Southern Chicken Dumplings: A Comforting Recipe for a Classic Dish

Southern Chicken Dumplings are a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table. Growing up in the South, I remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of simmering chicken and homemade dumplings, a dish that has deep roots in Southern cuisine. This recipe not only showcases the rich culinary traditions of the region but also embodies the spirit of family gatherings and shared meals. People adore Southern Chicken Dumplings for their tender, fluffy dumplings that soak up the savory broth, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken and Broth:
• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
• 8 cups of water
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Dumplings:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup milk
• For the Final Touch:
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Chicken and Broth

First things first, let’s get that delicious broth going. This is the heart of our Southern Chicken Dumplings!

1. In a large pot, place the cut chicken pieces and add the 8 cups of water. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged.
2. Add the quartered onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This will infuse the broth with amazing flavors.
3. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set them aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vegetables and bay leaves. You can discard the solids. Return the clear broth to the pot and keep it warm on low heat.
5. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Set the shredded chicken aside.

Preparing the Dumplings

Now that we have our flavorful broth and tender chicken, it’s time to whip up those fluffy dumplings!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and milk together. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
3. Stir the mixture gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. The dough should be thick but still slightly sticky.

Cooking the Dumplings

With our dumpling dough ready, let’s get them cooking in that beautiful broth!

1. Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer over medium heat. You want it hot but not boiling.
2. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Make sure to leave some space between each dumpling, as they will expand while cooking.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is what helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
4. After 15-20 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness. They should be puffed up and cooked through. You can test one by cutting it in half; it should be light and fluffy inside.

Assembling the Dish

Now that our dumplings are cooked, it’s time to bring everything together!

1. Once the dumplings are done, gently stir in the shredded chicken into the pot. Allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes.
2. Give the broth a taste and adjust the

   Conclusion:

   In wrapping up this delightful journey through the world of Southern Chicken Dumplings, I can confidently say that this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to bring a taste of comfort and tradition to their kitchen. The tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich broth come together to create a dish that not only warms the belly but also the heart. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or at a family gathering, these dumplings are sure to impress and satisfy. For those looking to add a personal twist, consider experimenting with different herbs and spices, or even incorporating vegetables like carrots and peas for added color and nutrition. You could also try using leftover rotisserie chicken to save time, or swap out the chicken for turkey if you have some on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to make it your own while still enjoying the classic flavors that make Southern Chicken Dumplings so beloved. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t regret it! Once you’ve made your own batch, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you stick to the traditional recipe, or did you add your own flair? Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below or on social media. Let’s spread the love for Southern Chicken Dumplings together! Happy cooking! Print

   Southern Chicken Dumplings: A Comforting Recipe for a Classic Dish

   

   Print Recipe

   Enjoy a comforting bowl of Southern Chicken Dumplings, featuring tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth, topped with fluffy dumplings. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings!

   • Author: Dottie
   • Prep Time: 30 minutes
   • Cook Time: 90 minutes
   • Total Time: 120 minutes
   • Yield: 6 servings

   Ingredients

   • chicken
   • dumplings
   • salt
   • pepper
   • freshly chopped parsley

   Instructions

   1. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
   2. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

   Notes

   • This Southern Chicken Dumplings recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
   • You can customize the dumplings by adding herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
   • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the dumplings may become softer over time.
   • Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the mixture.