Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings: A Cozy Embrace in a Bowl

There’s a certain magic that happens when you step into a kitchen filled with the aromas of simmering chicken, earthy herbs, and freshly made dumplings. It transports you back to cherished moments spent around the dinner table, laughing and sharing stories with loved ones. Southern homemade chicken and dumplings is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day, a celebration of family gatherings, and the ultimate comfort food that brings people together. With each bite, you’ll savor the nostalgia of home-cooked goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soulful dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for a quick dinner idea or a weekend gathering. Here are a few reasons why this Southern classic will steal your heart:

Unforgettable Flavors: The blend of tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings creates an unforgettable harmony of taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family gatherings and potlucks, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple, wholesome ingredients makes this meal easy on the wallet without compromising on flavor.
Heartwarming Comfort: Ideal for cold evenings or rainy afternoons, it’s the kind of meal that warms your soul and comforts your heart.
Relatively Quick: Get dinner on the table in about an hour, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy with family and friends.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful recipe, along with some fun substitutions to cater to your taste:

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs): You can use a mix of chicken thighs and breasts if you prefer.
8 cups chicken broth: Homemade is best, but store-bought works beautifully too.
1 cup diced onions: Swap with shallots for a milder flavor.
1 cup diced carrots: Feel free to add chopped celery for extra crunch.
1 cup diced celery: Or if you’re feeling adventurous, add diced bell peppers for a sweet twist.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic can elevate the flavor even more.
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups all-purpose flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute with a flour blend.
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup cold buttermilk: You can substitute with regular milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
¼ cup unsalted butter: For a rich flavor, use a high-quality butter or olive oil for a lighter option.

Prep and Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight when you crave something comforting yet satisfying!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by preparing the chicken: In a large pot, add the whole chicken and cover it with chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. As the chicken cooks, you’ll be welcomed by the nostalgic scent of savory chicken broth wafting through your kitchen.
Add your aromatics: Once the chicken is nearly cooked (about 30 minutes), add the diced onions, carrots, celery, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Remove the chicken: Carefully take the chicken out and let it cool slightly. While it’s cooling, allow the broth to continue simmering.
Make the dumpling dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then, stir in the cold buttermilk and mix until just combined. Your dumpling dough should be slightly sticky yet manageable.
Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, shredding the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Return the chicken to the pot: Place the shredded chicken back into the simmering broth and stir gently.
Dumpling time: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the broth. They will puff up beautifully and soak up all that delicious broth!
Cover and simmer: Reduce the heat and cover the pot, allowing the dumplings to cook for about 10-12 minutes or until they are fluffy and cooked through.
Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Variations and Twists

Don’t be shy to make this dish your own! Here are a few creative spins on the classic:

Healthy Option: Opt for skinless chicken and reduce the butter for a lighter dish.
Vegetarian Delight: Replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth to create a meatless version.
Chunky Chicken and Dumplings: Add in sweet peas or green beans for added color and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a Southern twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Southern homemade chicken and dumplings in rustic bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of elegance. Pair it with a light green salad and flaky cornbread for a complete Southern feast. It’s equally delightful for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, creating shared moments that linger in memory.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for future meals. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain the dumplings’ fluffy texture.

Kitchen Tips for Success

Patience is key: Letting the dumplings steam with the lid on is crucial for fluffy results.
Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning to your preference to create the perfect flavor balance.
Layer flavors: Sauté your veggies until caramelized before adding the broth for an extra depth of flavor.
Keep it simple: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick dinner idea that still tastes homemade.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the chicken and broth a day in advance, but add the dumplings when you’re ready to serve.
Can I substitute the chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to use turkey or even hearty plant-based proteins.
How do I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stove.
What’s the serving size?
This recipe typically serves around 6-8 people, depending on portion sizes.

Conclusion

Southern homemade chicken and dumplings is a heartwarming dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. As you gather around the table with family and friends, this recipe promises to create beautiful memories filled with laughter and joy. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive gathering, invite loved ones into your kitchen and share the love through food. So grab your apron, turn up the stove, and let the coziness unfold!

Contents

1 Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

A heartwarming dish that blends tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings, making it the ultimate comfort food for family gatherings and chilly evenings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Southern

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth

1 whole whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs) You can use a mix of chicken thighs and breasts if you prefer.
8 cups chicken broth Homemade is best, but store-bought works beautifully too.
1 cup diced onions Swap with shallots for a milder flavor.
1 cup diced carrots Feel free to add chopped celery for extra crunch.
1 cup diced celery Or if you're feeling adventurous, add diced bell peppers for a sweet twist.
1 teaspoon garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can elevate the flavor even more.
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour For a gluten-free version, substitute with a flour blend.
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup cold buttermilk You can substitute with regular milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
¼ cup unsalted butter For a rich flavor, use a high-quality butter or olive oil for a lighter option.

Instructions

Preparation

In a large pot, add the whole chicken and cover it with chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Once the chicken is nearly cooked (about 30 minutes), add the diced onions, carrots, celery, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Carefully take the chicken out and let it cool slightly. While it's cooling, allow the broth to continue simmering.

Dumpling Preparation

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the cold buttermilk until just combined; the dumpling dough should be slightly sticky yet manageable.
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, shredding the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the simmering broth and stir gently.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the broth. They will puff up beautifully and soak up the delicious broth.
Reduce the heat and cover the pot, allowing the dumplings to cook for about 10-12 minutes or until they are fluffy and cooked through.
Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water.

Keyword chicken and dumplings, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, homemade recipe, Southern Cuisine

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest