Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal, nothing beats Southern-style chicken and dumplings. This recipe features homemade rolled dumplings, tender shredded chicken, and a creamy, flavorful broth that’s perfect for any dinner table. Whether you’re new to this classic Southern dish or a longtime fan, this recipe will give you the taste of comfort in about an hour. Let’s dive into the details and discover why this dish is a staple in many homes.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings

This Southern-style chicken and dumplings recipe is simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. The dish comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight meal. With a rich, creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors, it’s no wonder this dish is considered a Southern comfort food classic. You can also easily adjust the recipe with vegetable additions like carrots and celery for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:

• Olive Oil: Adds a rich flavor to the broth.
• White Onion: Provides a savory base flavor.
• Garlic: Enhances the depth of the broth with its aromatic qualities.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The main protein of the dish, which you’ll shred to create tender chicken bites.
• Chicken Broth: The foundation of the creamy broth that will cook the chicken and dumplings.
• Milk: Whole or 2% milk gives the broth a creamy texture.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the broth and give it a smooth consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: For the dumplings, which help to thicken and add body to the soup.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
• Shortening: Adds a soft texture to the dumplings, keeping them light and airy.
• Buttermilk: Gives the dumplings a rich, tangy flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing an ingredient or need a substitution for dietary reasons, here are some helpful swaps:

• Chicken Thighs: For a richer, more flavorful option, swap chicken breasts for skinless boneless chicken thighs.
• Vegetable Oil: If you don’t have olive oil, vegetable oil will work just as well for cooking.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: To control the salt content, use low-sodium chicken broth or make your own.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat for about 1 minute. Add the diced white onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Season 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the pot, and pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork.
3. While the chicken cooks, prepare the dumplings. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1/3 cup of cold shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in 3/4 cup buttermilk to form a dough.
4. Roll out the dough onto a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Slice the dough into 1-inch-wide strips, then cut each strip into 2-inch lengths.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred using two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside.
6. Stir 2 cups of milk into the broth and bring it back to a simmer. Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering soup. Let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked and tender.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to form a slurry. Add this mixture to the pot and stir constantly until the broth thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

• Cooking the Dumplings: Ensure the dumplings are not too thin when rolled out, as they may break apart during cooking. Aim for about a 1/4-inch thickness for the perfect texture.
• Consistency Check: If your broth becomes too thick as it sits, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water when reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just remember that the dumplings will absorb more broth over time, so you may need to add extra liquid when reheating.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Southern-style chicken and dumplings are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the soup.
• Vegetable Additions: For more nutrition, toss in diced carrots and celery when cooking the onions. This adds color and flavor to the soup.
• Spicy Kick: Add a bit of heat by including a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the broth.

Health Benefits of Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings can be more than just comfort food—it can also provide nutritional value when you add extra veggies like carrots and celery. The protein from the chicken, combined with the fiber from the vegetables, makes this meal both filling and healthy. You can also make it leaner by using chicken breasts instead of thighs and controlling the amount of milk and butter in the recipe.

Enjoy this Southern-style chicken and dumplings recipe for a cozy meal that brings comfort to any table!

Conclusion

Southern-style chicken and dumplings offer the ultimate comfort in a bowl, blending tender chicken, soft dumplings, and a creamy broth that is sure to warm you up. With its quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering. The best part? It’s customizable to fit your dietary needs, making it a versatile dish for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer the classic version or want to add your own twist, this hearty meal is bound to become a favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the comfort of Southern cooking!

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