🇺🇸 USA · Food
Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings
By eatmundo · July 5, 2026
🇺🇸 USA quintessential American comfort food, this hearty dish features tender chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings simmered in a rich, savory broth. It's a warm, soulful meal that brings a taste of home-cooked tradition to any table, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
In a large pot, combine 6 cups chicken broth, 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup sliced carrots, and 1 cup diced celery. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- 2
In a separate bowl, prepare the dumplings: whisk together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1/4 cup cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 3
Gradually add 3/4 cup milk to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined to form a soft dough. Do not overmix.
- 4
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth. Ensure not to overcrowd the pot.
- 5
Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
- 6
Season the stew with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is best for Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings?+
Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs and drumsticks are ideal for developing a rich, flavorful broth. While boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used for convenience, they may result in a less robust taste.
How can I prevent the dumplings from becoming gummy or falling apart in this dish?+
Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough to keep them tender; a light touch is key. Drop them into gently simmering, not aggressively boiling, broth and do not overcrowd the pot to ensure even cooking and prevent disintegration.
What's the best way to ensure a rich and deeply flavorful broth for Southern Chicken and Dumplings?+
Begin by simmering bone-in chicken with aromatic vegetables like celery, onion, and carrots for at least an hour to build a strong flavor base. Supplementing with a high-quality chicken broth will further enhance the richness.
What kind of flour is best for thickening the gravy in this recipe, and what's a good amount?+
All-purpose flour is typically used to create a roux for thickening; a good starting point is 2 tablespoons of flour per cup of liquid for a medium-thick gravy. Ensure the roux cooks thoroughly before adding liquid to prevent a raw flour taste.
🇺🇸 USMundo Match
This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines.
