Southern Chicken and Dumplings in Creamy Broth
Warm, cozy, and made for comfort this Southern Chicken and Dumplings in Creamy Broth is the ultimate homestyle classic you’ll want on repeat. Tender shredded chicken is simmered in a rich, creamy broth with soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up every bit of savory flavor.
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)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth : In a large pot, add chicken, water (or broth), carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35–40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool slightly. Shred meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding skin and bones. Strain the broth, return it to the pot, and stir in butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough : In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk until just combined do not overmix.
- Step 3: Cook the Dumplings : Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) into the simmering broth. 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 : Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir gently. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.