Southern Chicken and Dumplings

why make this recipe

Southern Chicken and Dumplings is a classic dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. It combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth, making it the perfect comfort food for cold days or family gatherings. This dish is also simple to prepare and brings a taste of home-cooked goodness to your table.

how to make Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 large bone-in chicken breast halves with skin
1 (32-ounce) can chicken broth
1 cup water, or as needed
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
3/4 cup milk
2 cups water
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

Make the chicken: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken breasts, skin-side down. Pour in the chicken broth and add just enough water to cover the chicken. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook until the chicken starts to fall off the bone, about 1 hour.
When the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate. Carefully remove and discard the skin and bones, then allow the meat to cool.
Make the dumplings: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Work in 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons of shortening with your fingers until the mixture has a coarse crumb-like texture. Create a well in the center and pour in the milk. Stir until a stiff dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Divide the dough into 16 pieces.
Make the soup: In the pot used for the chicken, add 2 cups of water, the condensed cream of chicken soup, salt, and pepper. Shred the cooled chicken and add it back to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Drop the dumplings into the boiling soup one at a time. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through, 10 to 20 minutes.

how to serve Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Serve the chicken and dumplings hot in bowls. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor and color. Enjoy it with some warm bread on the side for a complete meal.

how to store Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the texture.

tips to make Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Make sure not to over-knead the dumpling dough; this keeps them soft and fluffy.
Tasting the broth for seasoning before adding the dumplings can help adjust flavors.
Using a mix of chicken thighs and breasts can add more flavor to the dish.

variation

You can add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or celery to the broth for extra nutrition and flavor. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.

FAQs

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, but the dish may lack some richness that bone-in chicken provides.

Q: Can I make the dumplings in advance?
A: It’s best to make dumplings fresh for the best texture, but you can prepare and chill the dough in advance for convenience.

Q: What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
A: A simple side salad or some warm cornbread makes a great complement to chicken and dumplings.