There’s just something about a steaming bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings that feels like getting a big hug from grandma. You know, the kind that warms you from your toes all the way up? This delicious chicken and dumplings recipe is my absolute go-to for that true, from-scratch Southern comfort experience. I remember my own mama making this on chilly evenings, the whole house smelling like heaven for hours. It’s simple, it’s hearty, and it’s pure, unadulterated deliciousness that just makes everything feel right in the world.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Chicken And Dumplings Recipe Southern Comfort

Honestly, if you’re looking for a meal that just screams comfort, this is it! Here’s why you’re gonna adore this recipe:

It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even for a weeknight!
The flavors are just *chef’s kiss* – rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
You get that amazing homemade goodness without a ton of fuss.
It feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a little comfort.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Southern Comfort Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, let’s get down to business and gather everything we need for this bowl of pure happiness. You’ll want to have these on hand to make sure your chicken and dumplings turn out just right.

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), usually cut into pieces. This is where all that wonderful flavor starts!
8 cups chicken broth. Use the good stuff, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!
1 large onion, chopped up. It adds a lovely sweetness.
2 carrots, chopped. These add a touch of color and flavor to the broth.
2 celery stalks, chopped. Another savory base flavor here.
1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste later.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best if you have it.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for that final burst of freshness.
For the Dumplings: Don’t skip these!
2 cups all-purpose flour. This is our main dumpling ingredient.
1 teaspoon baking powder, helps them puff up nicely.
1/2 teaspoon salt, for seasoning the dumplings themselves.
3/4 cup milk. Whole milk gives the best texture, but any kind will work.
2 tablespoons melted butter, for tenderness and flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Chicken And Dumplings

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to make some magic happen! This is where all those yummy ingredients come together to create pure comfort food heaven. It’s not complicated, but a little care goes a long way. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you could even try making your own egg noodles from scratch using a recipe like this one, or even this other great option! But for today, we’re sticking to the classic dumplings.

Preparing the Flavorful Chicken Broth Base

First things first, let’s get that amazing broth going. Toss your chicken pieces into your biggest pot or a trusty Dutch oven. Pour in that chicken broth, and then add your chopped onion, carrots, celery, the salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir!

Bring it all up to a boil, then turn the heat down low, slap a lid on it, and let ‘er simmer away for at least an hour, maybe an hour and a half if your chicken is a bit on the bigger side. You want that chicken to be super tender and cooked all the way through. Once it’s done, carefully take the chicken out and let it cool down a bit. While that’s happening, strain all those lovely veggies out of the broth and toss them – we just needed their flavor. Pour that beautiful, golden broth back into the pot. Trust me, this step is key for that deep, rich flavor.

Crafting the Perfect Dumplings

Now for the star of the show – the dumplings! Grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, and that little bit of salt. It’s important not to overmix the dumpling dough; we want them tender, not tough. Just stir in the milk and the melted butter until everything is *just* combined. Seriously, a few little streaks of flour left are totally fine!

Once your broth is back in the pot and simmering nicely, it’s time to drop in the dumplings. Use a spoon – a tablespoon or even a soup spoon works great – and just drop little dollops of dough right into the simmering broth. Don’t crowd them too much; they need a little room to expand. Think of them like little fluffy clouds floating on top of soup. If you’ve ever made something like these yummy biscuits, you get the idea!

Bringing It All Together: Simmering and Serving

Okay, here comes the exciting part! Once your dumplings are all dropped in, put the lid back on that pot nice and tight. Let them simmer away for about 15 to 20 minutes. You absolutely *have* to keep that lid on tight during this time – it steams those dumplings and makes them perfectly fluffy and cooked through. Resist the urge to peek too early!

While the dumplings are doing their thing, go ahead and shred or dice the chicken you set aside earlier. Get rid of any bones and skin. Once the dumplings are cooked (you can test one by piercing it with a fork – it should come out clean), stir that beautiful shredded chicken back into the pot. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. Finally, stir in that fresh, chopped parsley right at the end. It just brightens everything up! Serve it piping hot in deep bowls, making sure everyone gets plenty of chicken, broth, and those glorious dumplings.

Tips for Success with Your Southern Comfort Chicken and Dumplings

Now, I’ve made this chicken and dumplings more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way to make sure it turns out just perfect every single time. Little things can make a big difference!

First off, for the chicken, using a whole chicken really does give you the best flavor for your broth. But if you’re in a pinch, good quality boneless, skinless thighs work too, you might just need to adjust your broth quantity a bit. And don’t be shy with the simmering time for the broth – letting it go for that full hour-and-a-half really deepens the flavor. Remember when I said not to overmix the dumpling dough? That’s super important! Overmixing makes them tough, and nobody wants tough dumplings. Just stir until barely combined. I found that serving this with some of my ultimate homemade cornbread is just about the best thing ever, too!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chicken and Dumplings

Sometimes life throws curveballs, and you need to make a recipe work with what you’ve got! For the broth, if you’re short on time, using good quality store-bought chicken broth is totally fine. Just make sure it’s low-sodium so you can control the saltiness yourself. Some folks even like to add just a splash of homemade chicken stock for extra oomph! As for the flour for the dumplings, all-purpose is king, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could experiment with a bit of whole wheat for a nuttier taste, though it might make them a *tad* denser. And parsley is lovely, but a sprinkle of chives or even a little fresh thyme wouldn’t hurt!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Delicious Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Got questions about making this comforting chicken and dumplings? I totally get it! It’s a dish that brings back so many memories, and you want it to be just right. Here are a few things people often ask.

Can I make this chicken and dumplings recipe ahead of time?

You know, the broth and the cooked chicken are fantastic to make a day in advance! Just store them separately in the fridge. You’ll want to bring the broth back to a simmer before adding the dumplings, though. The dumplings themselves are best made fresh right before you plan to serve, as they can get a bit gummy if they sit too long after cooking.

What kind of chicken is best for this Southern comfort dish?

For the absolute best flavor and that classic Southern taste, I really love using a whole chicken. It gives you all those bones and skin to make the most flavorful broth, and the meat shreds beautifully. But if you’re short on time, boneless, skinless thighs are a good second choice. Just make sure they’re cooked through and tender before shredding!

How do I prevent my dumplings from falling apart or getting mushy?

The trick is twofold! First, don’t övermix your dumpling dough – you want it just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes them tough and more likely to fall apart. Second, and this is super important, keep that lid on tight while they’re simmering! Letting them steam in place without peeking helps them cook through evenly and hold their shape. They need that steamy environment to get fluffy and delicious.

Nutritional Information for Southern Comfort Chicken and Dumplings

Now, I’m not a nutritionist or anything, but here’s a ballpark idea of what you’re looking at per serving for this amazing chicken and dumplings. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, and it can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use and how big your servings are!

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Around 550
Fat: About 25g
Carbohydrates: Roughly 45g
Protein: A hearty 35g

So there you have it – a comforting meal that’s also got some good stuff in it! Enjoy!

Southern Comfort Chicken and Dumplings

Author: jekof.com
Total Time: 2 hr 15 min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic Southern recipe for hearty and comforting chicken and dumplings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cut into pieces
8 cups chicken broth
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Place chicken pieces in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth, discarding solids. Return broth to the pot.
Shred or dice the cooked chicken, discarding bones and skin. Return chicken to the pot.
Bring the broth to a simmer.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering broth.
Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through.
Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For richer flavor, you can use a combination of chicken broth and water.
Adjust seasoning to your preference.
Ensure dumplings are fully cooked before serving.

Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 1 hr 45 min
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: chicken and dumplings, southern recipe, comfort food, classic dish, homemade dumplings