Southern Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl of heartwarming, Southern-style comfort, nothing quite hits the spot like Southern Chicken and Dumplings. This classic dish features tender shredded chicken swimming in a creamy, lightly seasoned soup base, paired perfectly with fluffy, homemade drop dumplings that melt in your mouth. Every spoonful brings cozy nostalgia and a satisfying blend of savory flavors that’s truly irresistible. It’s simple to prepare yet soul-satisfying, making it an all-time favorite for chilly evenings and family gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Southern Chicken and Dumplings comes down to a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a special role—from creating a rich, creamy base to delivering that perfect pillowy texture in the dumplings.

• Unsalted butter: Adds luscious richness and helps sauté vegetables to deepen flavor.
• Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
• Celery ribs: Introduce a mild, fresh crunch and balance to the soup.
• Garlic: Packs a punch of savory warmth in every bite.
• All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the soup base and forming the dumplings.
• Chicken broth: The flavorful backbone that infuses the soup with savory goodness.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that shreds beautifully into the soup.
• Salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning: These seasonings elevate the flavor to keep every bite perfectly balanced.
• Whole milk: Creates a creamy, velvety texture in the soup and dumplings.
• Baking powder: Leavens the dumplings for lightness and fluffiness.

How to Make Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Build the Flavorful Soup Base

Start by melting butter in a stock pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery and cook until you spot a gentle browning around the edges—about 4 to 5 minutes—this step unlocks incredible depth. Toss in the minced garlic last so it doesn’t burn and simply cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma. Then, sprinkle in the flour and stir it in to coat your veggies, cooking for 1 minute. This roux-like step is the secret to thickening your soup beautifully without lumps.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth, Simmer to Perfection

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom—they’re full of flavor. Nestle the chicken breasts in the pot and season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Bring everything to a simmer, then turn the heat to low and cover your pot. Let the chicken cook gently for about 20 minutes until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring the meat gets tender and juicy. While the chicken cooks, you’re free to move on to the dumpling dough!

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Enrich the Soup

Once your chicken breasts are cooked, remove them from the soup and allow them to cool just enough to shred easily with forks. Stir whole milk into the simmering soup base to transform it into a creamy haven, perfect for the dumplings and chicken to come.

Step 4: Prepare the Delightful Dumplings

In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Grate cold butter directly into the mixture—this little trick ensures your dumplings have tender, flaky pockets. Create a well in your dry ingredients and gently pour in the milk, stirring just until everything comes together. A shaggy, sticky dough signals you’re ready to drop your dumplings into the soup.

Step 5: Drop Dumplings and Simmer to a Dream

Use a spoon to gently drop dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly and reduce to low heat, letting the dumplings steam and fluff up for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and cooked through, creating an irresistible soft texture that melds perfectly with the creamy broth.

Step 6: Combine Shredded Chicken and Final Touches

Remove the lid and gently stir in the shredded chicken, mixing everything evenly but carefully so your dumplings stay intact. Remove the pot from heat and get ready to serve up warm, comforting bowls of this Southern classic that feels like a hug in every bite.

How to Serve Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

While Southern Chicken and Dumplings shines on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a light herbal brightness. A dash of cracked black pepper on top can also elevate each spoonful, enhancing the savory experience without overwhelming the mellow flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty dish with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or buttered green beans to add some crunch and balance. For extra comfort, warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits make wonderful companions, perfect for soaking up every bit of that irresistible soup base.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, serve Southern Chicken and Dumplings in rustic bowls with plenty of dumplings peeking out. If entertaining, garnish each bowl with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a twist. Leftover soup also is fantastic served over mashed potatoes as a comforting casserole of sorts—truly, the possibilities are endless with this versatile dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Southern Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s bowl just as, if not more, delicious.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully but is best stored without the dumplings if possible, as they can change texture after thawing. Freeze the soup base and chicken separately in a large freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and prepare fresh dumplings upon reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat your soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add fresh dumplings or reheat frozen ones for a few minutes until tender. Be patient—it’s worth taking your time for that creamy finish.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and works wonderfully to save time without sacrificing flavor. Just shred and add it to the soup toward the end.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free baking powder to make your dumplings. Also, double-check your chicken broth is gluten-free to keep the dish safe and delicious.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare dumplings fresh right before cooking since they cook quickly and retain their fluffy texture best that way. However, you can pre-make the dough and refrigerate it a few hours prior if needed.

What’s the best kind of milk to use?

Whole milk gives the richest, creamiest texture. You could try 2% milk, but skim milk might make the soup less creamy. For a dairy-free option, oat or cashew milk with a mild flavor can work as a substitute.

Can I add vegetables to this Southern Chicken and Dumplings recipe?

Definitely! Adding diced carrots or peas is a popular way to include extra color, texture, and nutrition. Add them with the onions and celery or toward the end of cooking depending on how crunchy you like your veggies.

Final Thoughts

Southern Chicken and Dumplings is pure comfort in a bowl, offering a perfect blend of creamy soup, tender chicken, and soft dumplings that will warm your heart and your kitchen. It’s a beautiful way to share good food and great memories with loved ones. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite soul-satisfying meal!