Creamy chicken and dumplings with tender chicken, carrots, and parsley garnish.

Flavour Quest Recipes

Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Southern chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort dish made with tender chicken, a rich, savory broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings. Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, it’s a timeless recipe that brings simple ingredients together into a cozy, home-style meal.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings: 6

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

2 tbsp Butter
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 Small onion chopped
2 Cloves garlic minced
3 Medium carrots sliced
2 Celery stalks sliced
4 cups Chicken broth
1 cup Whole milk
2 cups Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper
1/2 tsp Thyme dried
1 Bay leaf for garnish
For the Dumplings:
2 cups All-purpose flour
1 tbsp Baking powder
1/2 tsp Salt
4 tbsp Cold butter cubed
3/4 cup Milk

Method

Make the Stew Base
In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in chicken broth and milk. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Chicken
Stir in shredded chicken. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the Dumplings
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter using a fork until crumbly. Stir in milk just until a soft dough forms — don’t overmix.
Add Dumplings to Stew
Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) into the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid — the steam cooks the dumplings through.
Finish and ServeRemove the bay leaf, taste for seasoning, and serve warm.Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

🔄 Variations

Use rotisserie chicken to save time.

Add carrots, celery, or peas for extra texture.

Make it extra creamy by stirring in a splash of cream or milk.

Use flat-style dumplings instead of drop dumplings for a more traditional Southern version.

🍽️ Serving Suggestion

Perfect for cold days or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Serve hot with buttered biscuits, cornbread, or a simple green salad.
A side of steamed green beans or collard greens pairs well with the rich broth.

❄️ Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Dumplings will continue to absorb liquid, so add a little broth when reheating to restore consistency.

💡 Tips

Simmer gently after adding dumplings—boiling can cause them to break apart.

Keep the pot covered while dumplings cook so they steam properly.

Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as the broth reduces slightly.

Don’t stir the dumplings while they cook — this keeps them fluffy.

For extra richness, replace milk with half-and-half.

Add frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make chicken and dumplings ahead of time?
A: Yes, but dumplings soften as they sit. Reheat gently with added broth.

Q: Why are my dumplings dense?
A: Overmixing the dough or cooking at too high a temperature can make dumplings heavy.

Q: Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can change the texture of the dumplings, but the broth and chicken freeze well on their own.

Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this recipe, you’ll love my free Comfort Dinner Guide—packed with easy, satisfying weeknight meals.

🍗 Southern Chicken and Dumplings