Description
This Southern-style chicken and dumplings recipe is a warm and comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy broth with soft, fluffy dumplings. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy evening and is sure to satisfy your cravings for classic Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
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1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds) or 4 chicken breasts/thighs
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10 cups chicken broth
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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1 bay leaf
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dumplings:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Final Dish:
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken and Broth:
In a large pot, add the whole chicken (or chicken breasts/thighs) and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. -
Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the broth and set aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones or skin. -
Make the Broth Base:
Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture for about 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. -
Prepare the Dumplings:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and garlic powder (if using). Pour in the buttermilk and melted butter, stirring until just combined. The dough should be thick and sticky. -
Cook the Dumplings:
Bring the soup back to a simmer. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth, covering the surface evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings have risen and are cooked through. -
Finish the Dish:
Stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to combine the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. -
Serve:
Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley (if desired), and serve hot.
Notes
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For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth before serving.
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You can also add peas or corn to the broth for extra flavor and texture.
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If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken can speed up the process.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (including chicken shredding)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including simmering time for the chicken and broth)
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Simmering, Boiling, Steaming
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Keywords: Southern chicken and dumplings, chicken stew, comfort food, homemade dumplings, chicken soup, Southern recipes