Chicken and Dumplings Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Author Notes

Chicken and Dumplings is one of those old-fashioned favorites that stirs up a lot of controversy--mainly of the "fluffy (dropped) versus flat (rolled)" variety! I grew up with the fluffy kind. Maybe the fluffy dumplings are an English thing? But I think my Southern grandmother (my father's mother), also made the fluffy kind. I'm not saying I haven't enjoyed the flat kind, but given a choice I'd take fluffy every time! - Jean | Delightful Repast —Jean | Delightful Repast

Test Kitchen Notes

It’s been a bit chilly and wet this week so when I saw this recipe needed testing, I jumped at the chance to try it out. I'm so glad I did! Not only does this recipe have a relatively simple list of ingredients, but it’s easy to prepare and requires little clean up. On top of that, the texture and flavors are outstanding! After searing and then simmering the chicken, it’s so tender it literally falls off the bone. The vegetables have just the right amount of savory sweetness, and the poached dumplings are so fluffy they’d make your southern grandma proud. This is comfort food at its finest. - Bonnie Rae —Bonnie Rae

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• The Chicken Stew
• 3 tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
  
• 3 ¹/₂ poundschicken parts
  
• ³/₄ teaspoonsalt
  
• ³/₄ teaspooncoarsely ground black pepper
  
• 1 ¹/₂ cupschopped onion
  
• 1 ¹/₂ cupschopped carrots
  
• ¹/₂ cupchopped celery
  
• ¹/₂ teaspoonmarjoram
  
• ¹/₂ teaspoonpoultry seasoning
  
• 6 cupschicken broth
  
• ¹/₂ cupwater
  
• ¹/₄ cupunbleached all-purpose flour
  
• 2 tablespoonschopped flat-leaf parsley
  

• The Dumplings
• 10 ounces(2 packed cups) unbleached all-purpose flour
  
• 1 tablespoonbaking powder
  
• 1 teaspoonsalt
  
• 4 tablespoonsunsalted butter, melted
  
• 1 cupmilk