There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of Southern-style chicken and dumplings. This hearty, flavorful dish is a staple in Southern kitchens, offering the perfect combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings. The beauty of chicken and dumplings lies not only in its rich flavor but in how it brings people together around the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy weeknight meal, or a special occasion, this dish will surely warm you up and satisfy your cravings.
Southern-style chicken and dumplings are made with a rich, creamy broth that’s seasoned to perfection with herbs and spices. The chicken is typically simmered until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, then shredded and added back into the pot. The dumplings—light, fluffy, and moist—are the perfect complement to the soup-like consistency of the dish. The result is a comforting, one-pot meal that’s filling and delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers for days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Comfort Food at Its Best
This recipe is the definition of comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft dumplings will warm you from the inside out and satisfy your hunger.
2. Easy to Make
Despite its rich flavor and hearty nature, Southern-style chicken and dumplings are simple to prepare. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to make this dish; it’s all about letting the ingredients simmer and come together.
3. One-Pot Wonder
This dish is made in one pot, which means minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without a huge mess in the kitchen.
4. Great for Feeding a Crowd
Southern chicken and dumplings make a perfect meal for a family dinner, potluck, or gathering. It’s easy to scale up the recipe to feed a crowd and can be kept warm in a slow cooker for hours.
5. Customizable
Feel free to add your own twist! You can include vegetables, change up the spices, or make the dumplings fluffier or denser depending on your preferences. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to your taste.
Ingredients
- Chicken (whole chicken, bone-in chicken breasts, or thighs)
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Milk
- Butter
- Fresh thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Parsley (for garnish)
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: You can add peas, corn, or green beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Herb Variations: If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use rosemary or a combination of dried herbs like parsley, sage, and oregano.
- Spicy Twist: For some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Biscuits Instead of Dumplings: If you prefer biscuit-style dumplings, use biscuit dough instead of the traditional dumpling dough for a flakier texture.
- Slow Cooker Version: You can make this recipe in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients and letting it cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the dumplings toward the end.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken. If using bone-in chicken, simmer it in a large pot with water, salt, and pepper for about 45 minutes to an hour, until it’s fully cooked and tender. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add some butter and sauté chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in some thyme and bay leaves for extra flavor.
Step 3: Make the Broth
Once the vegetables have softened, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and allow the broth to cook for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Add milk and melted butter to form a dough. The consistency should be thick but spoonable.
Step 5: Add the Chicken and Dumplings
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Then, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth, covering the surface. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and cooked through. Don’t lift the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings stay fluffy.
Step 6: Serve
Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When adding the dumplings, be sure to space them out a bit to give them room to puff up and cook properly.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Cooking with bone-in chicken will give your broth more flavor. The bones release collagen, creating a richer, more satisfying broth.
- Fluff Your Dumplings: Don’t overmix your dumpling dough. Gently stir the ingredients together to avoid dense dumplings.
- Let the Dumplings Steam: Keep the lid on the pot while the dumplings cook to ensure they steam properly and become light and fluffy.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning in the broth as needed. Taste and add salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the flavor.
How to Serve
Southern-style chicken and dumplings are best served hot in large bowls. For extra comfort, pair with a side of warm cornbread or a green salad. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy with family and friends, especially on a chilly evening.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings may absorb some of the broth, so you might want to add a little extra broth or cream when reheating.
Freezing
Chicken and dumplings can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and be sure to leave space for the dish to expand. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove over low heat.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add extra chicken broth or cream to loosen up the mixture as it can thicken during storage.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the chicken and add it to the pot in step 5.
2. Can I make the dumplings without baking powder?
Baking powder helps make the dumplings fluffy. If you don’t have it, try using self-rising flour, which includes baking powder.
3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh ones. Just be sure to add them with the chicken broth so they can cook through.
4. How do I make the dumplings fluffier?
Ensure your dumpling dough is thick but not overmixed. The less you handle the dough, the fluffier your dumplings will be.
5. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients except for the dumplings and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the dumplings about 30 minutes before serving.
6. Can I use whole milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, whole milk can be substituted for heavy cream, but the broth will be less rich and creamy.
7. How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings are done when they’ve doubled in size and are no longer doughy in the center. You can test one by cutting it open.
8. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.
9. Can I add more spices to the broth?
Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or other herbs like rosemary or sage for extra depth of flavor.
10. Can I use biscuits instead of dumplings?
Yes, you can use biscuit dough in place of homemade dumplings. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough onto the broth and cook as directed.
Conclusion
Southern-style chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and joy to the table with its rich, flavorful broth and tender dumplings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish will satisfy your hunger and fill your heart. Easy to make, versatile, and endlessly comforting, it’s a meal you’ll keep coming back to time and time again.
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Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food. Tender chicken, vegetables, and hearty dumplings simmered in a rich, creamy broth make for a cozy and satisfying meal. Perfect for chilly nights, this dish is sure to warm your soul and fill your belly with its rich flavors and tender textures.
Ingredients
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For the Chicken and Broth:
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1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), cut into pieces (or 4 chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless)
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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6 cups chicken broth (or water, if preferred)
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
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1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
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2 bay leaves
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For the Dumplings:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra flavor)
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1 egg
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Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken and Broth:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chicken pieces, diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
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Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 30-45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors are well combined.
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Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Discard the bay leaves. Once cool, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones.
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Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
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Make the Dumplings:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and thyme (if using).
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Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg, then add it to the flour mixture. Stir until just combined, forming a soft dough.
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Cook the Dumplings:
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With the soup simmering on low heat, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the broth. (The dumplings will expand as they cook, so don’t overcrowd the pot.)
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Cover the pot tightly and cook for about 15-20 minutes, without lifting the lid, until the dumplings are fully cooked and have puffed up.
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Check the center of a dumpling by poking it with a fork—if it comes out clean, the dumplings are done.
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Serve:
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Once the dumplings are cooked, give the soup a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
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Notes
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For extra creaminess, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth towards the end of cooking.
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If you want more vegetables, you can add peas or corn to the soup.
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You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version if you’re short on time.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food, Soup, Southern
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American