Southern Dumplings: A Comforting Taste of Home
Welcome y’all! Today, I am excited to share with you my award-winning Southern Dumplings Recipe. If you crave a wholesome, filling meal with a touch of southern-style, this dish is calling your name. That’s right, it is not just any ordinary chicken dumplings recipe – it is the old-fashioned and authentic southern chicken dumplings recipe made from scratch.
We all know that there are countless recipes available on the internet today, but this one holds a special place in my heart. It has been passed down through generations of my southern relatives who mastered the craft of cooking simple ingredients into the homestyle chicken dumplings that we all know and love. Whether you’re preparing dinner for two, or you’re hosting a big family gathering, these southern-style dumplings are sure to fill your stomach and satisfy your soul.
With few key ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to whip up some homemade chicken dumplings in no time. Imagine biting into a soft dough delicately flavored with black pepper and salt, which nestles succulent chicken pieces cooked in rich and creamy broth. The tender taste and texture will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
So grab your apron and rolling pin (or easy-to-use substitute), and let’s get cooking! It’s time to experience true southern comfort food at its finest – with my very own Southern Dumplings Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of old-fashioned Southern cooking, then this chicken dumplings recipe is sure to hit the spot. There’s nothing like enjoying a hearty and savory bowl of southern-style chicken dumplings to warm your soul and fill your belly.
But why should you choose this recipe over all others? Let me tell you why.
First of all, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, you can whip up a batch of these dumplings in no time. No need for expensive or hard-to-find ingredients here!
Not only is it simple to prepare, but the results are truly delicious. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings made from all-purpose flour and baking powder creates the perfect comfort food meal.
Plus, this recipe is extremely versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings to make it your own. And if you’re looking for a vegan option, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
So whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or wanting to impress guests with an award-winning Southern dish, this chicken dumplings recipe is sure to be a hit. Why settle for anything less than the best when it comes to old-fashioned Southern cuisine? Give this recipe a try and taste the magnolia-scented goodness for yourself!
Ingredient List
To make Southern dumplings from scratch, you’ll need flour and baking powder, which will leaven the dough to create light and fluffy dumplings. To season the dumplings, you’ll need salt and black pepper. Other essential ingredients include milk, butter, and chicken broth. Here is a complete list of what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2/3 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 quarts chicken broth
To create a more flavorful dish, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can also add herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the broth for an extra layer of flavor. For best results, use unsalted butter to control the amount of sodium in your dish.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the Southern Dumplings Recipe! If you’re a fan of old fashioned Southern-style chicken and dumplings, then this recipe is definitely for you. This recipe is easy to make and will give you tender dumplings that will melt in your mouth!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the melted butter and stir to combine.
- Pour in milk and gently stir until the dough comes together into a soft ball.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently (avoid over-kneading or this will produce tough dumplings) for about 30 seconds.
- Roll out dough to about half an inch thickness.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1-inch squares.
- Gently shake off any excess flour from the dumpling squares.
For cooking instructions check out section (6) Serving and Pairing.
Tips for Perfect Results:
- To ensure tender dumplings adjust the water level to just cover the meat and vegetables before adding dumplings.
- Cook on low heat, covered for 10 minutes before putting it in the oven (if applicable).
- Never squash or press dumplings down with spoon because it results in leaden clumps.
- Don’t over-work the dough because you’ll end up with tough dumplings.
Follow these tips and you’ll have delicious Southern-style chicken and dumplings every time!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re a culinary adventurer and like to play around with ingredients, or just want to tweak the recipe a bit to suit your taste, I’ve got a few suggestions for substitutions and variations that might pique your interest.
Firstly, if you’re looking for an easier version of this southern dumplings recipe, you can swap out the homemade dumplings for store-bought bisquick mix or frozen dumplings. While these options may not be as flavorful as homemade dumplings, they can still offer a quick and tasty meal option for those with busy schedules.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, this recipe could be modified to meet your dietary preferences. Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and the chicken dumplings with vegan dumplings made from plant-based proteins such as tofu or seitan.
For a thicker sauce, you could add more flour to the chicken soup mixture while cooking. This will produce a sauce with a more gravy-like consistency that pairs well with mashed potatoes and other southern sides.
Lastly, if you’re looking to do something special with this recipe for a dinner party or get-together, you could try baking the dish in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 375°F after making the dumplings. This method bakes the dumplings into a crispy topping that gives it an added layer of flavor and texture.
Remember, cooking is all about finding what works best for you and is enjoyable. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different tweaks and substitutions to create your award-winning southern style chicken dumplings!
Serving and Pairing
It’s finally time to sit down and dig into a steaming hot bowl of Southern Dumplings! When it comes to serving, there is nothing too fancy or complicated about this dish. I recommend ladling a heaping portion of dumplings and broth into a deep bowl, making sure to get some of that delicious gravy in with each helping. These dumplings are comfort food at its best, so keep it simple by serving with your favorite vegetable side dish or Southern-style cornbread.
If you’re looking to take your meal up a notch, try pairing your Southern Dumplings with sweet tea or a crisp American lager – the perfect accompaniment to any Southern meal. And while there’s nothing quite like digging into homemade chicken dumplings that have been simmering on the stove for hours, the ease of this recipe makes it perfect for any day of the week. Serve it for dinner with family and friends or bring a pot to your next potluck.
One thing to note is that leftovers are just as delicious as the first serving, if not more so. The longer the dumplings sit in the broth, the more they soak up all those tasty flavors. Simply store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat on the stovetop until heated through. So don’t hesitate to double the recipe and save some for later – you won’t be disappointed!
Overall, Southern Dumplings are versatile enough to stand alone or be paired with various sides and drinks for a complete meal. Whether you’re enjoying them alone or sharing with loved ones, these award-winning dumplings are sure to become a crowd favorite in no time.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this Southern Dumplings Recipe is that it can easily be prepared in advance, making mealtime a breeze. Once the dumplings are made, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you are ready to serve them, simply warm them up in the microwave or oven.
If you have leftovers, don’t worry because these dumplings store and reheat well. Just store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze until you’re ready to enjoy them again. When you want to reheat your dumplings, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and heat them up in either the microwave or oven until they are heated through.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner option during busy weeknights, consider making this recipe ahead of time or even doubling the recipe for leftovers. These Southern Dumplings will surely provide a comforting meal that everyone will love, even after being reheated. So go ahead and indulge in this delicious recipe anytime without worrying about losing its taste or flavor!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure perfect results when making your Southern Dumplings, follow these tips and tricks:
Firstly, it’s important to prepare your dry ingredients by whisking them together well before adding in the liquid. This will help to ensure that your dumplings are light and fluffy.
Secondly, when mixing the dough, be careful not to overwork it. Handling the dough too much can result in tough and dense dumplings. Mix until just combined and then stop.
Thirdly, always use cold butter when making the dough. This will help the dumplings to rise better and create a fluffier texture.
Fourthly, make sure to use a well-floured surface when rolling out your dumpling dough. Adding too much flour to your dough can make your dumplings heavy and dry.
Fifthly, resist the urge to stir your dumplings too often while cooking them in the broth. This can cause them to break apart and become mushy. A gentle simmer is best for cooking Southern Dumplings.
Sixthly, if you’re short on time or don’t want to make dumpling dough from scratch, you can swap out the homemade version for store-bought biscuit dough or even Bisquick mix.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a vegan option or want to switch things up a bit, try using a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. These alternatives will still produce delicious Southern-style dumplings with a unique twist.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create award-winning Southern Dumplings that will have everyone coming back for more.
FAQ
Before you get started with this southern dumplings recipe, let’s address some frequently asked questions to ensure that you execute the recipe to perfection. Check out the FAQs below for tips and tricks to make this dish one for the books. So, get ready, let’s dive into some FAQs!
What are Southern dumplings made of?
When we talk about dumplings in the realm of Southern cuisine, we’re actually referring to a special type of biscuit dough. This dough is made by combining flour, shortening, and a liquid such as water, milk, buttermilk, or chicken stock. Depending on the recipe, the dough is either rolled out, dropped by spoonfuls, or molded into small, round balls.
What is the trick to making good dumplings?
When making dumplings, it is important to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined. You don’t want to see any more dry flour, but it’s okay if the dough looks slightly lumpy. However, it’s crucial to avoid overworking the dough as this could result in tough dumplings. Keep in mind to handle the dough gently for a delectable outcome.
Are dumplings better with butter or shortening?
When it comes to making dumplings, there are a couple of fats you can use. Shortening will give you a dumpling that’s slightly more tender, while butter will add a delicious flavor. In my family, we use butter in a lot of our southern-style dishes, including biscuits. However, my Mama prefers shortening, as did my Granny. It all boils down to what you personally like best!
What is the difference between Southern and northern chicken and dumplings?
When it comes to making dumplings, there are different variations depending on the region. Southern-style dumplings are typically made using shortening and are cooked in the broth, while northern-style dumplings, made with butter, are steamed on top of the pot. Despite their name, northern-style dumplings are not only limited to northern regions.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this southern-style chicken dumplings recipe is one that you simply cannot miss out on. With easy to find and affordable ingredients and just a little bit of time and effort, you can create an award-winning dish that will impress all of your friends and family. Whether you serve it for dinner or at a restaurant, it’s sure to be loved by all.
So why not try out this recipe today and experience the true taste of the South? The old-fashioned southern-style chicken recipe, combined with soft dough made of flour, salt, and baking powder provides a truly unique experience that will leave you wanting more. Trust me when I say that there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making homemade chicken dumplings from scratch.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, remember that this recipe is also open to different variations and substitutions. Adding black pepper or buttermilk chicken will bring in new flavors for an exciting twist, while using crockpot or baking the dumplings will deliver a thicker texture. And for those who follow a vegan lifestyle, swapping out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and using frozen vegan chicken substitutes can still deliver a delicious meal.
So what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch of these amazing southern-style dumplings tonight and get ready to be transported to the deep south!
Southern Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ice water
Instructions
- Sift dry ingredients together.
- Cut in butter.
- Add liquid and mix until moistened.
- Roll out dough on floured board and cut into strips.
- Drop in hot broth and cook, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes.