Grandma's Southern Comfort Chicken and Dumplings

My Grandma's Southern chicken and dumplings recipe is pure comfort food! Creamy, savory broth and fluffy dumplings. The easiest way to homemade dinner. Get the recipe!

Right then, let's talk chicken and dumplings recipe . honestly, is there anything more comforting on a chilly evening? it's like a warm hug from the inside, you know? this is proper soul food, the kind of dish that just makes everything feel alright.

Grandma's Easy Homemade Chicken And Dumplings Southern Style

This chicken and dumplings recipe is inspired by those sunday suppers at my nan's. she always seemed to conjure up the best chicken and dumplings out of thin air.

Tender chicken, a creamy broth, and those melt-in-your-mouth homemade dumplings for chicken & dumplings – pure bliss! it's got that classic southern charm all over it.

You might want to use chicken and dumplings made with evaporated milk if you like them extra creamy! i find it is also the easiest chicken and dumplings recipe for beginners.

It's not exactly a super speedy dish – takes around 2 hours from start to finish. but trust me, it's worth every minute.

This recipe will comfortably feed 6-8 hungry folks. think of it as a labour of love, yeah?

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Chicken and Dumplings

Beyond the obvious comfort factor, this southern chicken dish is packed with goodness. chicken is a great source of protein, and the broth is surprisingly nourishing.

Plus, it's perfect for those occasions when you need something a bit special. think sunday lunch, a family gathering, or just when you're feeling a bit under the weather.

What really makes this recipe shine is those light and fluffy dumplings. they're not the heavy, stodgy kind – these are delicate and soak up all that delicious gravy.

This homemade dinner is always a family favorite. honestly, you will feel like you cooked the allrecipes chicken and dumplings recipe.

Right, now we've had a natter, let's get to the ingredients, shall we?

Alright, gather 'round! let's chat about what you'll need to whip up this glorious chicken and dumplings recipe . honestly, it’s easier than you think.

Think of it as a cuddle from your nan in food form. this easy homemade chicken and dumplings southern style is seriously the business.

Ingredients: The A-Team

Here's a proper breakdown of the kit you'll need to make this Best Chicken And Dumplings recipe.

Main Players

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Or a whole chicken, about 3lbs , if you're feeling fancy. Quality wise, look for chicken with a nice pink hue and no funny smells. Nobody wants dodgy chicken.
• Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks – all chopped. About 1 cup each.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, innit?
• Chicken Broth: 8 cups (1.9 liters) of low-sodium chicken broth. Makes all the difference.
• Herbs: 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf. Proper essential.
• Cream (Optional): 1/2 cup (120 ml) of heavy cream. For that extra bit of indulgence.
• Cornstarch Slurry: 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup cold water. Thickens things up lovely.
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for a bit of freshness.
• Dumplings: 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp (15 ml) baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, 3/4 cup (180ml) milk, 1 large egg.

Seasoning Secrets

This is where the magic happens. A good Southern Chicken relies on the right flavours.

• Thyme and Rosemary: These are non-negotiable for a classic taste. They just work, you know?
• Bay Leaf: Don’t forget it! It adds a subtle depth. Remember to take it out before serving, though!
• Flavour Enhancers: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice warmth if you like a bit of kick.
• Substitution Options: No rosemary? Use a bit more thyme, or a pinch of dried sage. You're the boss.

Gear Up: Essential Equipment

Right, let's see what you need from your kitchen arsenal. This Homemade Dinner isn't complicated.

• Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This is your workhorse. About 6 quarts should do the trick.
• Mixing Bowls: For prepping ingredients and mixing the dumplings.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is key.
• Whisk: For the dumplings and the cornstarch slurry.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the pot and preventing sticking.

And honestly? that's it! you probably already have most of this lying around. now, let's get cracking with this chicken and dumplings made with evaporated milk – okay, maybe not evaporated milk, we are using fresh milk! the allrecipes chicken and dumplings has nothing on this beauty.

Let's make some proper comfort food!

Okay, here's that section of the chicken and dumplings recipe article, chock-full of personality and ready for Adsense!

Nailing the Dumplings: My Secret (Not Really!)

Honestly, chicken and dumplings made with evaporated milk (grandma's secret, shhh!) is the ultimate comfort food. my nan used to whip this up every time i felt a bit under the weather.

It's like a warm hug from the inside out. now, dumplings can be a bit intimidating, right? but fear not! this bit’s all about making 'em perfect.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place , My Friends!

First things first, let’s get organised. that's what the french call "mise en place." get all your dumpling ingredients out and measured.

Cold butter is key. like, straight-from-the-fridge cold. this ensures those dumplings are light and fluffy , not dense hockey pucks.

Safety-wise? just don't lick the raw egg, yeah? we're going for delicious, not dodgy tummy.

Step-by-Step: Dumpling Nirvana Achieved!

1. Whisk together 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour , 1 tbsp (15 ml) baking powder , and 1 tsp salt .
2. Cut in 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter , cubed, using a pastry blender or your fingers. Work quickly!
3. In a separate bowl, whisk 3/4 cup (180ml) milk and 1 large egg , lightly beaten.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix just until combined. Don't overmix! Seriously, don't.
5. Gently drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15- 20 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Dumpling Game

Cold is your friend. Seriously, everything should be cold. And don't even think about opening the lid while they're cooking! Resist. Resist! That's how you get sad, deflated dumplings.

One common mistake? Overmixing the dough. This develops gluten, and nobody wants tough dumplings. I’ve been there, and trust me, it's not fun.

Wanna make them ahead? you can actually drop the dumplings onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze them, and then drop them into the simmering broth directly from frozen.

How easy is that? this method is one of the easiest chicken and dumplings tricks ever!

Seriously, this dumpling recipe will elevate your homemade dinner . and if you're after the best chicken and dumplings , i reckon you should give this version a whirl.

You can easily tweak this classic southern chicken dish to your liking. for an easy homemade chicken and dumplings southern style , you can use your favourite stock.

Give allrecipes chicken and dumplings a run for its money and try your hand at this recipe.

Alright, let's talk shop about this chicken and dumplings recipe after the pot is simmering, eh? Little things that make a world of difference, you know? Let's dive into Recipe Notes .

Serving Up Southern Comfort: Plating & Pairing

Right then, how you serve it makes a difference. plating chicken and dumplings is easier than you think. ladle it into a bowl.

Now, chuck a sprig of fresh parsley on top. boom! looks fancy, tastes amazing. i find a good dollop of mashed potatoes works wonders, especially on a cold day.

Proper comfort food, innit?

Homemade dinner needs decent sides. a green salad cuts through the richness. honestly, some cornbread is always a good shout with southern chicken .

And don't forget the biscuits! warm, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up that gravy.

Storage Sorted: Keepin' It Fresh

Storing chicken and dumplings ain't rocket science. pop it in an airtight container. then whack it in the fridge. it will last for about 3-4 days.

Want to freeze it? that's doable! cool it completely first. then use a freezer-safe container. it'll keep for about 2-3 months.

Reheating? either the microwave or a pot on the hob works. just make sure it's piping hot all the way through.

Tweaks & Twists: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a bit of a change? course you do! you could use chicken and dumplings made with evaporated milk instead of regular milk for a slightly richer flavour.

For a lighter version, easy homemade chicken and dumplings southern style , swap the heavy cream for skimmed milk. easy peasy!

Also, why not try adding some seasonal veg? swedes and parsnips are awesome. also, chuck in some peas in the spring.

It is all good! for the dumpling recipe , if you're feeling adventurous, add some chopped herbs to the dough.

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty: Goodness in a Bowl

So, about the nutrition basics . this chicken and dumplings recipe is hearty stuff. it's got protein from the chicken. there are also carbs from the dumplings.

This gives you energy. it is a decent dose of comfort and warmth. i reckon one serving has about 450-550 calories.

That can change based on portion size.

Right then, there you have it! all the insider tips. don't be shy—give this allrecipes chicken and dumplings inspired dish a go.

You will nail the best chicken and dumplings for sure. remember easiest chicken and dumplings is the one you enjoy making.

Get stuck in and enjoy that easy homemade chicken and dumplings .

Frequently Asked Questions

My dumplings turned out tough! What went wrong with my chicken and dumplings recipe?

Tough dumplings are often the result of overmixing the dough. Remember, you only want to mix the dumpling ingredients until just combined – a few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a chewier, less desirable texture. Also, make sure your butter is very cold when making the dumplings; cold butter helps create steam which makes the dumplings light and fluffy.

Can I make this chicken and dumplings recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep parts of this recipe in advance. The chicken and broth can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. However, it's best to make the dumplings fresh right before cooking, as they tend to become soggy if stored uncooked in the fridge. If you need to make them ahead of time, cook them separately and add them to the chicken and broth when reheating.

What's the best way to store leftover chicken and dumplings?

Leftover chicken and dumplings should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the dumplings from drying out. A low and slow reheat in a saucepan or a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick; just be careful not to overcook the dumplings.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?

Freezing chicken and dumplings is possible, but the texture of the dumplings may change upon thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and broth separately from the dumplings. Then, when reheating, make a fresh batch of dumplings. Alternatively, you can freeze the entire dish in individual portions for easier reheating, but expect the dumpling texture to be slightly softer.

I'm watching my calories - any tips for making a healthier chicken and dumplings recipe?

Absolutely! To lighten things up, you can use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, and skim milk in the dumplings. Reduce the amount of butter in the dumplings or substitute it with unsweetened applesauce. Also, using a low-sodium chicken broth will help to control the salt content. You can also load up on vegetables like carrots, celery, and even some leafy greens for added nutrients and fiber – think of it as your five-a-day, but in comfort food form!

What variations can I try to spice up my chicken and dumplings recipe?

Fancy a bit of a change? Try adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to your dumpling dough for an herbaceous kick. You could also stir in a bit of shredded cheddar cheese for cheesy dumplings. For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. And if you're feeling really adventurous, why not throw in some diced ham or bacon for extra smoky flavour? The possibilities are endless, mate!

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