Nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings on a chilly evening. This classic Southern comfort food combines tender shredded chicken and fluffy homemade dumplings in a rich savory broth. We’re excited to share our family’s treasured recipe that’s been perfected over generations.
Our version stays true to traditional methods while making the process approachable for home cooks. Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking to master this timeless dish we’ll guide you through each step. The secret lies in creating light pillowy dumplings that soak up the flavorful chicken broth while maintaining their texture.
The History of Southern Chicken and Dumplings
Southern chicken and dumplings emerged during the Great Depression as a resourceful way to stretch scarce ingredients. This humble dish traces its roots to the early 1800s when Southern cooks would use leftover chicken and basic pantry staples to feed large families.
The modern version evolved from the European boiled meat puddings that settlers brought to America. Initially Native Americans taught settlers to use corn and other local ingredients leading to early variations of what we know today. By the Civil War era chicken and dumplings had become a staple in Southern households.
Regional variations developed across the South. In Kentucky and Virginia flat strips of dough called “slicks” became popular while Tennessee and Georgia preferred fluffy drop dumplings. The Mississippi Delta region added their twist by incorporating buttermilk into the dumpling dough.
| Era | Historical Development |
|---|---|
| 1800s | European settlers introduce boiled puddings |
| 1860s | Civil War era popularization |
| 1920s | Recipe standardization begins |
| 1930s | Great Depression adaptation |
Church gatherings and community suppers helped spread different techniques throughout the South. The dish gained wider recognition when women entered the workforce during World War II seeking quick yet filling family meals. By the 1950s chicken and dumplings had secured its place as an iconic Southern comfort food appearing in countless community cookbooks.
Today this dish represents the ingenuity of Southern cooking where simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Professional chefs and home cooks continue to honor these traditions while adding their own interpretations to this enduring recipe.
Kitchen Tools Needed
To create perfect chicken and dumplings our recipe requires these essential kitchen tools:
Main Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (6-quart capacity)
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Large cutting board
- Sturdy wooden spoon or ladle for stirring
Mixing Equipment
- 2 medium mixing bowls
- Measuring cups (both dry and liquid)
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Medium cookie scoop or ice cream scoop (2-tablespoon size)
Additional Tools
- Saucepan for warming broth
- Kitchen scale (for precise flour measurements)
- Heat-resistant spatula
- Instant-read thermometer
For best results each tool should be clean and dry before starting. The Dutch oven’s heavy bottom ensures even heat distribution preventing hot spots that could burn our dish. Using a proper cookie scoop creates uniform dumplings that cook evenly and look professional. Keep these tools within easy reach as timing is crucial when dropping dumplings into the simmering broth.
| Tool | Size/Capacity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch Oven | 6-quart | Main cooking vessel |
| Cookie Scoop | 2 tablespoon | Dumpling portioning |
| Mixing Bowls | 2-3 quart | Dough preparation |
| Cutting Board | 12×18 inches | Ingredient prep |
Ingredients for Chicken Stew
Here’s what you’ll need to create the hearty base for our chicken and dumplings:
Main Protein
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (1.5 lbs) cut into quarters
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 celery stalks diced
- 3 carrots cut into chunks
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and cubed (optional)
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Liquid Base
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pro Tips for Ingredients:
- Choose chicken thighs over breast meat for more flavor and tenderness
- Cut vegetables in uniform sizes for even cooking
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels
- Fresh herbs can replace dried (use 3 times the amount)
| Ingredient Type | Amount per Serving | Daily Value % |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Fat | 12g | 15% |
Ingredients for Homemade Dumplings
Our homemade dumpling recipe calls for simple pantry staples that create tender pillowy bites. Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need:
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup shortening (or 4 tablespoons melted butter)
- 1 cup whole milk
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
| Nutrition Facts Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 125 |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 6g |
Key Ingredient Notes
- Use unbleached all-purpose flour for best results
- Cold butter works better than room temperature if using instead of shortening
- Whole milk creates richer dumplings than low-fat alternatives
- Fresh herbs can replace dried (use 3 times the amount listed)
These ingredients will yield approximately 12-15 medium-sized dumplings suitable for a standard batch of chicken and dumplings. For larger gatherings double the recipe maintaining the same proportions.
Making the Chicken Stew Base
The foundation of perfect chicken and dumplings lies in creating a rich flavorful stew base. We’ll break down this crucial process into three key steps that build layers of flavor.
Preparing the Vegetables
- Dice 1 large onion into 1/4-inch pieces
- Cut 3 medium carrots into 1/4-inch slices
- Slice 3 celery stalks into 1/4-inch pieces
- Mince 4 garlic cloves
- Heat 4 tablespoons butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat
- Add vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes until onions become translucent
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
Cooking the Chicken
- Add chicken thighs to the sautéed vegetables
- Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown
- Remove chicken and set aside
- Sprinkle 1/3 cup flour over vegetables
- Cook flour mixture for 1-2 minutes stirring constantly
- Shred chicken while it’s still warm using two forks
Creating the Broth
- Pour in 6 cups chicken broth gradually while whisking
- Add 1 cup evaporated milk
- Drop in 2 bay leaves and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Bring mixture to a gentle simmer
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until broth thickens
- Return shredded chicken to pot
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste
Making Perfect Dumplings
Creating light fluffy dumplings requires proper technique and attention to detail in both mixing and shaping the dough.
Mixing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups all-purpose flour baking powder salt and pepper
- In a separate bowl whisk together buttermilk and egg until well combined
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture
- Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula gently fold ingredients together just until combined
- Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour remains – overmixing will create tough dumplings
- The dough should be slightly sticky and pull away from the bowl edges
Shaping the Dumplings
- Dust a clean work surface lightly with flour
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough directly into the simmering broth using a cookie scoop for uniform size
- Alternatively use 2 spoons to form and drop approximately 2-inch dumplings
- Leave space between dumplings as they will expand while cooking
- Work quickly but carefully to ensure all dumplings enter the broth at similar times
- Avoid pressing or compacting the dough which can make dense heavy dumplings
Combining and Cooking
We’ll now focus on the crucial steps of bringing together the chicken stew and dumplings to create the perfect comfort dish.
Adding Dumplings to the Stew
- Bring the chicken stew to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dumpling dough into the simmering broth using a cookie scoop or spoon.
- Space the dumplings about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion during cooking.
- Work quickly but carefully to maintain consistent cooking times.
- Leave at least one-third of the surface uncovered to allow steam to escape.
Final Simmering
- Reduce heat to low after adding all dumplings.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into a dumpling – it should come out clean.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the broth to thicken slightly.
| Stage | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Simmer | Medium Heat (350°F) | Until bubbling |
| Final Simmer | Low Heat (250°F) | 15-18 minutes |
| Resting | Off Heat | 5 minutes |
How to Store and Reheat
Storage Guidelines
Refrigerator Storage
- Place cooled chicken and dumplings in an airtight container
- Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Note that the gravy will thicken during storage
- Keep container sealed to maintain freshness
Freezer Storage
- Cool dish completely before freezing
- Transfer to freezer-safe containers
- Store for up to 3 months
- Pre-chill in refrigerator before moving to freezer
- Label container with date for tracking
Reheating Instructions
Stovetop Method (Recommended)
- Place desired portion in a pot
- Add 2-3 tablespoons broth or water per cup of leftovers
- Heat over medium-low temperature
- Stir occasionally with gentle motions
- Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Transfer to oven-safe dish
- Add small amount of broth to prevent drying
- Cover with foil
- Heat for 15-20 minutes or until thoroughly warm
| Storage Method | Duration | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | 40°F or below |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | 0°F or below |
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your chicken and dumplings dining experience we recommend these delicious side dish pairings:
Breads & Baked Goods
- Classic Southern cornbread or cornbread muffins
- Fresh biscuits (traditional angel cheddar bay or garlic herb pull-apart)
- Crusty garlic bread or breadsticks
- Warm dinner rolls or quick cheese bread
Vegetable Sides
- Roasted root vegetables:
- Baby potatoes
- Rainbow carrots
- Butternut squash
- Brussels sprouts
- Fresh green vegetables:
- Steamed broccoli florets
- Sautéed green beans
- Sweet garden peas
- Wilted spinach
- Braised kale
- Sweet & savory options:
- Maple glazed carrots
- Honey roasted vegetables
- Caramelized root vegetables
For the perfect plating we suggest serving a generous portion of chicken and dumplings as the centerpiece accompanied by 1-2 sides. Place warm bread options in a basket lined with a cloth napkin. Arrange colorful vegetable sides in small dishes around the main bowl to create an inviting family-style presentation.
| Recommended Portions | Main Dish | Bread Side | Vegetable Side |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person | 1.5 cups | 1-2 pieces | 1/2 cup |
| Family of 4 | 6 cups | 6-8 pieces | 2 cups |
Recipe Variations and Tips
Broth Preparation Methods
- From-Scratch Broth: Start with a whole chicken to create a rich broth. Break down the chicken into parts to ensure optimal flavor extraction from both white and dark meat. This method yields a more robust and authentic taste.
- Quick-Start Option: Use store-bought broth for faster preparation. Select low-sodium varieties to maintain control over the final seasoning.
Dumpling Styles
- Drop Dumplings
- Mix wet batter to a consistency similar to drop biscuits
- Drop by spoonfuls into simmering broth
- Creates light fluffy texture when cooked
- Allows dumplings to absorb broth flavors
- Biscuit Dumplings
- Cut store-bought biscuits into quarters
- Drop pieces into hot broth
- Space evenly to prevent sticking
- Offers convenience without sacrificing taste
Pro Tips
- Maintain steady simmer when cooking dumplings
- Keep lid closed during dumpling cooking
- Test dumpling doneness with toothpick
- Allow 15-18 minutes for proper dumpling cooking
- Let dish rest 5 minutes before serving
| Dumpling Type | Cooking Time | Broth Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Drop Style | 15-18 minutes | 185-195°F |
| Biscuit Style | 12-15 minutes | 185-195°F |
Wrapping It Up
We’ve shared all you need to know about creating the perfect chicken and dumplings right in your kitchen. This cherished Southern dish isn’t just about following a recipe – it’s about creating memories and bringing comfort to your table.
Whether you’re making our traditional version or trying one of the variations we’ve suggested your success lies in following the key techniques we’ve outlined. From properly simmering the broth to achieving that perfect dumpling consistency every step matters.
Remember that practice makes perfect and don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. With these tips and techniques at your disposal you’re well-equipped to create a memorable chicken and dumplings dish that your family will love for years to come.
