Southern Chicken and Dumplings: A Cozy Kitchen Tradition

There’s something irresistibly comforting about Southern chicken and dumplings. As a young girl in my grandmother’s kitchen, I can remember the warm aroma of simmering chicken filling the air, blending harmoniously with the scent of herbs and spices. Our cozy gatherings revolved not merely around food but around love, laughter, and cherished memories. This dish symbolizes home—perfect for imparting warmth on chilly evenings or for sharing festive moments with family and friends.

In this post, you’ll discover the heartfelt story and recipe behind Southern chicken and dumplings, a homemade meal that brings comfort and joy to every table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern chicken and dumplings recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with it:

Delicious Flavors: The rich, savory broth infused with tender chicken will dance on your taste buds, while the fluffy dumplings melt in your mouth.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
Crowd-Pleasing: You can easily double the recipe for gatherings; it’s a surefire way to impress your guests and leave everyone satisfied.
Budget-Friendly: Enjoy a wholesome and hearty meal that won’t break the bank, using everyday ingredients.
Comforting: There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings to wrap you in a cozy embrace.

Ingredients

To make the best Southern chicken and dumplings, gather the following ingredients:

4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth: Use homemade if you have it on hand for even richer flavor.
2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works like a dream; simply pick it apart!
1 onion, diced: This adds necessary depth and sweetness to the broth.
2 carrots, diced: You can substitute with parsnips or sweet potatoes if you prefer.
2 celery stalks, diced: They add crunch; feel free to swap for bell peppers for a different flavor.
2 cloves of garlic, minced: Cap the flavor with aromatic goodness.
1 teaspoon thyme: Fresh is best, but dried will work too.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adjust according to your taste preference.
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour: To thicken the broth just enough.
1 cup of whole milk: For a creamy, indulgent broth.
2 cups of all-purpose flour (for dumplings): This is the heart of the dish!
1 tablespoon baking powder: To give your dumplings their fluff.
1 teaspoon salt: For flavor enhancement.
2 tablespoons of butter: Bring on that delightful richness!

Prep and Cook Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

This recipe strikes a nice balance—it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for gatherings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly and fragrant. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until the veggies are tender, about 5–7 minutes. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen as they soften.
Add Chicken and Broth: Stir in the garlic and shredded chicken. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. As soon as it bubbles, reduce the heat and let it simmer to meld the flavors, about 15 minutes.
Thicken the Mixture: Whisk together the flour and milk until smooth, then slowly add this to your pot, stirring constantly. Watch as the broth thickens and becomes luscious. Add the thyme, black pepper, and additional salt to taste.
Prepare the Dumplings: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and stir until just blended. The dough should be a bit sticky but manageable.
Drop in Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough into the simmering broth. These will puff up and become delightfully tender.
Simmer Away: Cover the pot and allow the dumplings to steam in the broth for about 15-20 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid; this keeps the steam in and helps the dumplings rise.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls. Top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper for an extra touch.

Variations and Twists

Feel free to put your spin on this Southern classic!

Herbed Dumplings: Add herbs like rosemary or parsley into the dumpling mixture for fresh flavors.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and replace chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty, meat-free option.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a southern twist.

Serving Suggestions

Presenting your Southern chicken and dumplings involves a little flair. Serve it in rustic bowls with fresh, crusty bread on the side for dipping. As a festive treat, consider adding a side of green beans or a fresh salad for balance. This dish is perfect for Sunday dinners or holiday feasts when you want to gather loved ones around the table.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze, transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe bags—just be sure to squeeze out excess air. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water in a pot over medium heat, stirring gently to revive the dish without losing its delightful texture.

Kitchen Tips for Success

Don’t Skip the Steaming: Covering the pot while dumplings steam ensures they cook evenly and stay fluffy.
Chicken Options: For incredible flavor, use bone-in chicken pieces; just remove the skin to keep it healthier.
Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to adjust seasonings; everyone’s taste is different!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken? Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly before shredding.
What can I substitute for flour in the dumplings? Almond or coconut flour can be used for gluten-free options, but the texture might vary.
Is this a good meal prep recipe? Yes! Just prep the broth and dump ingredient separately, then assemble when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

Southern chicken and dumplings is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace for the soul, a cherished memory unfolding on your dinner plate. I hope you find joy in making it and sharing it with loved ones—every spoonful tells a story. So gather in your cozy kitchen, roll up those sleeves, and start creating delightful memories today. Happy cooking!

Contents

1 Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Southern Chicken and Dumplings

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a rich broth paired with fluffy dumplings, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 30

Total Time 55

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Comfort Food, Southern

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

For the broth

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth Use homemade for even richer flavor.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Rotisserie chicken works great.
1 medium onion, diced Adds depth and sweetness.
2 medium carrots, diced Can substitute with parsnips or sweet potatoes.
2 stalks celery, diced Can swap for bell peppers.
2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the flavor.
1 teaspoon thyme Fresh is preferred.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust according to taste.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour To thicken the broth.
1 cup whole milk For a creamy broth.

For the dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour The heart of the dish.
1 tablespoon baking powder To give dumplings fluff.
1 teaspoon salt For flavor enhancement.
2 tablespoons butter Brings richness.

Instructions

Preparation

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly and fragrant.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until tender, about 5–7 minutes.

Cooking

Stir in the garlic and shredded chicken, then pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and let it simmer to meld the flavors for about 15 minutes.
Whisk together the flour and milk until smooth and slowly add this mixture to the pot, stirring constantly.
Add thyme, black pepper, and additional salt to taste.

Dumpling Preparation

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add milk and stir until just blended, the dough should be slightly sticky.

Cooking Dumplings

Drop heaping tablespoons of dough into the simmering broth.
Cover the pot and allow the dumplings to steam for 15-20 minutes.
Once fluffy and cooked through, ladle into bowls and serve.

Notes

For variations, add herbs to the dumpling mixture or substitute with vegetables for a vegetarian version. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Keyword Chicken and Dumplings, Comfort Food, Cozy Recipe, Family Meal

Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.

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