Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food that brings a sense of calm and nostalgia to any kitchen table. There is something deeply grounding about the aroma of simmering broth, tender chicken, and soft, hand-rolled dumplings filling your home on a quiet, chilly evening.
This Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a labor of love that focuses on wholesome, scratch-made ingredients to nourish your body and soul. By taking the time to prepare the dough and simmer the vegetables, you create a meal that feels intentional, balanced, and perfectly suited for sharing with loved ones.
What is Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings?
Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is a traditional American dish consisting of savory shredded chicken, aromatic vegetables, and pillowy flour-based dumplings cooked directly in a rich, flavorful broth. Unlike other versions that use canned biscuits, this authentic recipe uses flat, rolled-out dumplings that provide a lovely, silky texture.
This dish is a testament to the beauty of simple, mindful cooking. It relies on foundational flavors from carrots, celery, onion, and fresh herbs to create a broth that is as nourishing as it is delicious. It is a staple in many households, cherished for its ability to turn simple ingredients into a warm, satisfying hug in a bowl.
Reasons to Try Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
Choosing to make this meal from scratch allows you to control exactly what goes into your pot, ensuring a healthier and more natural dinner experience. It is the perfect project for those days when you want to practice mindfulness in the kitchen, moving away from the rush of modern life and focusing on the rhythmic act of kneading, rolling, and simmering.
Beyond the meditative process, this recipe is incredibly comforting for families. It provides a hearty, protein-rich meal that keeps everyone satisfied without the need for processed additives. Whether you are a beginner looking to build your kitchen confidence or an experienced home cook seeking a classic, reliable recipe, these dumplings offer a rewarding result every single time.
Ingredients Needed to Make Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
For the Soup:
3 pounds chicken (use your favorite pieces or a mix)
3 medium carrots (cut into half moons)
3 celery ribs (sliced thin)
1 large white or yellow onion (diced)
3 garlic cloves (halved)
2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional for a floral note)
6 cups water (or chicken broth for a deeper flavor profile)
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon (like Better Than Bouillon)
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
â…“ cup shortening (cold, or substitute with cold butter)
¾ cup buttermilk (cold)
Instructions to Make Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings – Step by Step
Step 1: Begin by finding a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a trusty Dutch oven. Add your chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, water, vinegar, bouillon, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat and allow it to cook for about 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 2: While your soup base is simmering, prepare the dumplings by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold shortening using a fork until the mixture resembles small peas, then stir in your cold buttermilk. Gently knead the dough for about 30 seconds until it comes together into a cohesive ball.
Step 3: Dust a clean flat surface with flour and roll your dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. If the dough starts to feel sticky, simply dust a little more flour onto the surface. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough into roughly 1-inch by 2-inch rectangles and set them aside to dry slightly.
Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot to shred the meat, then return it to the broth. Remember to fish out and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Bring your soup back to a low boil, then gently drop your prepared dumpling pieces into the pot, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking to each other.
Step 5: Let the dumplings simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until they are tender and fully cooked. They will begin to sink and absorb that flavorful broth, which is exactly what you want. If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk together the cornstarch and a little water, then stir it into the broth for the final 5 minutes of cooking.
Chef’s Tips for a Perfect Result
- Measure your flour carefully by spooning it into the cup rather than scooping, which prevents dense dumplings.
- Keep your shortening or butter very cold to ensure the dough remains light and flaky as it cooks.
- Simmer the dumplings gently rather than at a hard boil to keep them from breaking apart prematurely.
- Use a pizza cutter for the fastest and cleanest way to slice your dough rectangles.
- Test a dumpling before serving; if it feels doughy or tough in the center, give it a few more minutes in the broth.
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a high-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of wheat flour. Ensure your baking powder is also certified gluten-free for a safe and inclusive meal.
Buttermilk Substitution: If you do not have buttermilk, create a quick alternative by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for five minutes.
Herbal Infusion: Add a teaspoon of fresh rosemary or sage to the dumpling dough for a more earthy, aromatic flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
How to Serve and Pair
Serve this dish in deep, warmed bowls to maintain the temperature. It pairs beautifully with a simple side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the broth. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of extra black pepper.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled leftovers into an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to five days.
Freezer: While dumplings can change texture slightly when frozen, they can be stored in freezer-safe bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the soup slowly on the stove over medium-low heat. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutritional Values
- Calories: 1412kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 144g
- Fiber: 2g
Approximate values.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use butter instead of shortening in the dumplings?
Yes, you can substitute cold butter for the shortening, which will provide a slightly richer, more flavorful dough.
How do I know when the dumplings are finished cooking?
The dumplings are done when they are soft and tender throughout with no doughy, raw center when tested with a fork.
Why is my soup consistency too thin?
You can thicken the broth by creating a slurry with three tablespoons of cornstarch and a little water, then stirring it into the simmering liquid.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
It is best to roll and cut the dumplings shortly before adding them to the soup to ensure the best texture and avoid excessive drying.
What is the secret to the best flavor?
Using a high-quality chicken bouillon and letting the fresh vegetables simmer long enough to release their natural sweetness into the broth creates an irresistible base.
Conclusion
Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings offers a sense of comfort that resonates in every bite, making it a perfect meal for nurturing yourself and your family. By embracing this scratch-made approach, you are inviting a slower, more mindful pace into your kitchen routine. The combination of tender chicken and silken dumplings creates an unforgettable, soul-warming experience that celebrates the simple joy of home cooking.
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Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 60
- Total Time: 90
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this scratch-made Southern classic. Featuring tender shredded chicken, aromatic vegetables, and silky, hand-rolled dumplings simmered in a rich, flavorful broth, this dish is a nourishing labor of love. Perfect for chilly evenings, it brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to any kitchen table while focusing on wholesome, natural ingredients for a deeply satisfying, protein-rich meal.
Ingredients
3 pounds chicken pieces
3 medium carrots, sliced into half moons
3 celery ribs, sliced thin
1 large white or yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, halved
2 sprigs fresh thyme
6 cups water or chicken broth
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
0.33 cup butter, cold and cubed
0.66 cup milk or buttermilk
Instructions
Place chicken, water or broth, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and vinegar in a large pot and bring to a simmer.
Cook until chicken is tender, then remove chicken to cool; strain the broth if desired.
Shred the chicken meat, discarding bones and skin, and return meat to the pot.
Add carrots and celery to the broth and simmer until tender.
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the milk until a dough forms; turn onto a floured surface and roll thin.
Cut the dough into strips or squares.
Whisk cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the simmering broth to thicken slightly.
Drop dumpling pieces into the pot one by one and cook for 10-15 minutes until tender and cooked through.
Notes
Ensure your butter is cold when making the dumpling dough to achieve the best texture. If you prefer a thinner soup, omit the cornstarch slurry. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
