Delicious Chicken & Dumplings Recipe – Comfort Food Classic
What’s up foodies? Chef [Your Name] here, and today we’re diving into the world of timeless comfort food with my Southern Chicken & Dumplings Recipe. This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser and has won multiple awards at state fairs due to its delicious flavor and creamy texture.
Growing up, I always loved the days when my grandma would cook a big pot of chicken and dumplings. The enticing aroma would fill the entire house, making my mouth water in anticipation. As I got older and started experimenting in the kitchen, I couldn’t wait to recreate her recipe with a few twists of my own.
This old-fashioned, Southern-style chicken and dumplings dish is a true crowd-pleaser with its tender chicken, creamy broth, and biscuit-style dumplings. The dumplings themselves add a hearty element to the soup that makes you feel like you’re getting a full meal all in one bowl.
So, let’s get cooking! Follow along with me as I show you how to make this easy Southern comfort food classic that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Trust me; your family and friends will be begging you for this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hold up, folks! I’m about to fill you in on why you’ll instantly fall in love with my old-fashioned Southern Chicken & Dumplings recipe.
First of all, picture this: tender chicken breast, creamy broth, and fluffy drop dumplings that just melt in your mouth. Ah! That’s what I’m talking about – a wealthy bowl of goodness that will make your family feel warm and loved inside.
But let’s not stop there. This dish is made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Chicken bouillon cubes, salt and pepper, garlic powder and flour are just a few examples of staple items used to whip up this award-winning recipe.
Moreover, when you take the first bite of my southern style chicken dumplings dish, the toothsome flavors infused together will transport you back to the days when you were sitting in your grandmother’s kitchen. That’s right; this recipe is the perfect time machine to take you on a journey of nostalgia.
So why will you love this chicken dumpling recipe? Because it’s easy to make, with simple ingredients you already have at home, and it tastes like a dreamy escape from reality. And if that isn’t enough reason for some homemade comfort food goodness, then I don’t know what is!
Ingredient List
Let’s get started with the ingredient list for this Southern Chicken & Dumplings recipe. With its classic and hearty taste, you don’t want to miss out a single ingredient from this list. Here are the ingredients that you will need:
For the chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 4 chicken breasts
- 2 quarts of water
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes (or homemade chicken broth)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil
For the dumplings:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (or shortening)
- 1 cup of milk
Make sure to have all the ingredients on hand before you start making this Southern-style dish. Let’s proceed to the next section to learn how to make it!
The Recipe How-To
Time to get to the good stuff – making the southern chicken and dumplings! Let’s get cooking!
Recipe Steps
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
First and foremost, you will need to cook the chicken. You can either use a whole chicken or chicken breasts. Whichever you choose, simply put your chicken in a pot or large Dutch oven, cover with water (about 2 quarts), and cook it until it’s done, which usually takes about an hour over medium-high heat. Don’t forget to add salt for flavor.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
After the chicken is cooked through, take it out of the pot and let it cool. Once cool enough to touch, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Save some of the cooking broth for later use.
Step 3: Make Creamy Broth
In another pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat then sauté 1 medium onion until translucent. Add in chopped celery and continue to sauté for a few minutes before adding in flour. Slowly whisk in approximately 1 cup of cooking broth, stirring constantly until a smooth mixture is formed. Add two chicken bouillon cubes, two bay leaves, and seasonings such as garlic powder, pepper, and more salt, as needed. Continue cooking until it thickens into a creamy broth.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
While your broth is simmering on low heat, it’s time to make some dumplings. Mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour with salt and pepper in another bowl, then stir in 3/4 cup water until a dough forms. Roll dough onto a flat surface and cut them into small pieces with a knife. Drop the dumplings into the creamy broth and cook until fully done.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Dumplings
Finally, it’s time to combine the tender chicken with the fluffy dumplings in the creamy broth. After adding in the chicken, allow it to simmer for about 10-15 minutes until your chicken and dumplings are hot and ready to serve.
A Delicious Dish Served Hot
Now that you have a steaming hot pot of southern-style chicken and dumplings, it’s time to serve up some comfort food. From old-fashioned southern style chicken to easy drop biscuits style dumplings, this dish will be enjoyed by everyone who loves a creamy broth with tender chicken chunks and fluffy dumplings. Enjoy your homemade chicken soup dumplings!
Substitutions and Variations
Hey there, foodies! We all know that sometimes we don’t have every ingredient needed for a recipe, or perhaps we want to add our own personal touch to it. So in this section, I’m giving you some variations and substitutions for the Southern Chicken & Dumplings Recipe!
Firstly, if you don’t have chicken bouillon cubes, fear not my friend! You can easily substitute them for 2 cups of homemade chicken stock. It’s as easy as boiling a chicken carcass with onion, celery and bay leaves for about an hour. Once ready, remove the solids and voila! You’ve got yourself homemade chicken stock.
Want to make the dumplings fluffy? You can substitute all-purpose flour with self-rising flour or even canned biscuits! And if you’d like to make flat dumplings instead of biscuit-style dumplings, simply roll out some dough made of flour and water into thin strips and add them to the pot.
If you’re looking for a creamier broth, add 1 cup of heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. This will make the dumplings rich and give them extra flavor.
For those of you who are vegetarian or simply don’t feel like using chicken breasts, sub them out for tofu cubes or mushrooms.
Finally, if you want an easier approach, try drop dumplings instead of making your own from scratch. They are super easy to make and require only a few ingredients: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt stirred well with 1/2 cup milk.
There you have it folks – some lovely substitutions and variations to make this recipe your own. Experiment a little bit and find your own award-winning twist on this old fashioned southern classic!
Serving and Pairing
Y’all ready to dig into some hearty, down-home Southern grub? Grab a big bowl of these chicken and dumplings and savor all the flavors of this classic comfort food. This is a recipe that’s made for sharing with loved ones, so gather around the table and let’s get to eatin’!
When it comes to pairing this dish with drinks, I suggest keeping it simple and sticking with classic Southern beverages like sweet tea or lemonade. The sweetness will balance out the savory flavors and leave your taste buds feeling refreshed.
To make this into a well-rounded meal, I recommend serving it alongside some collard greens or green beans on the side. The bright colors and crisp textures will complement the creamy broth and tender chicken in the dumplings perfectly. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, why not add some candied yams to the mix? They’ll add a bit of sweetness and are sure to impress any guests you’re cooking for.
Regardless of how you choose to serve it up, one thing’s for sure: this chicken and dumplings dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and indulge in this deliciously old-fashioned Southern-style meal, y’all won’t regret it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen up, folks! I know you’re busy with your everyday hustle and bustle, so I’m going to show you how to make this epic Southern Chicken & Dumplings recipe ahead of time.
To make-ahead, once the chicken and dumplings dish is done cooking, let it cool down and then store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days, or if you’re looking for a longer storage option, put it in the freezer for up to three months.
When it comes to reheating your dumplings dish, your best bet is to do so slowly over low heat. That way, you won’t lose any of those southern-style flavors. You can either reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until hot or using a microwave. But be careful not to overheat it as that will result in dry chicken and soft dumplings.
Now, if you’re feeling like a little improvisation then try adding some canned biscuits or biscuit dough to the mix. This will give your Southern Dumplings dish an unbeatable twist which can be made overnight for easy serving during breakfast before getting back into the work grind.
So whether you want to make chicken dumplings in advance or have leftovers from your old-fashioned southern feast, this recipe’s got you covered. Just follow the instructions carefully and watch your family and friends go crazy for creamy chicken dumplings rich in flavor like never before.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making Southern Chicken & Dumplings might seem like a daunting task, but with these tips, you’ll be able to master the recipe and make it your own signature dish. To start, let’s talk about the chicken. For the most flavorful result, use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless. The bones help to create richer broth while cooking and the breast meat will stay juicy even after simmering for several hours.
When seasoning the chicken, don’t hold back on the salt and black pepper, as it’s important to season every layer of the dish. I also add a pinch of garlic powder for depth of flavor. Be sure to sear the chicken in olive oil until golden brown before adding in any liquid. This step locks in moisture and caramelizes the meat for added flavor.
For creamy dumplings, use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour to make biscuit-style dumplings. Adding a bit of baking powder to all-purpose flour ensures that they will fluff up nicely. As far as the dumpling dough goes, resist overmixing, as this will result in tough dumplings. Mix just enough until all ingredients are incorporated.
For tender chicken in your Southern Chicken & Dumplings, add bay leaves and chicken bouillon cubes to your stock or broth before adding in any vegetables or dumplings. The herbs and spices lend infuse their flavors into the dish while creating a richness that makes the entire dish more satisfying.
Lastly, don’t forget about the ratio between liquid and dumplings! My rule of thumb is that there should be enough liquid to cover all ingredients by about 1 inch before adding in any dumplings. Too much liquid will thin out your end result, while too few can lead to stodgy or undercooked dumplings.
Follow these tips for perfect results every time you make Southern Chicken & Dumplings!
FAQ
Now that you have the recipe for Southern-style chicken & dumplings, it’s time to tackle some frequently asked questions that people often have about this dish. I know that some of you might still have some doubts about the preparation and pairing of this dish, so I’m here to clear them up for you. So without any further ado, let’s dive into the FAQs.
What is the difference between Southern and northern chicken and dumplings?
When it comes to dumplings, there are two main styles: southern and northern. The southern variety is cooked by simmering it in the broth, and it’s typically made with shortening. On the other hand, northern-style dumplings are not necessarily from the northern region, but they differ from the southern style as they are made with butter and are steamed on top of the pot.
What are Southern dumplings made of?
When preparing a dish with dumplings, the dough is made from a blend of flour, shortening, and liquid like water, milk, buttermilk, or chicken stock. The dumpling dough can then be either flattened with a rolling pin, dropped into the dish, or shaped into a ball.
What do they call chicken and dumplings in the South?
Different names are used to refer to the popular Southern dish that combines chicken and dumplings. In eastern North Carolina, it is known as “chicken and pastry” while other Southern cities use terms such as “slicks” or “slickers” to refer to the dumplings.
What is the best thickener for chicken and dumplings?
If you want your chicken and dumplings to have a richer and thicker texture, then follow my advice. Start by combining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 cup of cool water, whisking until adequately blended. Once your dish is simmering, carefully pour in this mixture, ensuring you stir it well to avoid any lumps. As the soup returns to a boil, the cornstarch will work its magic and thicken the entire dish, giving you the perfect consistency.
Bottom Line
Alright folks, are you ready to indulge in some classic Southern comfort food? This chicken & dumplings recipe is sure to satisfy all your cravings for that mouthwatering, creamy broth-filled dish. Trust me, there’s nothing better than enjoying a spoonful of those tender chicken pieces and fluffy dumplings made from scratch.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also easy to make and can be tweaked to suit your liking. Whether you prefer biscuit-style dumplings or flat ones, you can customize the recipe to fit your preferences. You can even add some veggies like carrots or peas to enhance the nutritional value and texture.
So why not give this Southern chicken & dumplings recipe a try? With an array of ingredients inspired by old-fashioned Southern cuisine, including garlic powder, black pepper, all-purpose flour, bay leaves and more, you’ll have a bowl-full of goodness in no time. Whether it’s for a family dinner or potluck party with friends – this chicken & dumplings recipe is bound to become a crowd-pleaser and earn you some serious compliments.
Plus, making your own homemade version means you avoid the preservatives and additives commonly found in canned versions of chicken soup dumplings. Not only that but learning new ways to cook is always fun and rewarding. You can impress your loved ones with your newfound culinary skills and earn some “award-winning” status while you’re at it.
Last but not least, don’t forget that leftovers of this dish keep well in the fridge for a few days or you can freeze them for later. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal but don’t have time to cook from scratch.
In conclusion, if you are looking for an easy yet delicious Southern-style chicken & dumplings recipe that will take you back in time to grandma’s kitchen – look no further than this recipe. I guarantee that after one taste, you’ll be hooked and adding this dish into your regular rotation. So grab those ingredients, try it out and let us know what you think!
Southern Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 (2 1/2 lb) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup or (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ice water
House Seasoning
- 1 cup salt
- 1/4 cup black pepper
- 1/4 cup garlic powder
Instructions
- House Seasoning is wonderful to spice up any recipe so keep some in your pantry; Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months; Yield 1 1/2 cups.
- To start the chicken: Place the chicken, celery, onion, bay leaves, bouillon, and 1 tsp.
- House Seasoning in a large pot.
- Add 4 quarts of water and in water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer the chicken until it is tender and the thigh juices run clear, about 40 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and, when it is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and separate the meat from the bones.
- Return the chicken meat to the pot.
- Keep warm over low heat.
- To prepare the dumplings: Mix the flour with the salt and mound together in a mixing bowl.
- Beginning at the center of the mound, drizzle a small amount of ice water over the flour.
- Using your fingers, and moving from the center to the sides of the bowl, gradually incorporate about 3/4 cup of ice water.
- Knead the dough and form it into ball.
- Dust a good amount of flour onto a clean work surface.
- Roll out the dough (it will be firm), working from center to 1/8-inch thick.
- Let the dough relax for several minutes.
- Add the cream of celery soup to the pot with the chicken and simmer gently over medium-low heat.
- Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces.
- Pull a piece in half and drop the halves into the simmering soup.
- Repeat.
- Do not stir the chicken once the dumplings have been added.
- Gently move the pot in a circular motion so the dumplings become submerged and cook evenly.
- Cook until the dumplings float and are no longer doughy, 3 to 4 minutes.
- To serve, ladle chicken, gravy, and dumplings into warm bowls.
- Cook's Note: If the chicken stew is too thin it can be thickened before the dumplings are added.
- Simply mix together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1/4 cup of water then whisk this mixture into the stew.