Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
This recipe tops the list of classic comfort foods. With its roots in Southern tradition, this dish features tender chicken simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth. The highlight? Flat, old-fashioned dumplings that soak up all the savory goodness. Minimal ingredients are needed, making it a breeze to whip up. It's a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers big on taste, bringing the warmth of Southern comfort straight to your table.
Southern Chicken and Dumplings: A Simple and Flavorful Recipe
Southern Chicken and Dumplings is not only a breeze to make but also packed with flavor. The secret to this dish starts with the chicken and the broth. You have two options: begin with an uncooked chicken to create your own rich, homemade broth, or save time by using a store-bought, pre-cooked chicken.
When using a premade chicken, I recommend simmering it in a flavorful chicken broth until the meat is tender and falls right off the bone. This method infuses the chicken with additional flavor, ensuring a delicious and hearty meal.
Once the chicken is prepared and set aside, it's time to focus on the dumplings. Our recipe features flat dumplings, a classic Southern choice that perfectly complements the rich broth and tender chicken. You can find the recipe for the flat dumplings here.
Choosing Your Chicken and Perfecting the Texture
You don’t have to use a whole chicken for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use only the parts you like best. For instance, if you love the flavor of dark meat, go with all thighs. If you’re a fan of white meat, chicken breasts work just as well.
Texture is crucial for me, so I tend to keep the chicken pieces chunky to provide a satisfying bite. However, if you prefer a different texture, you can shred the meat to your liking. I like to keep my Southern-style chicken and dumplings simple and true to their roots. Other than essential flavorings, I don’t add any additional vegetables. This way, the dish remains focused on the delicious harmony between tender chicken and hearty dumplings.
Embracing Simplicity with Southern Cooking
Don’t be alarmed by the minimal ingredients—true Southern food doesn’t need a lot to taste great! This is why I love this recipe so much. The flavors from the chicken and broth naturally season the dumplings, creating a comforting and delicious dish. The creaminess and softness of the dumplings make every bite feel like a warm hug. For an extra punch of flavor, you can cook the chicken in chicken broth and add a little thyme. Remember with thyme a little goes a long way. Either way, this dish will have your taste buds singing!
Perfect Pairings for a Classic Dish
There are so many sides you could pair with Southern chicken and dumplings to round out your meal. Consider a cool cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast or roasted root vegetables for a hearty addition. Mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, and cornbread or a nice biscuit is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. No matter what you choose, these sides will complement your chicken and dumplings perfectly!