Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Nothing says Southern comfort quite like a pot of homemade Chicken and Dumplings! Made the old-fashioned way with tender chicken, rich broth, and scratch-made drop dumplings just like I was taught, this timeless Southern favorite is pure comfort in every bite.

Easy Southern Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a big pot of Southern Chicken and Dumplings simmering on the stove. This old-fashioned comfort food favorite features tender chicken, a rich, savory broth, and scratch-made drop dumplings that soak up every bit of that delicious flavor. It’s the kind of stick-to-your-ribs meal that brings everyone to the table and makes you feel right at home.

Made with simple ingredients and plenty of down-home flavor, this classic Southern chicken and dumplings recipe is perfect for Sunday supper, chilly fall and winter evenings, or a comforting weeknight family meal. It’s also a wonderful choice when you need a hearty dish to share with loved ones. Serve it piping hot with a little black pepper on top for a taste of the good old days and the kind of home cooking that never goes out of style.

Key ingredients to make Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings: (Scroll down for the full recipe card and quantities.)

• Chicken – Boneless chicken breasts.
• Vegetables – Carrots, celery stalks and onion add texture and flavor.
• Butter – Unsalted butter or salted butter to saute the vegetables.
• Aromatics – Bay leaf adds depth of flavor.
• Spices – Poultry seasoning, seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder
• Liquid – Low sodium chicken broth or chicken stock for moisture.
• Milk – Milk gives the broth a creamy texture.
• Cornstarch – Cornstarch thickens the broth.
• Drop Dumplings – All purpose flour, baking powder, salt (or seasoned salt) buttermilk or milk and melted butter.
• Fresh Herbs – You can garnish with fresh parsley, chives or thyme.

How to Make Southern Chicken and Dumplings

• Saute Vegetables – Saute the celery, carrots, and onion in butter until softened.
• Cook Chicken – Add chicken breasts, bay leaf and seasonings. Pour in chicken stock.
• Simmer – Simmer covered until chicken is cooked through, then shred.
• Make the Cornstarch Mixture – Whisk together the cold milk and cornstarch until completely smooth. Slowly pour the mixture into the simmering broth to thicken, stirring constantly. .
• Add Chicken – Return the shredded chicken to the Dutch oven, stir to combine.
• Make Dumplings – Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt or seasoned salt, add buttermilk and melted butter, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
• Drop into Hot Liquid – Scoop small portions of dough and gently drop them into the pot.
• Cover and Cook – Place the lid on the Dutch oven and cook per the recipe until dumplings are no longer doughy.
• Stand Time – Turn off the heat once the dumplings are fully cooked. Let the chicken and dumplings rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve hot and top with fresh parsley.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

• 5-to-6-quart cast-iron Dutch oven or pot with lid.
• Cutting board and Chef’s knife.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Medium bowl and small bowl for the cornstarch slurry
• Whisk.
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula.
• Two forks for shredding the chicken.
• Instant-read thermometer. Depending on size, larger chicken breasts will take longer to cook. When in doubt, I definitely recommend using a thermometer because the size of the breast makes a difference. I have also cut the chicken breast in half lengthwise for faster cooking time.
• Tablespoon or small ice cream scoop.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Chicken Thighs – Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. They are especially forgiving and flavorful.
• Bone-In Chicken – You can use bone-in chicken breasts. They will take longer to cook, so adjust accordingly, then remove chicken from the bone and shred per the recipe.
• Using Rotisserie Chicken or Cooked Leftover Chicken – Rotisserie or leftover chicken works well. Prepare the vegetables and broth first, thicken the soup, and then add the cooked shredded chicken before adding the dumplings Use about 4-5 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Add it after the broth has thickened and heat until the chicken is warmed through before adding the dumplings.
• Milk – Use 2% milk: Works very well and produces a slightly richer broth. Whole milk: Makes the soup creamier. Evaporated milk: Can be used for a richer, more concentrated flavor. Heavy Cream: For ultimate richness.
• Seasoned Salt – Substitute another seasoned salt blend. Use the same amount plus your preferred herbs and seasonings.
• Onion – Use yellow, white, or sweet onion they all work great with this recipe.
• Veggies – Baby carrots can be sliced into rounds. If you don’t have enough celery, add extra carrots or another mild vegetable such as petite peas. If the peas are frozen, there’s no need to thaw.
• Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock – If using bouillon cubes or bouillon granules, check the instructions on the package and dissolve the appropriate amount in the 6 cups of water according to the package directions.
• Thinning the Soup – If the soup becomes too thick, stir in a small amount of warm chicken stock, water or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency. This can happen depending on how vigorously the broth boils.

Storage and Leftovers

• How long do leftovers last? Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container and eat the leftovers within 3-4 days.
• Reheating – Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Chicken Recipes to Make

• Baked Lemon Chicken made in the oven using bone-in chicken thighs.
• Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles made with chicken tenders.
• Treat the family to homemade Crispy Chicken Sandwiches.
• The kiddos will love this recipe for Easy Popcorn Chicken.
• Chicken Fried Chicken and Gravy with a side of mashed potatoes.
• Hearty Chicken Stew is a one-pot meal.
• Easy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders cook in no time flat.
• Decadent Honey Pecan Fried Chicken.
• Fried Chicken Cakes and remoulade sauce is a fan favorite.
• Marry Me Chicken Soup from Southern Living.

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