Delicious Southern Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Hey there foodies and home cooks! Today, I’ve got a treat for you that will knock your socks off. Are you ready to experience some good ole’ southern comfort food? Then you’re in luck because I’m about to share with you my recipe for Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings for Beginners.
Now, if you’re from the south or have ever visited, then you know that chicken and dumplings is a staple dish that warms your soul and fills your belly with pure delight. But, if you’re not from the south, then this dish may only be something you’ve heard about but have yet to try. Well, now’s the time to get in on the action and taste what all the fuss is about.
My recipe is perfect for beginners who might feel intimidated by the idea of making homemade dumplings from scratch. Trust me; I’ve got tips and tricks that will help ensure your dumplings come out tender, fluffy, and flavorful every time.
So grab your apron, turn up some country music, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Y’all, let me tell you why you’ll fall head over heels in love with this Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings recipe. First off, nothing says comfort food like a hearty bowl of rich, creamy chicken and dumplings. This dish is the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly evening or to lift your spirits when you’re feeling down.
But there’s more to it than just that. This recipe is easy enough for beginners to follow, so even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you can whip up something delicious for your loved ones. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store. With just a few pantry staples like flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, milk and shortening, you’re already on your way to making this dish.
And if you’re looking for flexibility with your recipe, this Chicken and Dumplings gotchu! There are plenty of options for substitutions and variations depending on what ingredients you have available or what flavor profile you want to achieve. You can use chicken breasts instead of a whole stewing chicken, or canned biscuits or homemade biscuit dough instead of dumplings made from scratch.
All in all, this simple yet satisfying Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings recipe has something for everyone – from the novice cook looking to impress their family to the seasoned chef searching for a classic comfort food dish. Try it once and we guarantee it’ll become a staple in your recipe book!
Ingredient List
Let’s start with the ingredient list for this easy and delicious Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Here are all the ingredients you will need to make this classic comfort food:
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole stewing chicken or 4 chicken breasts
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter or shortening
- 3/4 cup milk
For the Broth:
- 3 cups chicken broth (either homemade or canned)
- 2 cups water
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these ingredients in your kitchen already! Most of these items are pantry staples, so you may already have them on hand. If not, they should be readily available at your local grocery store.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get started with my easy Southern-style chicken and dumplings recipe. I promise it’s going to be so satisfying and delicious!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a large dutch oven or pot, place a whole stewing chicken or chicken breasts in water (enough to cover the chicken) along with chopped celery and onion. Season with pepper and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1-2 hours until the chicken is cooked through tender enough that it falls off the bone. Remove the chicken from the pot and discard any bones, skin, or cartilage. Shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Dumplings
While waiting for the chicken to cool down, prepare your dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add in 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening then use your hands or a pastry blender to mix until you form pea-sized crumbs.
Slowly add in 1 cup of milk while still mixing with your hands until you form a slightly sticky dough. Be sure not to overdo it since over-mixing can produce tough dumplings.
By this point, your chicken should have cooled enough to handle so place it back into the dutch oven containing chicken broth. Increase heat a little bit to bring the broth back up to temperature.
Now shape your dumplings by spoonfuls or roll out on floured surface before cutting into strips (about feather width). Drop formed dumplings directly into boiling liquid, carefully avoiding splashing yourself since boiling liquid can be dangerous. Leave enough space between the dumplings to allow for expansion as they cook. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally from the bottom up.
Step 3: Assemble the Chicken and Dumplings
After allowing your dumplings to cook for 10-15 minutes, add back in your shredded chicken (2 cups), cream of chicken soup (1 can), and milk (1/2-1 cup). Continue cooking everything for another 10-15 minutes or until the floury flavor has disappeared, and the dish has become a rich creamy consistency.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Now that everything is hot and ready to serve, spoon your Chicken and Dumpling stew into bowls, garnished with some freshly chopped parsley or chives, if desired. This will definitely become one of your go-to comfort foods that you’ll make again and again!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to this Southern-style Chicken and Dumplings recipe, there are a few ways to give it your own personal spin.
First, let’s talk about the chicken. I prefer stewing chicken for the rich and savory taste, but you could also use boneless chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Alternatively, you could use a slow cooker to cook the chicken with water and a bit of chicken broth. Additionally, if you’re short on time, you can substitute canned chicken or rotisserie chicken meat instead.
Next up are the dumplings. While I love making homemade dumplings from scratch with flour, baking powder, shortening, and milk, canned biscuits or even pre-made crockpot dumplings will do in a pinch. Alternatively, consider trying black pepper dumplings or even herb dumplings for a different twist.
For an extra creamy texture in the dish, try using cream of chicken soup instead of regular chicken broth, or add a splash of heavy cream to the broth before adding in your cooked chicken and dumplings.
Lastly, consider adding some fresh vegetables like carrots or peas to the dish for added color and nutrition. Sauteed onions and celery are also a great way to top off this comfort food favorite.
Overall, don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Experimenting with different substitutions and variations can result in a unique dish that satisfies and fulfills every craving.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made this delicious Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings recipe, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair it. This comforting dish goes great with a variety of sides and beverages.
To start, I recommend serving the chicken and dumplings hot, straight from the stove. The rich creamy broth combined with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings is the perfect comfort food on cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
For a classic side dish, try pairing this chicken and dumpling recipe with buttery cornbread. The sweet flavor of the cornbread pairs well with the savory chicken broth, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
If you’re looking for a healthier side dish option, consider serving roasted vegetables like carrots or brussels sprouts on the side. The natural sweetness of these vegetables complements the savory flavors in the chicken and dumplings, making for a delicious and wholesome meal.
As for drinks, I suggest serving sweet tea or lemonade to quench your thirst while eating this hearty dish. Both of these drinks are classic Southern staples that are perfect for any occasion.
In addition to sides and drinks, be sure to have plenty of napkins available as this dish can get messy!
Now that you know how to serve and pair your Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a warm bowl of this comforting dish.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen up y’all, because I’m going to let you in on a little secret – this recipe for Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings is perfect for make-ahead meals! Sometimes, the best comfort food takes a while to cook, and ain’t no one got time to whip it up fresh every single time. That’s where making a big batch come in handy.
To make this dish ahead of time, simply follow the recipe as normal, but don’t add the dumplings until you’re ready to reheat and serve. The dumplings will need to be cooked fresh so they don’t get soggy. You can either store the cooked dumplings separately or freeze the entire dish.
When you’re ready to reheat your chicken and dumplings, let it thaw if it was frozen, then heat it on low on the stove until it’s thoroughly heated through. This dish tastes even better once the flavors have had some time to meld together in the fridge or freezer.
One other option for same-day convenience is using canned biscuits or biscuit dough in place of making homemade dumplings. Pillsbury biscuits or barrel dumplings work like good southern charm too!
Trust me y’all, this one-pot recipe is worth making in advance for those nights when you just can’t be bothered to cook from scratch. Plus, having leftovers means you can enjoy a rich creamy bowl of chicken and dumplings for days afterward – talk about a winning dish!
Tips for Perfect Results
Listen up y’all, because here are some expert tips from a seasoned chef to help you achieve perfection in your Southern-style Chicken and Dumplings.
1. Use a good quality chicken broth or stewing chicken to get that authentic old-fashioned Southern taste. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
2. Don’t skimp on the dumpling ingredients. Make sure you’re using fresh baking powder and all-purpose flour. Trust me, I’ve seen many a dumpling fall flat due to outdated ingredients.
3. When adding the dumplings to the pot, be sure not to overcrowd them as they will expand as they cook. You want them to have enough room to puff up and get fluffy.
4. Speaking of dumplings, if you want really perfect results, try making your own homemade biscuit dough for the dumplings instead of using canned biscuits. It may take a bit more effort, but it will be worth it for the rich, creamy texture.
5. If you’re pressed for time, use crockpot or slow cooker chicken breasts as a shortcut to save time without compromising flavor.
6. Season your dish generously with salt and pepper- that’s how southern folks like it!
7. Don’t be overzealous with stirring the mixture! Too much stirring can breakdown the gluten in the flour and make the dumplings tough.
8. Let your dish rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
By following these tips, y’all will be on your way to Southern-style Chicken and Dumplings perfection every time!
Bottom Line
in this southern style recipe, I’ve shared with you a classic dish that is sure to become a staple at your family table. With its rich, creamy chicken broth and fluffy dumplings, it’s hard to resist the comfort food goodness that this dish provides.
In addition to its delicious flavors, this recipe is also very easy to make, and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, with the tips and substitutions that I’ve included, you can customize this dish based on your own personal preferences and dietary restrictions.
So why not bring a taste of the south to your home? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to impress. Try it out for yourself and see why southern style cuisine is loved by so many people. Your taste buds will thank you.
Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings for Beginners Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken Stock
- 1 very fat 5 lb. stewing chicken
- 1 medium whole onion
- 2 stalks celery
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
DUMPLINGS
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Chicken Stock:.
- Wash chicken well.
- Place in large stockpot, cover with water and cook until tender.
- Remove chicken, celery and onion saving chicken stock and chicken.
- Discard onion and celery.
- Cool and debone chicken and return to stock.
- Heat to boil.
- Dumplings:.
- Mix all ing. except milk, as you would for pie crust.
- Add milk slowly until dough is soft enough to handle.
- Roll as thin as possible on floured board.
- Slice in 1&1/2 to 3 inch strips.
- Carefully drop dumplings in boiling broth.
- Cook 15 minutes They will plump up nicely.
- Do not half or double this recipe.
- This recipe is for those who can't make chicken and dumplings.