Family Reunion Chicken and Dumplings

Warm, hearty, and brimming with nostalgic flavor, Family Reunion Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect comfort food for large gatherings and cherished moments. Tender, slow-simmered chicken thighs infuse the rich broth with depth, while a medley of carrots, celery, and onions adds vibrant texture and earthy sweetness. This classic recipe is topped with fluffy, homemade dumplings made from a buttery dough that steams to perfection over the bubbling broth. Simple seasonings like thyme and bay leaves enhance the natural flavors, making it a timeless dish that feels both rustic and refined. Ready in just over an hour and a half, this one-pot wonder serves up to eight, making it an ideal centerpiece for reconnecting with family around the dinner table.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
• 1 large Yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium Carrots, diced
• 3 medium Celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups Chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 2 leaves Bay leaves
• 2.25 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Baking powder
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 0.75 cup Whole milk (for dumplings)
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 2

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme and bay leaves. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.

Step 5

While the chicken is simmering, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, 0.5 teaspoons of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 6

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Discard the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 7

Increase the heat to medium and taste the broth, adjusting seasoning as needed. Using a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering broth. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 15 minutes. Do not remove the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook through.

Step 8

After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4336.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4803.2

Total Fat 279.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 95.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.4g
Cholesterol 1244.2mg	0%
Sodium 10783.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 274.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.6g	0%
Total Sugars 32.6g
Protein 311.0g	0%

Vitamin D 121.0IU	0%
Calcium 757.1mg	0%
Iron 32.5mg	0%
Potassium 6026.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.8%

Protein: 25.6%

Carbs: 22.6%