What is comfort food? What is Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings? What is a restaurant-style dish? Is this the kind of recipe passed down through generations, the one that fills your kitchen with a special flavor? Warm, homey aroma and makes everyone feel like they’re getting a hug. What is better than Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup? The tender chicken, the rich, creamy broth, and those pillowy dumplings… Is it a symphony of textures and flavors that just makes you feel good? What is the dish that always showed up at family gatherings, and now I’m sharing it with you.
What is Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings?
Think of **Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings** as a warm hug in your bowl. What is essentially a creamy, savory stew featuring tender pieces of chicken simmered in rich broth? What are the best dumplings? What is the name of chicken and dumplings? It hails from the American South, where resourceful cooks transformed simple ingredients into delicious dishes. What are some hearty, satisfying meals What are some of the best dumplings in the world? They soak up the flavorful broth and create these little pockets of deliciousness that you’ll crave. What are the advantages of making everything from scratch?
Why I love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this **Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings** recipe is a winner. First off, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of the savory chicken, the creamy broth (thanks to a little secret ingredient, which I’ll reveal later), and the subtly sweet dumplings is pure magic. And the simplicity! Don’t let the thought of “dumplings” intimidate you. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. I always do this when I’m short on time, but still want a wholesome meal on the table.
What I love most about this is how cost-efficient it is. Chicken thighs are budget-friendly and pack tons of flavor. The other ingredients are pantry staples. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, add veggies, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken to speed things up. Seriously, this is a lifesaver on busy nights. You know how Chicken Pot Pie is comforting? Well, this is like pot pie without the crust… but even better! Trust me on this one.
How do I make Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings?
Quick Overview
Alright, here’s the lowdown. We start by simmering chicken in a flavorful broth until it’s fall-apart tender. While that’s happening, we whip up a simple dumpling dough. When the broth is boiling, we drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth and let them cook until they’re light brown. What is the secret to not overthink it? It’s about creating something comforting and delicious with simple ingredients and a whole lotta of fun.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I prefer breasts because they’re more flavorful, but I don’t like them).
* 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is best so you can control the salt)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 teaspoons dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
* 2 tablespoons butter (or Olive Oil)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (this is my secret ingredient! Makes it extra creamy)
For the Dumplings: What
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup shortening (or butter, cold and cubed)
* 3/4 cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it works great!)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Set aside. Add the onion, carrots, celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the onion and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of the whole dish, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth
Add the chicken thighs to the pot and season with thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. How do you prepare chicken broth? Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. Is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. If you’re using Chicken Breasts, start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken from pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. When the magic starts to happen, the aroma is intoxicating!
Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough
While the chicken is simmering, prepare the dumpling dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you cut butter in a pastry blender? Gradually add the milk, stirring until just combined. A few lumps are okay. What is the key for fluffy dumplings?
Step 5: Drop the Dumplings
Reduce the heat under the pot to medium. If you’re making dumplings, place them in a pot with simmering broth, spacing them evenly apart. I usually use a cookie scoop for this to get uniform sizes. Don’t overcrowd the pot! Do you need to do this in batches?
Step 6: Simmer and Serve
Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Is it important to keep the lid on so the dumplings steam properly? What is the best way to put heavy cream over the top?
Step 7: Taste and Season
What is the best seasoning to use? Is it okay to add a little more salt or pepper?
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
What is best served hot and enjoy!
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken and dumplings? What are some ways to round things out?
What is a simple lunch? A side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious broth.
What is a hearty dinner? Green Beans or a simple side salad adds some freshness.
For a Comfort Food Feast: Cornbread! It’s a classic southern pairing for a reason.
For a Festive Gathering: Roasted vegetables or mashed Sweet Potatoes for a touch of sweetness.
My family loves it with a big slice of cornbread. It’s just the perfect way to soak up all that delicious broth. And honestly, sometimes I just eat it straight out of the bowl with a spoon. No judgment here!
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings
Alright, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make your **Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings** even better.
Chicken Thigh Magic: As I mentioned before, Chicken Thighs are my go-to for this recipe. They’re more flavorful and stay moist during simmering. But if you prefer chicken breasts, just be careful not to overcook them.
Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough: Seriously, this is crucial. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, chewy dumplings. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer when cooking the dumplings. A rolling boil will cause them to fall apart.
The Heavy Cream Secret: Okay, this is my secret weapon. A splash of heavy cream at the end adds richness and creaminess to the broth. But if you’re watching your calories, you can skip it or use half-and-half.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the pot, such as peas, corn, or potatoes. Just add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking so they don’t get mushy.
Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can use it in this recipe. Just shred it and add it to the pot after the vegetables have softened. This is a great way to save time!
I tested this with almond milk once (because I was out of regular milk), and it actually made the dumplings even creamier! So don’t be afraid to experiment.
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover **Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings** (which is rare at my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little broth or water to thin it out if it’s too thick.
Dumpling Texture: Keep in mind that the dumplings may lose some of their original texture after being stored. They might be a little softer, but they’ll still be delicious!
I find that adding a splash of milk when reheating helps bring it back to life. It’s like a little spa day for your leftovers!
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my tried-and-true **Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings** recipe. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and warm your soul. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables. If you love this, you might also enjoy my Creamy Potato Soup or my classic chili recipe – they’re all about that cozy, home-cooked goodness. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them! Happy cooking!
Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups biscuit mix
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add chicken and reduce heat; simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and milk until smooth. Gradually whisk into the chicken broth mixture until thickened.
- Drop biscuit mix by rounded tablespoons into the simmering mixture. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve hot.
