Name: Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds); 10 cups water; 3 celery stalks chopped; 2 carrots chopped; 1 medium onion chopped; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 bay leaf; 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cubed; 3/4 cup whole milk

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If your soul ever yearns for a warm hug in a bowl, Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings is the answer. This classic Southern comfort dish brings together tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth that feels like coming home after a long day. It’s impossible not to feel the love and tradition in every bite, which is why this recipe is treasured in our family and has healed many a rainy Sunday. Get ready to discover why Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings is the dish you’ll reach for whenever you crave pure, nostalgic coziness.

Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the magical things about Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings is just how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. Every single component plays a vital role, whether it’s building deep, savory flavor or giving those dumplings their irresistibly tender texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to help each ingredient shine:

Whole chicken (about 4 pounds): The backbone of the dish, giving you succulent meat and a flavorful homemade broth all in one.
Water (10 cups): Acts as the base for simmering, extracting every ounce of goodness from the chicken and veggies.
Celery (3 stalks, chopped): Adds a subtle aromatic note and gentle crunch to the broth.
Carrots (2, chopped): Bring natural sweetness and beautiful color to the pot.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Essential for depth of flavor and savoriness.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the other flavors—taste and adjust as needed.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For warmth and a bit of mild spice.
Bay leaf (1): Adds a classic herbal aroma that makes the broth unforgettable.
Poultry seasoning (2 teaspoons): A blend of herbs that ties it all together—think sage, thyme, and marjoram.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the base of those dreamy, tender dumplings.
Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Gives the dumplings a lovely lift and pillowy texture.
Butter (3 tablespoons unsalted, cold and cubed): Ensures the dumplings are rich, flaky, and delightful.
Whole milk (3/4 cup): Pulls the dough together and keeps dumplings moist.

How to Make Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Build the Broth and Cook the Chicken

Start by placing the whole chicken into a large stockpot. Surround it with chopped celery, carrots, onion, salt, black pepper, bay leaf, and poultry seasoning. Pour in the water, bring everything up to a hearty boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is ultra-tender and practically falling off the bone. This patient simmering is where all the rich flavors start to develop, making Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings so deeply comforting.

Step 2: Remove Chicken and Strain the Broth

Once the chicken reaches that perfect, pull-apart state, carefully remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Strain the aromatic broth, discarding the spent veggies and bay leaf. Pour the clear, golden broth back into the pot—you’ll see and smell why this foundation is so special.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

While your broth is on a low simmer, turn your attention to dumpling prep. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingertips, cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse, buttery crumbs. Gently stir in the milk just until the dough comes together—don’t overmix, or you risk tough dumplings!

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, shredding the meat into generous bites. This is where the heart of Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings comes alive—the tender chicken pieces soak up all the flavors of the broth and mingle perfectly with those soft dumplings.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Bring the strained broth to a gentle boil. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly into the hot liquid, spacing them apart as best you can. Cover the pot tightly and let everything simmer for 15 minutes—no peeking! This hands-off time is crucial, helping your dumplings steam to puffy perfection.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Once the dumplings are set and fluffy, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes to warm everything together, then taste and tweak the seasoning as needed. Ladle into big bowls and let the coziness wash over you—now you’re living the magic of Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings.

How to Serve Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley over each bowl for a pop of color and brightness, or add a final crank of black pepper for extra depth. If you love a slight zing, a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving gives a lively lift to Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but a platter of crusty bread or warm homemade biscuits makes it even more comforting. For a fresh contrast, serve with a crisp green salad or simply steamed green beans to round out your Southern-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to serve Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings at a gathering, scoop individual portions into small mugs or heatproof jars for a fun, rustic touch. Or ladle it family-style into a big serving dish and set it in the center of the table, inviting everyone to help themselves—just like Grandma would!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings tastes even better the next day! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days, making it perfect for stress-free lunches or a quick comforting dinner midweek.

Freezing

For longer storage, Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings can be frozen without issue. Let everything cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’s best to freeze portions in individual servings; this helps the dumplings stay tender when reheated. Enjoy your homemade comfort food for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so the dumplings don’t stick or break apart. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the consistency. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—just use a lower setting and stir halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

How can I make the broth extra rich?

For an even richer flavor, replace several cups of water with chicken broth or stir in a bit of whole milk during the final simmer. This makes Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings especially creamy and luxurious!

Is it possible to make flat dumplings instead?

Absolutely! Just roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut it into strips or squares. Drop these into the broth to make traditional flat-style dumplings—it’s a fun way to add your own twist while staying true to Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings.

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken?

You can, but starting with a whole chicken brings a wonderful depth of flavor to the broth and yields a better texture. If you’re short on time, boneless skinless thighs will be your next-best choice as they stay juicier than breast meat alone.

How do I prevent dumplings from getting tough?

Avoid overmixing your dumpling dough and don’t lift the lid while they steam. The less you handle the dough, the lighter and fluffier your dumplings will turn out—exactly what you want in Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings!

What herbs can I add for extra flavor?

Fresh thyme, parsley, or a sprig of rosemary can add beautiful herbal notes. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top just before serving for a fresh finish that brightens the whole bowl of Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving an old-fashioned classic that always delivers comfort and joy, Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings deserves a spot in your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing it with family or making it for yourself on a quiet night, there’s just something magical about this recipe. Give it a try and let it warm your heart—just like it’s warmed ours for generations.

Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Grandma Georgia’s Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Tender shredded chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth make this Southern American staple a beloved favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken and broth:

1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
10 cups water
3 celery stalks chopped
2 carrots chopped
1 medium onion chopped
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

For the dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cubed
3/4 cup whole milk

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken and broth: Place whole chicken in a stockpot with water, celery, carrots, onion, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and poultry seasoning. Simmer until chicken is tender. Strain broth and return to pot.
Make the dumplings: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter, then stir in milk. Drop spoonfuls of dough into hot broth and simmer covered.
Finish the dish: Shred chicken, add to broth with dumplings, and cook until heated through. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.