Comforting Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumpling Noodles Recipe

Hey, friends! Emily here, from Emily’s Must-Try Kitchen. Gather ’round, because today we’re diving headfirst into a bowl of pure comfort – my Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumpling Noodles recipe. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day, a taste of home, and a celebration of simple, soulful cooking. Growing up in Charleston, this dish was a staple, and I’m so excited to share my version with you. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, because we’re about to make some magic!

This recipe is more than just chicken and dumplings; it’s about creating memories in the kitchen. It’s about the joy of stirring, simmering, and savoring every single bite. And trust me, once you taste these tender dumplings swimming in a rich, flavorful chicken broth, you’ll understand why this is a must-try in my kitchen (and hopefully yours!).

Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Dumpling Noodles Recipe

What makes this recipe so special? Let me tell you! It’s not just about the taste (though that’s a big part of it!). It’s about the whole experience. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this dish:

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Nothing beats a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings on a cold day. It’s the perfect way to warm up from the inside out.
• Easy to Make: Don’t let the word “dumplings” intimidate you! This recipe is surprisingly simple, and I’ll guide you through every step.
• Flavor Explosion: From the savory chicken broth to the tender, flavorful dumplings, every bite is a burst of deliciousness. The addition of herbs and spices elevates the dish to a whole new level.
• Customizable: Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Prefer thicker dumplings? I’ve got you covered. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
• Make Ahead Option: You can make the chicken broth and even the dumplings ahead of time, making this a perfect meal for busy weeknights.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables. It’s a win-win!

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumpling Noodles

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Sea or kosher salt and fresh black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup diced celery
• ½ cup diced carrot (or thinly sliced)
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• Dumplings:
• 1 + ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed and for the work surface)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk

How to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumpling Noodles: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious chicken and dumplings simmering in no time. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to get a little messy!

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the chicken in 2 batches, turning to brown on all sides. Remove to a plate and cover with foil. This helps to keep the chicken moist and tender.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, butter, celery, carrot, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and a couple dashes each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for about 10 minutes or until softened. This step builds a flavorful base for the soup.
3. Simmer the Broth: Stir in the chicken broth and add the chicken back in with about ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer and maintain while you make the dumplings. Let the flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Make the Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add the vegetable oil and work it into the flour with a fork until crumbly. This creates a light and tender dumpling texture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Make a well in the center and add the egg and milk. Stir together with a spoon. If the mixture seems too loose, add another tablespoon or two of flour. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
6. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured work surface, roll half the dough out at a time with a floured rolling pin to about ⅛-inch thick. This ensures the dumplings cook evenly.
7. Cut the Dumplings: Use a pastry wheel or pizza cutter to cut pieces ½-inch wide and 2 to 3 inches long. Don’t worry about making them perfect; rustic dumplings are part of the charm!
8. Cook the Dumplings: Drop them into the simmering soup a few pieces at a time, gently mixing every so often. This prevents them from sticking together.
9. Repeat and Simmer: Repeat with the remaining half of dough. Place a lid on the pan and simmer for 20 – 25 minutes, stirring every so often. The dumplings should be cooked through and fluffy.
10. Season and Serve: Before serving, taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Stir in the fresh parsley and ladle into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Emily’s Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken & Dumpling Noodles

Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your chicken and dumplings are a smashing success:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold milk and egg help to keep the dough tender.
• Don’t Crowd the Pot: Add the dumplings to the simmering broth in batches to prevent them from sticking together.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: Simmering ensures the dumplings cook evenly and don’t become too dense.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We all make mistakes in the kitchen! Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for when making chicken and dumplings:

• Tough Dumplings: Overmixing the dough is the biggest culprit. Be gentle!
• Soggy Dumplings: Make sure the broth is simmering, not boiling. Boiling can cause the dumplings to become waterlogged.
• Bland Broth: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Salt, pepper, and herbs are your friends.
• Sticking Dumplings: Add the dumplings to the broth in batches and stir gently to prevent them from sticking together.

Chicken & Dumpling Noodles Variations

Want to put your own spin on this classic recipe? Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some peas, green beans, or corn for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with rosemary, sage, or oregano.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Creamy Chicken and Dumplings: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, creamier broth.
• Bisquick Dumplings: For a super quick version, use Bisquick mix to make the dumplings.

How to Store Chicken & Dumpling Noodles

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store your chicken and dumplings:

• Refrigerate: Store the chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra broth to thin it out.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the dumplings can become mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions about making chicken and dumplings:

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer flavor to the dish.
• Can I use pre-made dumplings? Yes, you can use store-bought dumplings if you’re short on time. Just be sure to follow the package directions.
• Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Cook the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker with the broth for 6-8 hours on low. Add the dumplings during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour in the dumpling recipe.
• Why are my dumplings tough? You probably overmixed the dough. Be gentle and mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to chicken and dumplings.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the soup.

So there you have it – my Comforting Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumpling Noodles recipe! I hope you love it as much as my family does. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating memories. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking, friends!

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Old-Fashioned Chicken & Dumpling Noodles

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450

A comforting and hearty classic featuring tender chicken and soft, homemade dumpling noodles in a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

Chicken & Broth

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• sea or kosher salt and fresh black pepper (to taste)
• 3 cans low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables & Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 0.5 cup diced celery
• 0.5 cup diced carrot (or thinly sliced)
• 0.5 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Dumplings

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed and for the work surface)
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 0.5 cup milk

Instructions 

• Brown chicken in oil, remove and set aside.
• Sauté celery, carrot, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme until softened.
• Stir in broth, add chicken, and simmer.
• Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add oil and mix until crumbly.
• Add egg and milk, stir. Add flour if too loose.
• Roll out dough on floured surface.
• Cut dough into ½-inch wide and 2-3 inch long pieces.
• Drop dumplings into simmering soup.
• Repeat with remaining dough.
• Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
• Season to taste, remove bay leaf.
• Stir in parsley and serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth.

Calories: 450kcal

Cost: $18

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 15g | Sodium: 600mg