Welcome to the heart of Southern comfort food! If you're craving a dish that warms the soul and brings the family together, look no further than Old Fashioned Southern Chicken Dumplings. This classic recipe, steeped in tradition, combines tender shredded chicken with pillowy dumplings, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. With just a little prep and some simple ingredients, you can create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover the secret to making the ultimate comfort dish that’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the whole chicken in a large Dutch oven or stockpot. Cover the chicken completely with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for about 45-50 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Once cool enough to handle, carefully remove the meat from the bones, shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Strain the cooking liquid and reserve 4 cups of chicken broth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the center and add melted butter and milk. Mix gently until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Roll out the dumpling dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into rectangular or diamond-shaped pieces, approximately 2 inches long.
- Return the strained chicken broth to the pot. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop the dumpling pieces into the simmering broth, ensuring they don't overlap too much.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Simmer the dumplings for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The dumplings will expand and become tender.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for added flavor and garnish.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken and dumplings rest for 5 minutes before serving. The broth will naturally thicken as it cools.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of broth, chicken, and dumplings. Enjoy as a comforting Southern-style main course.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best flavor, opt for a whole chicken rather than pre-cut pieces. This allows for richer broth and more tender meat.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the chicken to simmer gently for the full 45-50 minutes. This ensures the meat is tender and the broth is packed with flavor.
- Perfect Dumpling Texture: Be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough. A gentle hand will result in light and fluffy dumplings that soak up the broth beautifully.
- Cut Evenly: When cutting your dumplings, aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This helps them cook through at the same rate.
- Control the Heat: When adding the dumplings to the broth, maintain a gentle simmer. A rolling boil can cause them to break apart.
- Garnish for Freshness: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor. Don’t skip this final touch!
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the broth thicken and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your chicken and dumplings with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete Southern meal.Enjoy your culinary journey into the South with this delightful recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
