Growing up, I have vivid memories of eating the ultimate comfort foods, especially chicken and dumplings. This version of southern living chicken and dumplings, made courtesy of my grandmother, was always special. She made everything from scratch, starting with biscuits and the careful process of mixing butter, flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl, then stirring in buttermilk until the dough came together. Watching her quickly roll it out thinner than a regular biscuit with a knife or pizza cutter, and then simmering the pieces in hot broth until they puff almost 2 times their thickness, was a lesson in comforting Southern cuisine and home cooking.
I always aim for about ¼-inch thick dumplings, but I feel free to adjust depending on preference. Adding celery, carrots, and herbs adds flavor, though a plain version with just black pepper works perfectly fine too.
Southern cooking shines in how it handles scarcity and abundance, turning a single bird into a meal that can feed a multitude. Unlike fried poultry, where the meat is the star, in old-fashioned chicken and dumplings, the dumplings often steal the show. Whether soft drop biscuits, puffy, rolled thin, or cut like noodles, the strips of pastry float atop the bubbling pot, combining with creamy soup and tender homemade chicken.
The History of Chicken and Dumpling:
The history of Southern cuisine shows that chicken and dumplings have deep roots as a comforting dish, made with only a few key ingredients that were readily available to European settlers who brought this concept to America. It is likely that the simple methods used then laid the foundation for a staple dish that became essential for cooks, allowing them to stretch a small amount of chicken to feed a larger family. Over time, this meal has been cherished and associated with family gatherings, Sunday suppers, and other special occasions, proving that even modest ingredients can create comforting dishes that endure through generations.
Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings:
Here are the key Ingredients you’ll need for Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings:
- Chicken
- Whole, bone in breasts
- Cubed butter added back to tender chicken for richness
- Tender bites throughout the dish
- Dough Base
- All purpose flour
- Baking powder, baking soda
- Kosher salt, unsalted butter, cold buttermilk
- Milk and cream for moisture, richness, and silky texture
- Rolled, cut, puffed dough for soft, light, ultra tender dumplings
- Vegetables & Aromatics
- Onion, yellow, halved
- Celery stalks, peeled carrots
- Parsley sprigs, thyme
- Optional: Chives, flat leaf parsley leaves, black pepper
- Soup & Seasoning
- Broth (chicken stock)
- Condensed soups, mirepoix of vegetables
- Aromatic, savory, creamy, rich flavor
- Seasonings that enhance flavor and tenderize chicken
- Final Touch
- Garnish with chives or parsley for a pop of color and fresh, oniony notes
- Ensures comforting, resourceful, and classic Southern cuisine
How to Make Southern Living Chicken and Dumplings (Step-by-Step Guide):
Here is the step-by-step guide that will assist you to make southern living chicken and dumplings:
Step 1: Prepare the Broth and Vegetables:
Place chicken, broth, onion, celery stalks, and peeled carrots in a Dutch oven. Add thyme, parsley sprigs, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer undisturbed until the chicken is cooked, about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, and use forks to pull it apart into bite size pieces, discarding skin, bones, and herb sprigs, while reserving vegetables and broth.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough:
In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, butter, and shortening until crumbly. Add buttermilk to form a dough that comes together.
Step 4: Shape the Dumplings:
Roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness on a well floured surface. Use a pizza cutter to cut into rectangles.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings:
Return the dumplings to the medium low simmering broth along with thinly sliced remaining carrots and celery. Gradually whisk in cream until smooth, drop dumplings gently, and cook stirring until chewy tender.
Step 6: Serve:
Garnish with chopped chives. For a slow cooker version, place all ingredients in a Crockpot, pour stock, seasoning, and soups, cook on LOW 6-7 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours, blend in milk, shred chicken, and serve back with additional seasoning. Enjoy this easy, old-fashioned, full, straightforward, simple dinner ready in under an hour, surprising everyone with the magic of homemade comfort food.
Tips for the Best Southern-Style Chicken and Dumplings:
For the best results when making southern living chicken and dumplings, follow this step-by-step guide to help your cooking process go smoothly;
- Follow a step-by-step guide for consistency and accuracy.
- Prefer a Crockpot or 6-quart slow cooker for even cooking.
- Avoid using appliances that are too small or too large.
- Keep the lid closed throughout cooking to retain heat.
- Do not stir or remove the lid, as it delays cooking time.
- Monitor closely during the first hour of cooking.
- Follow the exact cooking time (20–30 minutes) to ensure perfectly cooked dumplings.
Can You Make Chicken and Dumplings Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare chicken and dumplings ahead of time in two parts: first, the broth and chicken can be directed, cooled, and refrigerated separately for up to two days, or frozen for longer storage of a few months; simply thaw overnight if frozen and reheat gently over simmer before dropping in the dumplings and adding chives for serving. The dumpling dough can also be made, prepared, rolled, and transferred to a lined baking sheet, then wrapped and stored for one day before using, making it easy to enjoy a fresh, comforting meal anytime.
How to make Southern Living Chicken and Dumplings (Step-by-Step Guide):
Here is the video tutorial to show you how you make Southern living chicken and dumplings:
How to Store and Reheat Chicken and Dumplings?
To keep leftover chicken and dumplings fresh, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for up to two months. You can separate the broth from the dumplings when storing to avoid absorbing too much moisture. When cooling, scoop and store properly to maintain freshness.
Reheating:
When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot throughout, or use the microwave for small portions if needed. Make sure the mixture is not too thickened; if it is, add a splash of stock before serving, then season to taste for a fresh, comforting meal.
Can You Freeze Chicken and Dumplings?
You can easily freeze chicken and dumplings for a make ahead comfort food dinner. First, let the dinner cool, then move it into a freezer safe container or plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to date the container so you know when it was frozen. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat either in the microwave or on the stovetop for a warm, hearty meal.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll also Love:
- Smothered Chicken Wings Recipe
- Sauteed Chicken Breasts
- How to Boil Chicken Breasts
- Southwest Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies
FAQs about Southern Living Chicken and Dumplings:
Can I use pre-made biscuit dough for chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can use store bought, pre made biscuit dough as a shortcut option when making southern living chicken and dumplings, which is perfect if you want to save time without compromising on a comforting, hearty meal.
Why aren’t my dumplings fluffy?
If your dumplings aren’t turning out light and airy in southern living chicken and dumplings, it’s often because overmixed dough, boiling the liquid instead of simmering, or using the wrong flour causes biscuits to become dense or heavy, so take care to mix gently and cook gently for that perfect, fluffy texture.
How do you keep dumplings from falling apart in chicken and dumplings?
To keep dumplings from falling apart in southern living chicken and dumplings, always simmer, don’t boil the broth and avoid heavy stirring, which helps them stay tender and whole.
How can I thicken the broth for chicken and dumplings?
To thicken the broth in southern living chicken and dumplings, pat your dumpling dough on a well-floured surface and add additional flour or a cornstarch slurry as needed during cooking, which helps create a richer, thicker consistency.
What is the secret to flavorful chicken dumplings?
For flavorful dumplings, let your cooked meat cool slightly, then strip the bones and skin, and mix dark and white pieces like thigh or leg for moister, richer taste; add dried herbs and follow a few simple tips to elevate your two or three servings, or just some small adjustments for your perfect result.
What is the difference between northern and southern chicken and dumplings?
Southern dumplings are fluffy, steamed, and decidedly biscuit style, puffing into pillowy clouds on top, while up North, they’re flatter, denser, and suspiciously noodle like in texture; the style is either rolled, cut, and then simmered in stew for a different experience.
What are some common mistakes when making chicken and dumplings?
Some common mistakes when making chicken and dumplings include overworking the dough, adding it early to broth that is boiling, not using a flavorful stock, lifting the lid too often, or making dumplings uneven in size, which can result in tough, mushy, or falling apart instead of fluffy, cooked through pieces.
