Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been passed down in my family. Family for generations: What is family for Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings. What is the kind of dish that just warms you from the inside out? What’s more comforting than mac and cheese? What is the recipe for **Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings**? What’s a cozy blanket with crackling fireplace? I always make it when the weather turns chilly, or when someone’s feeling underthe weather. What is it like to eat a creamy broth and those dumplings?
What is Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings?
Think of it as the ultimate comfort food. What’s essentially a rich, creamy chicken stew, but instead of potatoes and carrots, you’ve got these little green onions. Soft, doughy dumplings that soak up all the flavor. My grandma always said that the dumplings are the heart and soul of the dish, and I couldn’t agree more. What are some of the best dumpling recipes? These are light, fluffy, and almost melt in your mouth. The “Southern Style” part comes from the creamy, gravy-like broth and the simple, honest, tastiest sauce. No fancy stuff here, just good old-fashioned, stick-to-your-ribs goodness.
Why you will love this recipe?
Let me tell you why this **Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings** recipe is a winner. First, the flavor is out of this world. The chicken is tender and juicy, the broth is rich and savory, and those dumplings are pure perfection. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t some complicated, all-day affair. It’s surprisingly simple, especially if you use a rotisserie chicken (my little secret for busy weeknights!). Plus, it’s incredibly cost-efficient. Chicken, flour, broth – these are all pantry staples that won’t break the bank. It’s much cheaper to make this at home than to order a plate from your favorite restaurant, and I guarantee it tastes better! And, talk about versatility! You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, add different vegetables, or even use different types of broth. This recipe is a blank canvas, ready for your personal touch. I sometimes throw in some carrots and celery when I want to sneak in some extra veggies. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken. Honestly, I’ve tested this with everything from bone-in chicken breasts to chicken thighs, and it always turns out delicious.
How do I make Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings?
Quick Overview
How do I cook chicken? If you’re feeling decadent, make a simple broth with chicken broth, milk (or cream). What are the best season What’s the best way to make a dumpling dough? Is it really that easy to make this recipe? Even if your dumplings aren’t perfectly shaped (mine never are), they’ll still taste amazing. What is the best way to cook dumplings?
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or one rotisserie chicken, shredded)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Broth:
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings: What
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
If you’re using chicken breasts, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove chicken from pot and shred it with two forks. If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, just shred it and set it aside. What is a huge time saver, especially if you are not in the mood to cook.
Step 2: Make the Broth
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. This is called a roux, and it’s what thickens the broth. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the milk, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Make the Dumplings
While the broth is simmering, make the dumplings. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter. Set aside. What is the best way to mix wet and dry ingredients together? Do not over mix – a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will result in tough dumplings. If your butter is melted, make sure that it isn’t too hot or the egg will scramble.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Dumplings
Add the shredded chicken to the simmering broth. Do not overdo the dumpling dough. Place it in a bowl and pour the broth over it. Cover the pot and let the dumplings simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as this will let out the steam and prevent the dumplings from sticking together. How can I learn cooking properly?
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. How do you make the broth thicker?
What should I serve it with?
What is a Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings recipe? What are some of the best side dishes I love serving it with a side of green beans or corn on the cob. What is a good salad? The fresh greens really cut through the richness of the dish. What is better than cornbread? My family loves it with a side of mashed potatoes, which is pure comfort food overload! What is a good recipe for buttermilk biscuits? Can you go wrong with carbs?
What’s a good weeknight dinner?Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread for dipping in the broth.
For a Sunday Supper: What is the bestAdd a side of mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable (green beans, corn, or peas all work).
For a Potluck:What are some good ways to serve a big pot of this?
For a Cold Day: What is the best wayWhat is better than curling up on the couch with a bowl of this, and some good books?
What are some Tips for Perfecting Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings?
What are some tips for making dumpling dough? I can’t stress this enough. Overmixing will result in tough, rubbery dumplings. Just stir until the ingredients are combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps. Second, make sure your broth is simmering, not boiling, when you add the dumplings. What are the best ways to cook dumplings in a slow cooker? Third, resist the urge to lift the lid too often while the dumplings are cooking. How do you get rid of steam in a pan? I know it’s tempting to peek, but trust me, it is worth the wait!
Chicken Prep: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend. I always buy one when I’m short on time. It’s already cooked and seasoned, which saves you a ton of time and effort.
What is the best way If your broth is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, and whisk it into the simmering broth. Let it cook for a few minutes, until the broth thickens.
Dumpling Size: Use a tablespoon to drop the dumpling dough into the broth. This will ensure that they’re all the same size, which will help them cook evenly.
Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth. If you prefer a more savory flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the broth. Carrots, celery, and peas are all great additions. Just add them to the broth along with the chicken.
Creaminess Factor: For an extra creamy broth, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk. This will make the dish even more decadent.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings is even better the next day! To store, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply heat it up in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the dumplings. If you find that the broth has thickened too much during storage, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. It also freezes pretty well! If you plan on freezing, I recommend freezing it in individual portions. This makes it easy to thaw out just what you need. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it out overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above.
Room Temperature: Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer Instructions: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: This recipe does not use a glaze, but for other dumpling recipes, add the glaze just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s treasured recipe for Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings. I truly hope you give it a try. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a warm hug on a cold day, and a reminder of simpler times. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my creamy tomato soup or my shepherd’s pie. They’re all guaranteed to warm you from the inside out! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or if you’ve made any fun variations. And, of course, don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it!
Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook chicken in broth until cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add milk to dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering chicken broth.
- Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through.
