Southern Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: A Classic Comfort Food Dish

Edit: Right now Lodge is offering 50% off their skillets, cookware, etc. Click Here To Take Advantage Of The Deal

Ingredients for Southern Chicken and Dumplings

When it comes to making Southern chicken and dumplings, the key is to use fresh and quality ingredients. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious pot of this classic comfort food:

Chicken: You can use a whole chicken, skinless chicken breasts, or even a rotisserie chicken for this recipe. The choice is yours!
Flour: You’ll need both all-purpose flour and self-rising flour for the dumplings.
Broth: Chicken broth is essential for the base of the soup. You can use homemade or store-bought broth.
Salt and pepper: These two seasonings are essential for adding flavor to the soup.
Butter and oil: You’ll need both unsalted butter and oil for sautéing the vegetables.
Vegetables: Celery, onion, and carrots are the classic vegetables used in this recipe. You can also add frozen peas for extra flavor.
Cream of chicken soup: This ingredient is optional, but it adds a creamy texture to the soup.
Milk: Milk is used to make the dumplings.
Egg: You’ll need one egg for the dumpling dough.
Shortening: Shortening is used to make the dumplings flaky.
Cold water: You’ll need cold water to make the dumpling dough.
Chicken bouillon cubes: These cubes are used to add extra flavor to the soup.

To make the dumplings, you’ll need to mix the all-purpose flour, self-rising flour, shortening, and salt together in a bowl. Then, you’ll add the egg and milk and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut it into small pieces.

For the soup, you’ll need to sauté the vegetables in butter and oil until they’re tender. Then, you’ll add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chicken bouillon cubes, salt, and pepper. Add the dumplings to the soup and let them cook until they’re tender and fluffy.

Overall, these ingredients will help you make a delicious pot of Southern chicken and dumplings that’s sure to warm your soul.

Choosing the Right Chicken

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqEHn6iEgb4&embed=true

When it comes to making Southern Chicken and Dumplings, choosing the right chicken is crucial to the success of the dish. Here are some things to consider when selecting your chicken.

Rotisserie Chicken vs Chicken Breasts

One option is to use a rotisserie chicken. This can be a great time-saver, as the chicken is already cooked and can be easily shredded and added to the pot. However, using chicken breasts is also a viable option. While it may take a bit longer to cook, using fresh chicken breasts can result in a more flavorful and tender chicken.

Whole Chicken vs Skinless Chicken Breasts

Another thing to consider is whether to use a whole chicken or skinless chicken breasts. Using a whole chicken can add more flavor to the broth, as the bones and skin can add depth to the dish. However, using skinless chicken breasts can result in a healthier version of the dish, as it is lower in fat and calories.

No matter which type of chicken you choose, make sure to remove any excess fat and skin before cooking. This will result in a healthier and more flavorful dish.

Preparing the Chicken and Broth

As a Southern chef, I know that the key to delicious chicken and dumplings is in the broth. Here’s how I like to prepare the chicken and broth for my recipe:

Simmering the Chicken

First, I take a whole chicken and add it to a large stockpot filled with water. I add in some chopped onion, celery, and carrots for flavor. Then, I simmer the chicken for about 45 minutes until it is tender and fully cooked.

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought broth and pre-cooked chicken instead. However, I highly recommend taking the time to cook your own chicken and broth from scratch. It adds so much more flavor to the dish.

Creating the Chicken Broth

Once the chicken is fully cooked, I remove it from the pot and let it cool enough to handle. Then, I cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.

Next, I strain the chicken broth through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids. Then, I return the broth to the pot and add in some chicken bouillon cubes for extra flavor.

If you prefer a thicker broth, you can whisk in some cornstarch and water to thicken it up. Simply whisk 3 tablespoons of cornstarch into about 1/4 cup of cool water, and then whisk that into the stock. When you bring the stock to a boil, it will thicken up and give it a velvety texture.

That’s it! With this flavorful broth and tender chicken, your southern chicken and dumplings will be a hit at any gathering.

Making the Dumplings

As any Southern cook knows, the dumplings are the heart and soul of this classic dish. Making the perfect dumplings requires a bit of skill and patience, but the results are well worth it. Here are a few tips to help you make the best dumplings possible.

Homemade Dumplings vs Store-Bought

While store-bought dumplings can be a convenient option, there’s nothing quite like the taste and texture of homemade dumplings. Making your own dumplings allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. If you’re short on time, you can also use canned biscuits or frozen dumplings as a shortcut.

Using the Right Flour

The type of flour you use can have a big impact on the texture of your dumplings. For a classic, Southern-style dumpling, all-purpose flour is the way to go. If you prefer a fluffier dumpling, you can use self-rising flour instead. Whatever flour you choose, be sure to sift it before using to prevent clumps.

Adding the Right Fat

Fat is an essential ingredient in dumplings, as it helps to create a tender, flaky texture. Traditionally, Southern cooks use a combination of butter and shortening in their dumplings. However, if you prefer a lighter flavor, you can use all butter instead. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can also use oil in place of the butter.

Achieving the Perfect Thickness

The thickness of your dumplings is another important factor to consider. You want them to be thick enough to hold up to the broth, but not so thick that they become doughy. A thickness of about 1/8 inch is ideal. To achieve this, roll out your dumpling dough on a floured surface and use a pizza cutter to cut it into strips.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect Southern chicken and dumplings. Whether you prefer homemade dumplings or a shortcut version, the key is to use quality ingredients and take your time to get the texture just right.

Combining Chicken and Dumplings

When it comes to making the perfect Southern Chicken and Dumplings, there are a few key steps that you need to follow. First, you’ll need to prepare your chicken. I like to use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe, as they add a ton of flavor to the broth. I start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, then browning it in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the chicken is nicely browned on all sides, I remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Next, I add some chopped onion and celery to the pot and sauté them until they’re nice and soft. Then, I pour in some chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where the magic happens! I add the chicken back to the pot and let everything simmer together for about 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become incredibly tender.

While the chicken is simmering, it’s time to make the dumplings. I like to use a simple recipe that combines flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. I mix everything together until a dough forms, then roll it out and cut it into small pieces. Once the chicken is cooked through, I drop the dumplings into the pot and let them cook for about 10-15 minutes. They’ll puff up and become nice and tender.

Finally, I add a can of cream of chicken soup to the pot and stir everything together. This adds a nice creaminess to the broth and helps to thicken it up a bit. I let everything simmer together for a few more minutes, then serve the chicken and dumplings hot with some fresh parsley on top.

Overall, making Southern Chicken and Dumplings is a labor of love, but the end result is absolutely worth it. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and flavorful broth is unbeatable. If you’re looking for a classic comfort food recipe that’s sure to impress, this is definitely one to try!

Enhancing the Flavor

As a chef, I know that the key to a delicious southern chicken and dumplings recipe is in the flavor. Here are some tips to enhance the flavor of your dish:

Using Seasonings

Seasonings are a crucial part of any recipe, and southern chicken and dumplings are no exception. I like to use a combination of salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon cubes to add depth and richness to the broth. I also like to add a few sprigs of thyme and a bay leaf to give the dish a subtle, earthy flavor.

Adding Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your recipe. I like to add celery, onions, carrots, and frozen peas to my southern chicken and dumplings. The celery and onions add a subtle, savory flavor, while the carrots and peas add a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.

When adding vegetables, it’s important to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly and don’t overpower the dish. I also like to sauté the vegetables in a bit of butter or oil before adding them to the broth, as this helps to bring out their natural flavors.

Overall, by using the right combination of seasonings and vegetables, you can take your southern chicken and dumplings recipe to the next level. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect balance of flavors that works for you!

Storing and Reheating

As with any leftovers, it’s important to handle them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your Southern Chicken and Dumplings:

Handling Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, let them cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to reheat your leftovers, there are a few ways you can do it. Here are some options:

Stovetop: Put the desired amount of chicken and dumplings in a small sauce pot. Add a couple of tablespoons of water to the pot and stir to combine. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the mixture is too thick, you can add more water as needed.
Microwave: Transfer the desired amount of chicken and dumplings to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the desired amount of chicken and dumplings to an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

No matter which method you choose, make sure the chicken and dumplings are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F before eating. And if you’re reheating frozen leftovers, make sure they’re fully thawed before reheating.

Overall, reheating Southern Chicken and Dumplings is a breeze, and with these tips, you can enjoy them again and again without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Additional Tips and Shortcuts

As someone who has cooked Southern chicken and dumplings for years, I have learned a few tips and shortcuts to make the process easier and quicker. Here are some of my favorites:

Use store-bought broth: Making your own chicken broth is time-consuming and can be messy. Instead, opt for a good quality store-bought broth to save time and effort. Just make sure to get a low-sodium variety so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
Make a cornstarch slurry: If you like your chicken and dumplings to be a little thicker, make a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix cornstarch with cold water and whisk it into the broth. This will thicken the broth without changing the flavor.
Use cornbread dressing: If you have leftover cornbread dressing, use it in your chicken and dumplings. It adds a delicious flavor and texture to the dish, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers.
Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Simply shred the meat and add it to the broth.
Use frozen dumplings: If you don’t have time to make your own dumplings, use frozen ones instead. They’re easy to find in the freezer section of your grocery store, and they taste just as good as homemade.

Southern chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, and these tips and shortcuts will make it even easier to make at home.