Name: Southern-Style Chicken and Dumplings: A Comfort Food Classic
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 4 chicken breasts/thighs; 10 cups chicken broth; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Southern-style Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich flavors, tender chicken, and soft, fluffy dumplings that will make you feel right at home. This classic dish is a staple in Southern kitchens and has been passed down through generations for its heartwarming qualities. A steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings is perfect for cold evenings or family gatherings, offering a comforting, filling meal that brings people together.

The base of this dish consists of a flavorful chicken broth with seasoned chicken, vegetables, and a touch of creaminess, while the dumplings rise to perfection as they cook in the simmering broth. The dish combines the best of savory flavors with a comforting texture, creating a perfect balance of flavors that make every bite a joy. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is simple to prepare yet delivers a meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

Southern-style Chicken and Dumplings is a one-pot meal that is both comforting and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner.

2. Simple Ingredients

Made with basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, this dish is affordable, easy to make, and doesn’t require special equipment.

3. Comfort in Every Bite

The tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings are the definition of comfort food, warming both the body and soul.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish stores and reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping. You can prepare it in advance and enjoy it later in the week.

5. Customizable

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make this dish your own. It’s also a great recipe to use up leftover chicken or turkey.

Ingredients

Chicken (bone-in, skinless breasts or thighs)
Carrots
Celery
Onion
Garlic
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or milk
Flour
Baking powder
Butter
Eggs
Fresh parsley or thyme
Salt and pepper
Optional: peas, corn, or other vegetables of your choice

Variations

Add More Veggies: Feel free to include peas, corn, green beans, or potatoes to make it even heartier.
Herb Variations: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage can be added to the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to give the dish a little heat.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and baking powder for the dumplings if you have dietary restrictions.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chicken breasts or thighs along with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer for about 25 minutes, until fully cooked. Remove the chicken, discard the bones (if using bone-in), and shred the meat. Set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Broth

In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery in butter over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth, add salt, pepper, and thyme, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add butter, eggs, and a bit of milk or cream, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be thick but sticky.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Dumplings

Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Once the broth is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the broth. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, until they’ve doubled in size and are cooked through.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Once the dumplings are cooked, stir in some heavy cream or milk for a creamier broth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Southern-style Chicken and Dumplings hot in bowls. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: Cooking the chicken with the bone adds depth and richness to the broth. If you’re short on time, boneless, skinless chicken works fine as well.
Don’t Overcrowd the Dumplings: Drop the dumpling dough in small spoonfuls, leaving room for them to rise without sticking together.
Avoid Overmixing the Dumpling Dough: Stir the ingredients just until combined to keep the dumplings tender. Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer when cooking the dumplings. Boiling can cause them to become tough.
Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and it can be reheated on the stove. You may need to add a little more broth or milk when reheating.

How to Serve

Southern-style Chicken and Dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad or some cornbread for an extra touch of Southern charm. You can also serve it with a tangy pickle or a slice of crusty bread to dip in the flavorful broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The dish is perfect for making ahead for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, but it’s best to freeze the broth and dumplings separately. Store the broth and chicken in one container and the dumplings in another. When ready to eat, reheat the broth and dumplings together. Frozen, it will last for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the dish on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or milk if necessary. Stir gently to ensure the dumplings don’t break apart.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the broth once it’s simmering.

2. Can I make this dish without dumplings?

You can make a delicious chicken and vegetable soup without the dumplings. Just add extra veggies and let the broth simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.

3. How do I make the dumplings fluffier?

For fluffier dumplings, make sure not to overwork the dough and avoid pressing them down once they are in the pot.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables are a good substitute and will save you some prep time.

5. How can I make the broth thicker?

If you want a thicker broth, you can add a bit of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water to the simmering broth before adding the dumplings.

6. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version of this dish.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just ensure you use a large enough pot to accommodate all the ingredients.

8. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in the slow cooker, then shred it and add the vegetables and broth. Prepare the dumplings separately and drop them in the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

9. How long does this dish last in the fridge?

Chicken and Dumplings can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for leftovers.

10. Can I use gluten-free flour for the dumplings?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make the dumplings if you have dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Southern-style Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect dish to bring warmth and comfort to your table. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, holiday meal, or just a cozy night in, this dish brings the best of Southern cooking right to your kitchen. Enjoy every hearty, comforting bite!