There’s nothing quite like Grandma’s chicken and dumplings recipe to take you back to cherished family meals and cozy afternoons in the kitchen. The aroma of a simmering pot filled with tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft, hand-rolled dumplings is the ultimate comfort food experience.
For generations, this recipe has been the cornerstone of love and tradition at our family table. Whether it was a rainy afternoon or a special occasion, Grandma’s chicken and dumplings recipe always brought us together.
Why Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Is So Special
This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about family, love, and a connection to the past. Grandma’s chicken and dumplings recipe was never written down—just passed from her hands to ours.
She didn’t need precise measurements or fancy gadgets. Instead, she relied on intuition, a handful of flour, and the comforting rhythm of cooking from the heart.
Every bite of this dish is a reminder of her wisdom, her humor, and the joy she found in feeding her family.
Ingredients for Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this timeless classic:
- For the broth:
- Bone-in chicken thighs (with skin on for flavor)
- 2 sticks of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 cans of cream of chicken soup
- For the dumplings:
- Self-rising flour (about 3/4 of a large bowl)
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups of cooled chicken broth (reserved from the pot)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
1. Create the Flavored Broth
Start by placing your chicken thighs into a large kettle filled with water. Add a stick of butter, salt, and pepper, and bring the pot to a boil. Let the chicken cook until tender and falling off the bone.
Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin.
2. Build the Creamy Base
Take 2 cups of broth from the pot and set it aside to cool. Add another stick of butter to the pot and let it melt into the remaining broth. Stir in 1-2 cans of cream of chicken soup to create a creamy, rich base.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to combine.
3. Make the Dumpling Dough
In a large bowl, fill 3/4 of the way with self-rising flour. Use your hand to hollow out a well in the center of the flour.
When the reserved broth has cooled enough, pour it into the well and add 2 eggs. Mix everything with your hands until the dough is firm enough to roll out.
4. Roll and Cut Dumplings
Lightly flour your surface and roll out a small portion of the dough until it’s about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Remember, the dumplings will puff up in the broth!
Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into squares or rectangles. There’s no need for perfection here—Grandma’s dumplings were always charmingly rustic.
Cooking Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
With the broth simmering on medium heat, begin adding your dumplings a few at a time. Drop them in gently to prevent sticking, and stir occasionally to keep things moving.
Once all the dumplings are in the pot, reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the dumplings to cook through and soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth.
Serving Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve while it’s hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad, but honestly, it’s a meal all on its own.
Whether you’re making this for your family or simply indulging in a moment of nostalgia, Grandma’s chicken and dumplings recipe will always deliver that warm, comforting feeling we all crave.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings Every Time
- Cool the broth before mixing the dough: Hot broth will cook the eggs prematurely, making the dough difficult to handle.
- Work quickly but gently: Overworking the dough can make the dumplings tough instead of tender.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot: Add the dumplings gradually so they don’t stick together.
A Dish Full of Memories
Grandma’s chicken and dumplings recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a love letter to simpler times. With every bowl, you’re sharing a tradition that’s been passed down through generations.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bring a little bit of Grandma’s magic into your kitchen. You’ll be amazed at how this humble dish can fill your home—and your heart—with warmth.
