Comfort in a bowl
Hard week so one meal we made was just the warm hug feels we needed!
How to do the chicken:
Boil boneless chicken breast’s in water with a splash of chicken broth and a few shakes of salt and pepper
Once fully cooked take chicken out and shred BUT save about a cup of the water (just trust me)
For the dumplings :
Mix 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 2 tsp baking Powder, 3/4 tsp of salt
After that’s all combined add in about 4 tbsp of crisco shortening and blend with a fork till crumbly
Stir in about 3/4 cups of milk to make the dough
putting it all together:
Here is where I changed it up a little from my grandmas recipe. In a pot I added 3 cups of chicken broth, 2-3 cups chicken bone broth and then that splash of boil chicken water we saved to the side. Bring it to a bubble and add in the chicken.
I then added some onion powder, smoked paprika and a little chicken bouillon.
Once the broth is to a boil spoon in little chunks (or big or both. whatever you prefer)
Let cook uncovered for about 10 minutes and stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. then bring down the heat.
Add a couple pinches of sugar like a true southern Meemaw and it’s ready to enjoy!!
This recipe is perfect to make in big batches to freeze for a quick dinner on busy days!
#emergingcreator #homecookeddinner #comfortdinner #quickandeasydinner #findyourinnermeemaw
Chicken and dumplings have long been a cherished comfort food, especially during colder months or after a challenging day. What I love about this dish is how versatile it can be while still delivering that nostalgic, warming feeling—like a hug in a bowl. One tip I’ve learned from personal experience is the importance of saving some of the chicken boiling water. It adds a subtle depth and homemade richness to the broth that’s hard to replicate using only store-bought broths. When making your dumplings, using shortening like Crisco helps create that flaky, tender texture that sets this dish apart from just any stew. Seasoning is key—smoked paprika and a pinch of sugar bring a unique balance of smoky and slightly sweet notes that remind me of traditional Southern home cooking. Adding onion powder and chicken bouillon enhances the savory base, making each spoonful satisfying. I recommend slowly simmering the dumplings in the broth to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavor. This recipe is excellent for batch cooking. I often prepare a large pot on the weekend and freeze portions for those hectic weekdays when I crave something nourishing but don’t want to spend much time cooking. Simply thaw and reheat— it tastes just as comforting fresh. Lastly, the beauty of chicken and dumplings is its adaptability. Feel free to add veggies like carrots, celery, or peas to boost nutrition and add color. It’s a dish that invites personalization while keeping the soul-soothing qualities intact. If you’re looking for a simple yet deeply satisfying meal, give this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe a try. It’s more than food; it’s comfort, tradition, and care, all served in a single bowl.