Description
Southern Homemade Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting classic featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth with soft homemade dumplings. This hearty and cozy dish is perfect for a family dinner and showcases the comforting flavors of Southern American cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs (900 g) bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer the chicken: Add the bone-in chicken, chicken broth, water, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it, discarding bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Prepare the dumpling dough: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep dumplings tender.
- Cook the dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough carefully into the simmering broth. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to allow the dumplings to steam properly.
- Finish cooking: After 15 minutes, remove the lid and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes to firm up the dumplings.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the dish hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Keep the broth at a gentle simmer while cooking the dumplings to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough to prevent tough dumplings.
- Do not lift the lid during the first 15 minutes of cooking the dumplings as it lets out steam needed for proper rising.
- Add fresh parsley for color and a fresh herbaceous note if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
