Chicken and Dumplings — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

A real chicken and a gelatin-rich broth give the pot the body that instant stock can't touch. Once the dumplings go in, put the lid on and hold a gentle simmer for 15 minutes. Don't lift it to peek, or they fall apart before they steam through.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 6 servings

Chicken, bone-in

A pastured bird gives more flavorful meat and a broth with real body.

3.5 lb

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All-purpose flour

The dumplings are just flour, fat, and liquid, so use a good flour.

2 cups

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Butter

Cold butter cut into the flour makes tender, flaky dumplings.

4 tbsp

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Whole milk

Milk brings the dumpling dough together and adds richness.

3/4 cup

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Chicken bone broth

Extra bone broth deepens the pot beyond what the bird alone gives.

2 cups

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Onion, carrot, celery

The classic aromatics build the broth; add them with the chicken.

3 cups total

Onion → Carrot →

The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean

About as virtuous as dinner gets.

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot

The Method

Simmer the chickenCover the chicken with the broth plus water and the aromatics; simmer 45 minutes until the meat pulls easily.
Pull the meatLift out the chicken, pull the meat, and return it to the strained, seasoned broth kept at a low simmer.
Mix the dumplingsCut the cold butter into the flour with 2 tsp baking powder and 1 tsp salt, then stir in the milk to a shaggy dough.
Drop and steamDrop tablespoons of dough onto the simmering broth, cover tight, and cook 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
ServeCheck a dumpling is cooked through, then ladle into bowls with plenty of broth and cracked pepper.

The Toolkit

Large Dutch oven · Pastry cutter · Ladle · Spider strainer

Straight Answers

Can you make Chicken and Dumplings in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Chicken and Dumplings? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Chicken and Dumplings gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Chicken and Dumplings vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.353

Chicken and Dumplings, and where to source it