Down-Home Southern-Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Southern comfort weaves its magic in this hearty southern-style chicken and dumplings recipe that warms every corner of your soul.

Generations have passed down this classic dish through whispered kitchen secrets and loving spoon-stirrings.

Tender chicken nestles between fluffy, cloud-like dumplings swimming in a rich, creamy broth that speaks of home and tradition.

Each spoonful carries the essence of southern hospitality and culinary love.

Slow-simmered and carefully crafted, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of comfort cuisine.

The depth of flavor will transport you straight to a cozy farmhouse kitchen.

Grab your pot and get ready to create a meal that connects you to the heart of southern cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 412 kcal

Servings: 7

Key Ingredients for Southern-Style Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken Broth: Provides the rich, savory foundation that infuses deep flavor into every spoonful.
• Butter: Adds a silky smoothness and luxurious richness to the comforting broth.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the tender, pillowy texture that defines classic Southern dumplings.
• Baking Powder: Helps dumplings rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the dish's taste.
• Milk: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the dumplings' soft, delicate consistency.

• Shredded Chicken: Delivers hearty protein and makes the dish a complete, satisfying meal.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the final flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and a hint of herbal freshness.

Utensils Required for Southern-Style Chicken and Dumplings

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling broth and cooking dumplings, with enough space to stir and simmer.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to create dumpling dough.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out dough evenly on a floured surface for perfectly thin dumplings.
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter: Ideal for cutting dough into neat strips or squares.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring dumplings and preventing them from sticking during cooking.

Classic Cooking Steps for Chicken and Dumplings

• Southern Comfort Base

Create a rich, bubbling broth in a large pot by combining savory chicken stock with creamy butter, letting the flavors meld and dance together.

• Dumpling Magic

Craft a silky dough by blending flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt, then slowly introduce milk until a tender mixture forms.

• Dough Transformation

Gently roll out the dough on a flour-dusted surface, transforming it into delicate strips that will float like clouds in the broth.

• Dumpling Dance

Carefully lower the dough pieces into the simmering liquid, stirring gently to ensure they don’t stick together, watching them puff and become pillowy.

• Chicken Cuddle

Reduce the heat and nestle shredded chicken into the broth, allowing everything to simmer and become deeply comforting.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly ground pepper and scatter bright parsley across the top, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug from the American South.

Southern-Style Tips for Flavorful Chicken and Dumplings

• Swap shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal preparation.
• Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or vegetable broth for lactose-intolerant diners.
• Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to elevate the traditional dumpling flavor profile.
• Create cauliflower dumplings by mixing riced cauliflower with almond flour for a lighter version.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings with Southern Charm

• Serve Family-Style: Ladle the steaming chicken and dumplings into large, rustic bowls that invite everyone to gather around the table and enjoy a hearty meal together.
• Pair with Southern Sides: Complement the dish with classic southern sides like collard greens, cornbread, or a crisp coleslaw to create a complete and satisfying comfort food experience.
• Create Cozy Dinner Atmosphere: Serve the dish on a cold evening with soft lighting and warm bread to enhance the soul-warming qualities of this traditional southern recipe.
• Customize with Herbs: Sprinkle additional fresh herbs like thyme or chives on top to add a bright, fresh flavor and create a personalized touch to the classic comfort dish.

Storage & Next-Day Use for Chicken and Dumplings

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer cooled chicken and dumplings to freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components separately – cook chicken and chop vegetables in advance, then assemble quickly for a stress-free weeknight dinner.

Hearty Southern-Style Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty southern-style chicken and dumplings showcase comfort from generations of Southern home cooking. Rich broth and tender chicken nestled with pillowy dough create a satisfying meal that connects you to traditional family recipes.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (680 g) shredded chicken
• 2 quarts (1.89 L) chicken broth
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 stick (113 g) butter
• ½ cup (120 mL) milk
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Broth Preparation: Combine chicken broth and butter in a large pot, heating to a robust boil over high flame, establishing a rich, flavorful base for the classic southern dish.
2. Dumpling Mixture: Blend flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients for a consistent dumpling texture.
3. Dough Formation: Gently introduce whole milk into the dry mixture, stirring until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough emerges that maintains structural integrity.
4. Dough Shaping: Transfer the dough to a flour-dusted surface, rolling out to a thin, uniform layer using a rolling pin, then slice into precise rectangular or square pieces.
5. Cooking Process: Delicately lower dumpling pieces into the simmering broth, using a wooden spoon to prevent clustering and ensure even cooking for 2-3 minutes.
6. Final Simmering: Reduce heat to medium-low, incorporate shredded chicken, and allow the ingredients to meld together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors for approximately 15-20 minutes.
7. Serving Preparation: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a garnish of chopped parsley, presenting a warm, comforting southern-style culinary masterpiece.

Notes

• Flour Precision: Use precise measurements for consistent dumpling texture, avoiding excess or insufficient flour.
• Dough Handling: Minimal mixing prevents tough dumplings; stop stirring when ingredients just combine for tender results.
• Temperature Control: Maintain gentle simmer during cooking to prevent dumplings from becoming gummy or falling apart.
• Chicken Selection: Opt for pre-cooked, shredded chicken with high moisture content for maximum flavor and tenderness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 412
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 786 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg