When you think of hearty, comforting meals that embody the essence of Southern cooking, Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings is likely to top the list. This dish comes from a tradition of family gatherings, warm kitchens, and generations of home cooks who understand the magic of blending simple ingredients to create something truly special. Each bite of tender chicken combined with fluffy dumplings swimming in a rich broth evokes feelings of nostalgia and southern hospitality.
Why We Love This Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. Whether you’re enjoying it on a rainy day or serving it at a family gathering, this dish guarantees smiles all around. It’s rich in flavor yet simple in preparation, making it a perfect meal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. The tender chicken mingles beautifully with the creamy broth, while the dumplings add a delightful texture, transforming any ordinary meal into a memorable experience. Plus, it’s an ideal way to use leftover chicken, ensuring that no delicious bite goes to waste.
Ingredients about Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
How to Make Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Directions
Making Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings is not only rewarding, but the process is straightforward. To start, grab your largest pot. Heat it over medium heat, and then add your diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté these vegetables until they become tender, usually around 5-7 minutes. As they cook, the aroma will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for what’s to come.
Next, you’ll add your shredded chicken and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The chicken and vegetables will mingle wonderfully in the broth, developing rich flavors. While the broth is heating, it’s time to prepare the dumplings.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together, ensuring everything is evenly mixed. Create a small well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the melted butter and milk. Stir until you have a cohesive dough. The consistency should be thick but pliable, perfect for spooning into the boiling broth.
Once the broth reaches a gentle boil, you can drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the pot. It’s important to leave some space between each dumpling to allow them to expand as they cook. After you’ve added the dumplings, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the dumplings will puff up and cook through, absorbing some of the broth’s flavor.
After the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and season your chicken and dumplings with black pepper to taste. Give it a gentle stir to incorporate everything before serving. Each bowl will be filled with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and fluffy dumplings, creating an inviting and satisfying meal.
How to Serve Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings
Serving Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings is as important as preparing it. Presentation matters, so consider using wide, shallow bowls that allow you to showcase the colorful ingredients. Ladle a generous portion of the chicken and dumplings into each bowl, ensuring plenty of the flavorful broth surrounds the dish.
For an authentic Southern touch, garnish your creation with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. This not only adds a hint of color but also a burst of freshness that enhances the flavors. Don’t forget some crusty bread or cornbread on the side—perfect for sopping up any leftover broth.
If you’re serving a crowd, consider setting up a self-serve station where guests can help themselves. This adds a casual, homely feel and encourages everyone to load their bowls just the way they like it.
Expert Tips: Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings
To take your Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings to the next level, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use homemade broth: If time allows, making your own chicken broth adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Roast your chicken carcass with some vegetables to extract all those delicious flavors.
- Dumpling Variation: For an extra twist, try adding herbs or spices to your dumpling dough. Consider mixing in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or dill for enhanced flavor.
- Texture Check: Depending on your personal preference, you may want to adjust the thickness of the dough. If you prefer lighter dumplings, add a bit more milk. If you like them denser, add a bit more flour.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing the dumplings to simmer gently in the broth ensures that they cook thoroughly without becoming tough. Keep the heat low and consistent.
How to Store Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings
Leftovers are a wonderful perk of this hearty meal. Store your Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to note that the dumplings may continue to absorb the broth during storage, so you may want to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore the original texture.
To freeze, place the chicken and dumplings in a freezer-friendly container. Be sure to leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. Frozen, this dish can last up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove until warmed through.
Variation of Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings
There are many ways to put a spin on the classic Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious alternative.
- Herbed Dumplings: Incorporating fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil into your dumpling dough can elevate the dish and introduce new flavors.
- Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth. You could also use spicy chicken sausage instead of regular chicken.
- Coconut Cream Variation: For a unique take, try adding a splash of coconut cream to the broth for a creamy, rich flavor. Pair this with herbs like lime and cilantro for a fusion twist.
FAQ
What makes Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings so special?
Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings is special because it combines simple ingredients to create a comforting dish that evokes nostalgia and warmth. Each bite of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in rich broth offers a taste of home and Southern hospitality.
Can I use store-bought chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver! It will still provide great flavor and guarantee a quick meal during your busy week.
How long does it take to make Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings?
From start to finish, including preparation and cooking time, you can expect to spend about 45-60 minutes making this delicious dish.
Can I freeze Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes! To freeze, place cooled chicken and dumplings in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for 2-3 months. Just be sure to add broth when reheating, as the dumplings will absorb some liquid during freezing.