Southern Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you are craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, nothing quite compares to Southern Chicken and Dumplings. This heartwarming classic combines tender shredded chicken bathed in a creamy, lightly seasoned broth with fluffy, homemade drop-style dumplings that melt in your mouth. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a comforting bowl that feels like a loving embrace from the South.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Southern Chicken and Dumplings is a delight because each one plays an essential role in building the rich flavors and irresistible textures of the dish. From the depth of the chicken broth to the flakiness of the cold butter in the dumplings, these components work together like a well-rehearsed symphony.

• Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Provides a silky base and richness to the soup without overpowering other flavors.
• Medium onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation that gently flavors the broth.
• Celery ribs (3, diced): Bring subtle crunch and a fresh, green note that balances the creaminess.
• Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the dish with warmth and depth.
• All-purpose flour (¼ cup for soup, 2 cups for dumplings): Thickens the broth and forms the structure of the dumplings.
• Chicken broth (32 ounces): The soul of the soup that deepens the chicken flavor and creates a comforting base.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (16 ounces): Tender protein that is shredded to soak up every bit of the flavorful broth.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon for soup, ½ teaspoon for dumplings): Enhances all the natural flavors.
• Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just a touch of warmth and balance.
• Poultry seasoning (½ teaspoon): A subtle blend of herbs that gives the soup its authentic Southern flair.
• Whole milk (16 ounces for soup, 1 cup for dumplings): Makes the broth creamy and tenderizes the dumplings for that perfect soft bite.
• Unsalted butter, cold (¼ cup for dumplings): Grated into the dumpling dough for flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the dumplings rise and stay fluffy during cooking.

How to Make Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Build the Flavorful Soup Base

Start by melting butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Adding diced onion and celery brings out their sweet and earthy flavors as they brown gently around the edges — this step is key for developing depth in your Southern Chicken and Dumplings. Toss in the minced garlic for just 30 seconds to awaken its aroma without burning, then stir in flour to coat the veggies, creating a roux that thickens the soup beautifully.

Step 2: Adding Broth and Chicken

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, which combines with the roux to create a creamy, velvety base. Adding the chicken breasts along with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning infuses the broth with savory goodness. Simmer gently, covered, until the chicken is cooked through, allowing flavors to mingle perfectly while you prepare the dumplings. Removing the chicken to shred later ensures tender pieces that absorb the luscious broth.

Step 3: Enrich With Milk

Once the chicken is shredded, stir whole milk into the soup to enrich the broth with creamy silkiness. This step is essential in achieving the comforting texture that makes Southern Chicken and Dumplings so irresistible.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder to ensure even rising. Grating chilled butter into this dry mix brings pockets of flakiness to the dumplings. Adding milk slowly and stirring just until combined keeps the dough light and tender, avoiding overmixing that results in tough dumplings.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings to Perfection

You can choose your dumpling style: gently drop spoonfuls of shaggy dough into the simmering soup or roll it out and cut into squares for flat dumplings. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings steam until tender, about 15 minutes. This slow simmer makes sure each bite is soft yet satisfying.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Finally, add the shredded chicken back into the pot, gently combining everything without breaking up the dumplings. Remove from heat and prepare to dive into one of the most comforting meals Southern cooking has to offer.

How to Serve Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of cracked black pepper over your bowl adds a pop of color and an herbaceous brightness that complements the rich flavors. A little dash of hot sauce on the side also offers a fun, spicy kick for those who like to mix things up.

Side Dishes

While Southern Chicken and Dumplings shine all on their own, serving this dish with a crisp green salad or light steamed vegetables helps balance the meal. For a more traditional Southern spreading, cornbread or buttered green beans round out the table beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your Southern Chicken and Dumplings in individual ramekins topped with freshly cracked pepper for an elegant touch. You might also pair it with a rustic loaf for dipping or jazz it up with a handful of sautéed mushrooms stirred into the final pot for added earthiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southern Chicken and Dumplings keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to five days when sealed in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for even more satisfying meals the next day.

Freezing

Freezing is a bit tricky with the dumplings because their texture can change, becoming denser after thawing. However, if necessary, freeze the soup and shredded chicken separately from the dumplings in airtight containers. Reheat the soup and chicken first, then add freshly made dumplings or thawed ones gently warmed to preserve the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat your Southern Chicken and Dumplings slowly over medium heat, stirring gently to keep the dumplings intact. Avoid overheating to prevent the milk in the broth from curdling and enjoy the meal at just the right cozy temperature.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and adds a deliciously seasoned flavor. Just shred the cooked chicken and add it in during the last step to warm through.

Is there a way to make the dumplings gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking in place of regular flour. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well to maintain proper rising.

Can I add vegetables other than celery and onion?

Certainly! Carrots or peas can add sweetness and color, but stick to vegetables that soften quickly since the soup cooks relatively fast. Adding too many dense veggies might require longer simmering.

What’s the difference between drop dumplings and rolled dumplings?

Drop dumplings are spooned directly into the simmering soup in rough mounds, resulting in a rustic, pillowy texture. Rolled dumplings are rolled out and cut into shapes, cooking more evenly and offering a firmer bite—whichever you prefer is perfect!

Can I make Southern Chicken and Dumplings in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe by cooking the soup base and chicken on low for several hours, then stirring in dumplings toward the end to cook through. Just be sure not to overcook the dumplings, as they can become gummy in a slow cooker.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Southern Chicken and Dumplings that goes beyond just the ingredients—it’s a soulful experience that brings comfort and joy with every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for your family or wanting to recreate a taste of the South, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor the magic of homemade dumplings in a bowl of creamy, flavorful chicken stew.