Quick Southern Comfort: Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Southern kitchens have long treasured this hearty chicken and dumplings recipe as a comforting classic.

Generations of home cooks perfected the art of creating tender, pillowy dumplings nestled in creamy broth.

Grandmothers whispered secrets about achieving the perfect texture, passing down techniques through warm family gatherings.

Soft, billowy dumplings float like clouds atop richly seasoned chicken, promising pure culinary comfort.

Memories of childhood dinners come flooding back with each spoonful of this soul-warming dish.

Warm bowls filled with love invite you to savor every delicious bite and experience true southern hospitality.

Dive into this recipe and let the magic of home cooking transform your evening meal.

Why Chicken and Dumplings Are a Comfort Food

• Comfort Food Champion: A classic southern-style dish that wraps you in warm, hearty goodness perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-soothing meal.
• Simple Cooking Magic: Requires minimal kitchen skills with straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master without stress or complicated techniques.
• Family Dinner Winner: Creates a delicious one-pot meal that brings everyone together, satisfying different taste preferences with its rich, creamy chicken stew and fluffy dumplings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works wonderfully as a cozy weeknight dinner, weekend family gathering centerpiece, or potluck contribution that guarantees compliments from everyone at the table.

Key Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken Pieces: The star of the dish, providing hearty and tender meat for the comforting stew.

• Chicken Broth, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients create a flavorful liquid foundation for the chicken stew.
• Thyme, Bay Leaf: Aromatic herbs that add depth and classic seasoning to the broth.

• Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that contribute savory flavors and nutritional value to the stew.

• Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: The essential dry components that form the base of the fluffy dumpling dough.

• Butter, Milk: Rich ingredients that bind the dumpling dough and create a tender, soft texture.

• Heavy Cream: A luxurious addition that creates a richer, more velvety broth.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, herbal finish to the dish.

How to Cook Chicken and Dumplings Perfectly

Step 1: Simmer Savory Chicken Stew

• Chicken broth
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Thyme
• Bay leaf

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it gently bubble for about 45 minutes. Your chicken should become mouthwateringly tender.

Pull the chicken out and shred it using two forks, discarding the bones. Return the shredded meat back to the pot.

For extra richness, swirl in some heavy cream.

Step 2: Whip Up Fluffy Dumplings

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Drizzle in melted butter and milk, stirring until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

Step 3: Create Dumpling Magic

Bring your stew to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the pot, keeping them from touching.

Cover the pot and let everything cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. The dumplings will puff up beautifully and become wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Fish out the bay leaf and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Ladle this soul-warming dish into bowls and get ready for pure comfort food bliss.

Useful Tips for Cooking Chicken and Dumplings

• Simmer chicken slowly to ensure maximum softness and prevent tough meat texture.
• Drop dough gently into simmering broth without stirring to maintain fluffy, light consistency.
• Add heavy cream for a luxurious, rich broth that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to bring bright, vibrant notes to the comforting stew.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and control salt levels for a healthier version of this classic comfort meal.

Flavorful Twists for Chicken and Dumplings

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour for dumplings. Use cornstarch to thicken the stew instead of traditional methods.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap milk and butter with unsweetened almond milk and coconut oil. Choose vegetable broth for a lighter chicken alternative.
• Herb-Infused Version: Add rosemary, sage, and oregano to the chicken stew. Incorporate chopped chives or green onions into dumpling mixture for extra flavor complexity.
• Spicy Southern Style: Include diced jalapeños and cayenne pepper in the stew. Mix smoked paprika and red pepper flakes into dumpling dough for a kicked-up Southern-inspired rendition.

What Goes Well with Chicken and Dumplings Dish

Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy stew and complement the chicken’s delicate flavor.

Serve warm, artisan sourdough or rustic French bread to soak up the flavorful broth and add textural contrast.

Prepare a tangy mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty stew’s warmth and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint.

Brew a soothing chamomile or green tea to cleanse the palate and offer a gentle, warming finish to the meal.

Best Storage Options for Chicken and Dumplings

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal the chicken and dumplings tightly, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and dumplings to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal securely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Separate dumplings and broth for better texture preservation.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour leftovers into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or even a whole chicken cut into pieces. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

• How can I make the dumplings lighter and fluffier?

The key is to not overmix the dumpling dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to prevent tough dumplings. Stir gently and avoid pressing down on the dough.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for both the stew and dumplings. Just make sure to use a blend that’s suitable for baking.

Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through this classic Chicken and Dumplings, blending tender poached chicken with pillowy flour dumplings swimming in rich, creamy broth. Hearty home cooking delivers pure warmth with each comforting spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs), cut into pieces

Vegetables:

• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Broth and Seasoning:

• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Dumpling Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Dumpling Wet Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a robust chicken stew by combining chicken pieces, aromatic vegetables, and herbs in a large pot, covering with chicken broth at medium-high heat until boiling.
2. Reduce temperature to low, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 45 minutes, ensuring chicken becomes tender and vegetables soften completely.
3. Extract chicken from the liquid, meticulously shred meat using two forks, discarding bones and returning shredded protein back into the fragrant broth.
4. Enhance stew’s richness by incorporating heavy cream, stirring thoroughly to integrate seamlessly.
5. Prepare dumpling mixture by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate mixing bowl.
6. Incorporate melted butter and milk into dry ingredients, creating a soft, slightly sticky dough with consistent texture.
7. Elevate stew’s temperature to a gentle simmer, creating perfect environment for dumpling cooking.
8. Carefully drop rounded spoonfuls of dumpling dough into simmering liquid, ensuring they do not touch each other.
9. Cover pot and allow dumplings to steam undisturbed for 15 minutes, permitting them to puff and cook thoroughly.
10. Once dumplings appear fluffy and cooked, remove bay leaf and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
11. Serve immediately while piping hot, offering a comforting, hearty meal.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by browning chicken before simmering to develop deeper, richer taste profiles.
• Substitute whole milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Customize dumplings by adding herbs like rosemary or chives directly into the dough for extra aromatic complexity.
• Keep dumpling size consistent for even cooking and ensure they don’t touch each other while simmering to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg