12 Southern Chicken and Dumplings Secrets
Did you know that Chicken and Dumplings is considered a staple of Southern comfort food, with roots deep in family traditions? In this blog, we’ll uncover 12 delightful secrets to mastering this cherished dish, from Grandma’s classic recipes to quick and easy variations. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey that will teach you not only how to create a comforting bowl of Southern Chicken and Dumplings but also the heartwarming stories behind each recipe!
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Southern Comfort Chicken and Dumplings
This Southern Comfort Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings together tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings for a heartwarming dish that evokes the flavors of Southern home cooking.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, shredded chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. Once the broth is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the broth. Do not overcrowd; this recipe typically makes about 12 dumplings.
4. Cover the pot and allow the dumplings to cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or thyme to the broth.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
- Make sure to avoid lifting the lid while the dumplings are cooking for the best results.
Grandma’s Classic Chicken and Dumplings
This recipe for Grandma’s Classic Chicken and Dumplings is special because it combines the comforting flavors of tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings, perfect for any family gathering.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add the shredded chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and black pepper to the pot; reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined to form a dough.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth mixture.
6. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm and cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf to the broth while it simmers.
- Ensure not to overmix the dumpling dough for light and fluffy results.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like peas or corn, for more variety.
Hearty Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings
This Hearty Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings together the comforting flavors of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, carrots, celery, and onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the milk and melted butter, and stir until just combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
6. After 15 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness; they should be fluffy and cooked through.
7. Stir in the fresh parsley, season to taste, and serve hot.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- Substitute diced potatoes for a heartier version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Creamy Southern Chicken and Dumplings Delight
This Creamy Southern Chicken and Dumplings Delight bursts with comforting flavors of tender chicken, rich cream, and fluffy dumplings, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Add the shredded chicken, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and black pepper, stirring well.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering chicken mixture.
6. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure the dumplings cook through.
7. Once cooked, serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less cream according to your preference.
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings recipe is special because it combines tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth with fluffy dumplings that evoke the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 8 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chicken and water; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool; reserve the broth and strain out any solids.
3. While the chicken cools, heat olive oil in the pot over medium heat and sauté onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until tender.
4. Add minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, shred the cooled chicken, discarding the skin and bones, and return the meat to the pot.
6. Pour the reserved broth back into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings; stir in melted butter and milk until just combined.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can include a bay leaf while simmering the chicken.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference, such as adding peas or corn.
- Make sure not to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking to ensure they rise properly.
One-Pot Southern Chicken and Dumplings
This One-Pot Southern Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a warm and comforting dish, bursting with rich flavors of savory chicken, aromatic herbs, and tender, fluffy dumplings.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups celery, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and add the shredded chicken, stirring to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
6. Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
8. After 15 minutes, uncover and check that the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, then serve hot.
Tips:
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as peas or green beans.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce to the broth before serving.
Rustic Skillet Chicken and Dumplings
This Rustic Skillet Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings, creating a comforting meal that bursts with savory flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
2. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in chicken broth, carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter over the simmering chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
7. Stir in frozen peas just before serving and enjoy!
Tips:
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs for extra flavor, such as rosemary or parsley.
- For a richer taste, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Savory Southern Chicken and Dumplings Bake
This Savory Southern Chicken and Dumplings Bake combines tender chicken with rich, creamy flavors and fluffy dumplings for a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 cups refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the cubed chicken. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until the chicken is browned.
3. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the thyme and rosemary.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then gently fold in the biscuit pieces.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, consider adding some hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Feel free to use leftover chicken for a quicker preparation time.
- This dish can also be topped with cheese before baking for a delightful twist.
Quick and Easy Southern Chicken and Dumplings
This Quick and Easy Southern Chicken and Dumplings recipe is special for its rich flavors and comforting appeal, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in milk until a dough forms.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering chicken broth. They should float to the top when cooked.
5. If using, add the frozen mixed vegetables and cover the pot. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked through.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add herbs like thyme or parsley to the chicken broth.
- Serve with a side of cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Southern Spiced Chicken and Fluffy Dumplings
This Southern Spiced Chicken and Fluffy Dumplings dish combines the comforting flavors of seasoned chicken with light, airy dumplings that will warm your heart and home.
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Once browned, remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes until fully cooked.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, milk, and melted butter to create the dumpling batter.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth and cook, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Once dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, serve with the chicken and broth.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips:
- For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make sure not to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking to ensure they stay fluffy.
- Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Buttermilk Chicken and Dumplings Extravaganza
This Buttermilk Chicken and Dumplings Extravaganza combines savory chicken, creamy buttermilk, and fluffy dumplings for a comforting meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a gentle boil.
3. Remove chicken from the marinade and add to the boiling broth; cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken, shred it with a fork, and set aside.
5. Stir the frozen mixed vegetables into the broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt; cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Stir in milk until just combined, then drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling broth.
8. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir gently before serving.
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley when cooking the chicken.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or bell peppers based on your taste preference.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the broth before adding dumplings.
Southern Charm Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
This Southern Charm Chicken and Dumplings Casserole combines rich, savory flavors with a comforting, creamy texture that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup biscuit dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, frozen peas and carrots, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
4. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the biscuit dough.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken before cooking.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
- Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as corn or green beans.
