Southern Chicken & Dumplings
Southern Chicken & Dumplings features tender chicken in a flavorful broth with fluffy, homemade dumplings, perfect for comforting family meals and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean the chicken, cut into serving pieces, and place in a pot.
- Cover with water, add the onion, salt, and pepper, then cook until tender, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and minced parsley.
- Add milk to the dry ingredients to make a thick batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into boiling chicken broth to form dumplings.
- Cook for about 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Place the cooked chicken on a platter and arrange the dumplings around it.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or celery to the pot with the chicken. If you're out of flour, you can substitute with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or a pre-mixed gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to keep the lid on while cooking the dumplings to ensure they steam properly and cook through. For another delicious option, try the Hoisin-Glazed Chicken for a sweet and savory twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of sautéed greens or a simple garden salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving with cornbread or biscuits. It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to any dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and dumplings in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave the portions in a covered dish, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Chicken & Dumplings contains roughly 224 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 695mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator beforehand for even cooking. If using frozen, increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it's cooked through. Always check the internal temperature to reach 165°F.
What can I do if my dumplings are dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, make sure you haven’t overmixed the batter. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Also, be careful not to lift the lid while they cook, as this can affect their fluffiness.
How do I adjust this recipe for more servings?
To adjust the recipe for more servings, simply increase the amount of chicken and broth accordingly. Maintain the same proportions for the dumpling batter, but you may need to cook in batches if your pot is too small. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).