Name: Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium white onion diced; 3 cloves minced garlic; 3 boneless skinless chicken breast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups milk whole or 2%; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup water; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup shortening cold; 3/4 cup buttermilk

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 21 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need on a cozy evening — it’s creamy, rich, and absolutely packed with flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular in your dinner rotation. So grab your apron and let’s get warming up the kitchen!

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Why This Recipe Works

Homemade Dumplings: Freshly made dough dumplings cook right in the flavorful broth, absorbing all those savory notes.
Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples and a few fresh items, making it perfect for an easy weekend meal.
Tender, Shredded Chicken: Cooking the chicken in the broth lets it soak up seasoning while staying juicy and shredding effortlessly.
Creamy, Thickened Broth: Using cornstarch and milk gives this dish that velvety, comforting texture you expect from Southern cooking.

Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings, chicken and dumplings recipe, comfort food dinner, homemade chicken and dumplings, easy Southern chicken dish - A close-up view of a creamy light beige soup with shredded light tan chicken pieces mixed in. The soup has a smooth, thick texture with visible specks of black pepper spread on the surface. A shiny metal ladle lifts a portion of the soup showing the creamy broth and chicken clearly. The soup pot is white inside with a black exterior handle visible, resting on a white marbled surface with green blurred herbs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. Plus, knowing these subtle tips can really set your recipe apart, especially when picking from the grocery store.

Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for sautéing the onions—it adds depth without overpowering the other flavors.
White onion: A medium white onion melts down perfectly to give sweetness and aroma.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic boosts that soulful flavor punch.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: These cook quickly and shred easily; opt for fresh or thawed chicken for best results.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning the broth and chicken evenly.
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium if possible, so you control the salt level in the soup.
Whole or 2% milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness—a perfect balance for the broth.
Cornstarch & water: This combo is what thickens the broth beautifully without lumps.
All-purpose flour: The base for dumplings; plain, simple, and reliable.
Baking powder: This helps the dumplings stay light and tender, not dense.
Salt (for dumplings): Enhances flavor even in the dough.
Shortening (cold): Keeps dumplings flaky and tender, avoiding toughness.
Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and moisture to dumplings, making them just right.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like playing with this classic Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe to fit whatever mood I’m in. It’s super flexible, so don’t be afraid to add or swap things around to make it your own kitchen masterpiece.

Veggie Boost: I often toss in diced carrots and celery with the onions for an extra depth of flavor and texture—it turns the dish into a full meal.
Chicken Thighs: If you love dark meat, thighs are a great swap; just watch the cooking time since they can take a bit longer to get tender.
Herb Twist: Try adding fresh thyme or parsley to the broth for a herbal lift I adore on chilly nights.
Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can add a surprising warmth without competing with the creamy flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics for a Flavor Base

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and stir occasionally until it’s soft and translucent, usually about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook just until you can smell that beautiful aroma, about 1 more minute. This layer of savory goodness is what sets the tone for your soup.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken in Broth

Place your chicken breasts right into the pot and season with salt and pepper. Pour in the six cups of chicken broth, then bring everything to a boil. After that, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken easily shreds apart. This slow simmer is key — it infuses the meat with the broth’s flavor and keeps it tender.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dumplings

While your chicken is cooking, mix the dry dumpling ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a bowl. Next, use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to cut the cold shortening into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add in the buttermilk and stir until a dough forms. It’s okay if it’s a bit sticky—this means your dumplings will be tender. Then, lightly flour your surface, roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness, and slice into little strips and pieces about 1 by 2 inches.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Simmer the Dumplings

Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Pour the milk into the broth and bring it back up to a simmer. Then, gently drop your dumpling pieces in and let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, until they’re soft and tender—resist the urge to stir! The dumplings need time to puff and cook through without breaking apart.

Step 5: Thicken the Broth and Finish

Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth, then add it to your pot while stirring constantly. Let the food return to a simmer and the broth thicken, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, add the shredded chicken back in and stir to combine. Serve it up hot, and get ready for some seriously good comfort food vibes.

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Pro Tips for Making Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Don’t Over-stir Dumplings: Once the dumplings hit the simmering broth, stir gently or not at all to keep them intact and fluffy.
Cold Shortening Is Key: Using cold shortening for dumplings gives that perfect tender, flaky texture—don’t substitute with melted fats.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Gentle simmering keeps chicken tender and broth clear, plus it prevents dumplings from breaking apart.
Shred Chicken Carefully: Removing the chicken before adding dumplings helps you keep perfect texture without overcooking the meat.

How to Serve Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite garnish is just a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bright pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes, I add a few sprigs of thyme on top before serving to amp up the aroma—it really brings that Southern charm to your table.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some roasted green beans for a bit of crunch. Cornbread is another classic side that’s just dreamy with chicken and dumplings.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual crockpots at the table to keep everyone’s bowl warm and cozy throughout the meal. You can also ladle it into mini bread bowls for a fun, rustic twist that guests always rave about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools down, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I find it tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have melded together. Just give it a good stir before reheating to tighten up the broth and break up any stuck dumplings.

Freezing

You can freeze this Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, but I recommend freezing the soup and dumplings separately if possible. Dumplings can get a bit gummy when frozen, so I usually freeze the broth with chicken and make fresh dumplings when I’m ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep the dumplings from sticking to the pot. If it’s too thick, splash in a bit more milk or broth to loosen it up. Microwave works in a pinch but can dry out dumplings quickly, so stovetop is my go-to.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs give a richer flavor and stay juicy. Just keep an eye on cooking times since thighs may take a few extra minutes to become tender compared to breasts.
How do I prevent dumplings from turning gummy?

Make sure to use cold shortening and don’t overwork the dough. Gently drop dumplings into a simmering (not boiling) broth and don’t stir them during cooking to keep them light and tender.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. For the dumplings, use a dairy-free buttermilk alternative made by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to your plant-based milk.
How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the dumplings’ texture and avoid overcooking the chicken again.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, fills the house with cozy aromas, and leaves you feeling comforted and content. I truly hope you’ll give it a go—whether it’s a lazy Sunday dinner or a weeknight treat. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking!