Southern-style chicken and dumplings: A comforting recipe
Looking for a hearty and soulful dish that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings for old-fashioned, Southern cooking? Look no further, as I am here to share with you an easy and delicious recipe for Southern-style chicken and dumplings.
Growing up in the South, I have always been surrounded by the rich and buttery flavors of traditional Southern cuisine. From shrimp and grits to peach cobbler, there’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of home-cooking. And there’s nothing more classic to Southern cuisine than a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, or for impressing guests at your next gathering. There’s no need to slave away in the kitchen all day – this recipe can be whipped up in just under an hour. So grab your apron, put on some music, and let’s get started on making a delicious batch of Southern-style chicken and dumplings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all foodies and southern cuisine enthusiasts! In this recipe, you’ll find a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any cozy night in or dinner party with loved ones. Our Southern Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines creamy, tender chicken with fluffy, homemade dumplings made from scratch.
Firstly, the juicy chicken is simmered in a creamy broth, seasoned with a blend of sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley flakes to take it to the next level. The use of boneless skinless chicken breasts ensures the tender texture that melts in your mouth. The dumplings made with unbleached all-purpose flour are the crowning glory of this dish! They’re soft and fluffy on the inside while maintaining a crunchy exterior for an appetizing texture – sure to impress any guest.
Homemade drop dumplings can easily be mixed together and then dropped into the simmering broth to cook. Or if you’re looking for real-deal traditional “Southern-style” chicken dumplings, roll them thin enough (or thick enough) to give them their signature density when combined with chicken broth.
Moreover, our easy-to-follow recipe ingredients require only around 30 minutes of prep time before you can tuck into this tasty dish. You truly can bring Southern charm to your own kitchen—wherever you are in the world—and take that vibrant feeling straight onto your plate.
Can you imagine creating your own old-fashioned Southern-style chicken and dumplings? Well here’s your chance – this recipe guarantees perfectly seasoned creamy soup matched with fluffy yet dense dumplings infused with endless love and care! Therefore you won’t be able to resist applauding your culinary skills once you give this particular recipe a try. Bon Appétit!
Ingredient List
- Chicken and Broth:
- 4 cups Water
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 3 boneless skinless Chicken breasts, trimmed of any visible fat and cut into bite-size pieces (approximately 2 lbs.)
- Sea salt and fresh black pepper
- Dumplings:
- 2 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Parsley Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
- 2 tbsp Salted Butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup Milk
- Vegetables:
- 1 Sweet Onion, diced
- 1 Celery rib, finely diced
Note: If you prefer homemade dumplings over store-bought ones, simply replace them with any of the following dumpling recipes: Easy Drop Dumplings.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you know what ingredients you need to gather, let’s get started with the recipe how-to!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth
To make the flavorful broth, first, place 3-4 chicken breasts in a large pot. Cover with 6 quarts of water, adding 1 tablespoon of sea salt and 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about an hour, or until the chicken is tender.
Once it’s cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool down a bit. After that, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and keep them covered until we use them again soon.
While the chicken cooks, prepare your vegetable mixture by chopping one small sweet onion and one celery rib into small squares.
Step 2: Make The Dumplings
For southern-style dumplings, mix 2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon each of sea salt, parsley flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder, as well as a generous pinch of fresh coarse ground black pepper. Then cut in ¼ cup of salted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Now stir in enough milk (around â…”-¾ cup) and mix only until everything is moistened properly. Don’t overwork it!
To shape the dumplings: using a large spoon or spatula, drop a scoop of dumpling dough onto a lightly-floured surface, then start rolling out to form roughly 2-inch flat discs; you can make them thinner if preferred. Set aside afterward.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients Together
Returning to our chicken broth: strain it thoroughly to remove all remnants of bones or meat scraps. Then return the freshly prepared vegetable mix along with the shredded chicken meat back to the pot.
Turn on the heat to medium-high and bring everything to a low boil. Add the dumplings one at a time as it boils, making sure to submerge them for maximum absorbency. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, try not to stir often so that it doesn’t break apart.
Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Serve It Hot
Now that our delicious southern-style chicken and dumplings are ready, wait for it to cool down slightly before garnishing with some chopped parsley flakes. Serve hot with your choice of bread or crackers!
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to put your own spin on this southern-style chicken and dumplings recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations you can try out:
– Instead of using canned biscuits or making your own dumplings, you can use flat or drop-style dumplings made from scratch. Use 2 cups of self-rising flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 3/4 cup of milk. Mix these ingredients together to form a dough and drop small portions into the soup. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
– For a creamier broth, whisk in 3/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half when adding the butter to the soup. This will give your chicken and dumplings a velvety, smooth texture that you’re sure to love.
– Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for more flavorful meat.
– If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, substitute with vegetable broth or water instead. In fact, using water will allow the flavor of the chicken to shine through even more.
– To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add some vegetables such as carrots, peas, and potatoes to make up for the missing protein.
With these substitutions and variations in mind, you can create your own unique version of this delicious southern-style chicken and dumplings recipe. Keep experimenting until you find the perfect combination for your taste!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure that you bring out the best in this delicious southern-style chicken and dumpling dish. One important aspect to consider is the fact that serving sizes can vary greatly depending on who you ask – some folks prefer smaller portions as a side dish, while others like to serve a heaping bowlful for a hearty meal.
If you’re going for the latter option and serving this dish as a main course, you could consider pairing it with some simple Southern sides like cornbread, collard greens, or black-eyed peas. These complementary flavors will help balance out the creaminess of the broth and bring out the savory richness of the chicken meat and dumplings. A light salad or vegetable medley can be a nice counterpoint to these heavier dishes.
Another popular option for serving Southern-style chicken and dumplings is to include a sweet dessert after your main course. For example, why not serve up some classic peach cobbler or pecan pie? The sweetness of these desserts pairs well with the rich flavors of the dish and adds a hint of Southern flavor.
Finally, when it comes to selecting a beverage, you may want something that’s cool and refreshing yet indulgent at the same time. A glass of sweet iced tea is always a great idea when serving Southern cuisine – feel free to add some lemon slices or fresh mint for an extra burst of flavor. Alternatively, you could opt for a sparkling apple cider or even a cold beer if that’s more your style.
In short, there are plenty of ways to serve and pair your Southern-style chicken and dumplings recipe in order to make it really shine. By keeping in mind what flavors work well together and striking a balance between lighter and heavier accompaniments, you can create an unforgettable dining experience that pays homage to this classic and beloved regional cuisine.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One great thing about this chicken and dumpling recipe is that it can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for days when you’re short on time. To make it ahead of time, follow the recipe as usual and allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature.
Once cooled, transfer your chicken and dumplings to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days without compromising its flavor and texture.
To reheat your leftovers, I recommend pouring your chicken and dumplings in a pot with a splash of milk, cream or chicken broth over low heat. Give it a good stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, but be careful not to overcook it.
One important thing to note is that the dumplings will soak up much of the liquid as they sit in the fridge, so you will likely need to add extra liquid (broth, milk or water) when reheating your leftovers. Don’t worry; this won’t compromise their delicious taste.
In case you have any leftovers after reheating, you can store them again by following the same storing process. But if you know that there will be leftovers, I recommend making only enough dumplings that you think you will eat in one serving.
Overall, this old fashioned southern-style chicken and dumpling recipe tastes better fresh out of the oven, but with proper storage and reheating methods prepare them ahead of time is convenient and feasible without compromising tastiness.
Tips for Perfect Results
To master the art of Southern-style cooking, it all comes down to the little things – those small, yet essential tips that make a big difference in the final product. Follow these helpful tips to ensure your chicken and dumplings turn out perfectly every time.
– Don’t overwork the dough: When preparing your dumpling dough, remember that less is more. Overworking the dough can result in tough, chewy dumplings. Mix the ingredients until just combined and handle the dough as little as possible.
– Keep it hot: While cooking the chicken, keep it simmering at a low temperature for tender and juicy chicken. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or whole chicken can provide a great base for a creamy broth. To avoid dry chicken, do not overcook!
– Spice it up: Seasonings are what give southern dishes their distinct flavors. Be sure to measure carefully and experiment with different amounts of salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, or parsley flakes until you find your desired taste.
– Let it rest: After cooking your chicken and dumplings dish, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This step allows time for the flavors to meld together and results in a more flavorful dish.
– Add stock if needed: If you want creamier and thicker consistency of your broth, add a can of cream soup or some more stock at the end of cooking.
– Use homemade biscuit dough: For truly exceptional dumplings, take an extra step and make your own homemade flat dumpling dough. It may require more effort than canned alternatives, but the end result will have superior texture and flavor.
Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to mastering southern-style cuisine. Do not be afraid to experiment with different techniques or spice combinations until you find what works best for you!
FAQ
Now that you have cooked and tasted your own Southern-style chicken and dumplings, it’s time to answer some of the common questions about this recipe. In this FAQ section, I’ll address some frequently asked questions about the ingredients and cooking process for this classic southern dish. So, let’s address your concerns to help you achieve perfect results that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
What do they call chicken and dumplings in the South?
Different regions in the southern states have their unique names for the popular dish that consists of chicken and dumplings, with Eastern North Carolina branding theirs as “chicken and pastry”. Meanwhile, other cities in the South have their own monikers for the dumplings, like “slicks” or “slickers”.
What is the difference between Southern and northern chicken and dumplings?
When it comes to dumplings, there are two styles: Southern and Northern. The Southern dumplings are cooked in the broth and are made with shortening, while the Northern ones are steamed on top of the pot and are made with butter. It should be noted that the Northern style is not necessarily exclusive to the North.
What are Southern dumplings made of?
When rustling up a Southern-style meal, a dumpling refers to a tasty biscuit-like dough that is made from a blend of shortening, flour, and either water, milk, buttermilk, or chicken stock. Depending on your preference or recipe, the dough can be rolled out and flattened, dropped, or rolled into balls.
What can I add to my chicken and dumplings to make it thicker?
When cooking chicken and dumplings, I have found that adding cornstarch is a great way to give it a thicker texture. For this, I recommend mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 cup of cool water until it is well-combined. Once your soup is at a good boil again, go ahead and stir in the cornstarch mixture to achieve the desired thickness. This trick has always worked well for me!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this old fashioned southern chicken and dumpling recipe is a perfect comfort food that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. With the right ingredients and proper instructions, you will have juicy, tender chicken in a creamy broth with fluffy dumplings made from scratch. This classic recipe is easy to make and will impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed in the delicious flavors of southern style chicken dumplings. Whether you prefer drop dumplings, rolled dumplings or flat dumplings, this recipe has got you covered.
So let’s get cooking and enjoy the love that Southern cuisine brings to our tables! As a chef who specializes in Southern-style cuisine, I strongly recommend adding this dish to your repertoire. Trust me, once you’ve had a taste of these homemade chicken dumplings, it’ll become one of your go-to comfort foods. Invite your loved ones over or serve it for dinner tonight and get ready to savor every bite of this rich, hearty meal.
In summary, this Southern Chicken and Dumpling recipe is the epitome of culinary excellence that celebrates the soulful flavors of Southern cuisine. So follow my tips and recommendations and make sure to add it to your shopping list today!
Another Southern Chicken and Dumpling Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs organic chicken breasts (bone in -skin on, approx 3)
- 3 (32 ounce) boxes of organic chicken broth (divided)
- 11 cups water (divided)
- 1 cup celery rib (sliced-approx 3)
- 1 1/2 cups baby carrots (diced about 1/4 inch thick, approx 25 carrots)
- 1 cup sweet onion (diced)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh fresh coarse ground black pepper
DUMPLINGS
- 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (King Arthur)
- 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour (King Arthur)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole)
- 2 tablespoons parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 10 tablespoons salted butter (room temp)
Instructions
- Using a large stock pot add diced carrots, onion and celery with 2 of the cartons of chicken stock (equals 64 oz) and 8 cups of the water and 1 tablespoon salted butter along with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder also 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1 teaspoon fresh coarsely ground black pepper. Bring to a boil then turn to just under medium high heat keeping at a boil for one hour. While chicken is boiling you can make the dough for the dumplings (After an hour remove chicken to cool. Once cooled tear into small bite sized pieces and add back to the broth.).
- To make the dumplings.
- Using a large mixing bowl whisk flour, salt, parsley flakes, onion powder and garlic powder. Add milk and eggs. Cut softened butter into pieces and add to flour mixture.
- Flour your hands then knead until a loose dough forms. Dough should still stick to your hands but easily come off. Divide dough in two and form 2 balls picking up all the loose pieces. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap (Glad or Saran) tightly and refrigerate for an hour (although the dough can stay in the refrigerator up to overnight). The chicken should be done cooking while the dough is resting so this would be a good time to take out and let cool so you can debone it then add it back to the pot.
- When you are ready for the dough lightly flour your surface and rolling pin. Dough might crumble a bit. just make into a tighter ball and roll the ball in the flour you've floured your surface with. Start to roll dough out to 1/4 inch. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife cut dough into 1 inch pieces.
- Bring broth up to hard boil and add the last 32 oz box of chicken broth and the last 3 cups water. Start adding dumplings quickly. Make sure that all dumplings are dunked under the surface a couple times. Let boil but stir frequently to keep dumplings from sticking to each other or the bottom of your pot. Your chicken should have been added back to the pot by this time if you haven't already done so add it back now.
- Cook dumplings for 20 minutes. Take out one dumpling and test to see if it's done. It should be firm but still soft not gooey. Cooking time will vary due to thickness of dumplings. If not done at 20 minutes let cook an additional 10 minutes and check again.