Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers rich, homemade flavors with a simple ingredient list. The slow-cooked chicken infuses the broth with savory goodness, while the dumplings offer a tender, pillowy texture that soaks up all the delicious juices. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 (3 to 4-pound) whole young chicken
• 3 ribs celery, each cut into 3 large pieces
• 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon) or 3 chicken bouillon cubes
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup ice water
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)

Directions

1. Place the whole chicken in a large pot with celery, onion, chicken base, salt, and pepper. Cover with water (about 8 cups) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
2. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.
3. While the chicken cools, prepare the dumplings: In a bowl, combine flour and ice water to form a soft dough. Mix gently but do not overwork.
4. Shred the cooled chicken meat, discarding skin and bones.
5. Stir the cream of chicken soup into the broth. If you prefer a thicker broth, mix cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the boiling broth. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid, until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
7. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and warm through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a total cooking time of 1.5 to 2 hours.

Variations

• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and skip the simmering step.
• Add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition and color.
• Substitute flour dumplings with biscuit dough for a different texture.
• Use homemade chicken broth for even deeper flavor.
• Season dumplings with herbs such as thyme or parsley for extra aroma.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Dumplings may thicken the broth when chilled; add broth or water when reheating to loosen consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, bone-in thighs and breasts will work well and reduce cooking time.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

They should be fluffy and cooked through after about 15-20 minutes of simmering.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?

Freezing is possible but may affect dumpling texture. Freeze broth and chicken separately for best results.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with homemade béchamel or another creamy soup base.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

How do I prevent dumplings from sticking together?

Drop dumplings one at a time with enough space between them and avoid stirring once they’re cooking.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, carrots, peas, or green beans are great additions.

Can I prepare broth in advance?

Yes, homemade broth can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen.

What is the best flour for dumplings?

All-purpose flour works best for light and tender dumplings.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cream soup.

Conclusion

Southern Chicken and Dumplings is a soul-satisfying dish that embodies home-cooked comfort at its finest. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings, it’s perfect for family dinners or any day you need a hearty meal. Easy to customize and rich in flavor, this classic recipe will bring warmth and nostalgia to your table.

Print