Introduction

Southern Chicken and Dumplings is one of the most iconic comfort food dishes in American cuisine, especially in the South where it has been passed down through generations. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth, paired with soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors. It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying a bowl of pure comfort that feels like a hug from the inside out.

The charm of chicken and dumplings lies in its rustic simplicity. Made with basic pantry staples chicken, flour, broth, butter, and milk it delivers flavors that feel timeless and wholesome. Whether you grew up eating it or are trying it for the first time, this dish embodies the soul of home-cooked Southern meals.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the definition of comfort food done right. The creamy broth is rich and flavorful, perfectly balanced with tender chunks of chicken, while the dumplings are soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth good. Every bite feels soothing, especially on a chilly evening or when I need a meal that feels like home.

Another reason I love it is its versatility you can make it from scratch with fresh chicken, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker version. It’s a dish that gathers everyone around the table, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas and creating memories with every serving.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it embodies everything that makes Southern comfort food so beloved simple ingredients transformed into a rich, satisfying meal. The creamy broth is deeply flavorful, the chicken is tender and juicy, and the dumplings are soft, fluffy pillows that soak up every bit of goodness. Together, they create a bowl of food that is hearty, soothing, and absolutely irresistible.

It’s also a must-try because it’s more than just a recipe it’s a tradition. For generations, families across the South have gathered around steaming bowls of chicken and dumplings, making it a dish that feels like home. It’s versatile enough for a cozy weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve when you want to impress guests with a true Southern classic.

If you’ve never experienced the comfort of homemade dumplings simmering in a creamy chicken broth, this recipe is your chance. It’s warm, it’s nostalgic, and it proves that sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that leave the biggest impression.

Recipe Information

• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Southern / American
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~420 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs) or 4–5 bone-in chicken thighs/breasts
• 10 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
• ¾ cup buttermilk (or whole milk)

Directions & Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth

1. In a large pot, add chicken, water (or broth), carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35–40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool slightly. Shred meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding skin and bones.
4. Strain the broth, return it to the pot, and stir in butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in buttermilk until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

1. Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer.
2. Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) into the simmering broth.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid (this ensures dumplings steam and cook properly).

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir gently.
2. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in deep bowls with plenty of creamy broth and dumplings.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cracked black pepper.
• Pair with a side of buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, or a simple green salad.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Shortcut Version: Use rotisserie chicken and store-bought broth to cut cooking time in half.
• Vegetable Boost: Add peas, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and color.
• Thicker Broth: Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour mixed with cream before adding dumplings.
• Herb Variation: Add rosemary, sage, or dill for a different flavor profile.
• Flat Dumplings: Roll out dough and cut into strips for a traditional “flat dumpling” style.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream.
• Freezer: Freeze chicken and broth separately (dumplings don’t freeze well). Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and make fresh dumplings when reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl for dumplings
• Pastry cutter or fork (for cutting butter into flour)
• Ladle for serving

FAQ

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the broth.

Q2: How do I make the broth creamier?
Add more heavy cream or stir in a cornstarch slurry for extra richness.

Q3: Can I make dumplings ahead of time?
It’s best to make dumplings fresh before cooking, as the dough can dry out if made too far in advance.

Q4: What’s the difference between fluffy and flat dumplings?
Fluffy dumplings are drop-style (like biscuits), while flat dumplings are rolled and cut into strips before cooking. Both are delicious—it’s just a matter of preference.

Q5: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook chicken, veggies, and broth on low for 6–7 hours. Add dumplings in the last 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Southern Chicken and Dumplings in Creamy Broth is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and soul-soothing. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, flavorful broth, it’s a dish that brings warmth to the table every single time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself on a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why this Southern classic has remained a favorite for generations.