If you’re craving comfort food that warms your soul and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly that—a dish that never fails to bring cozy vibes and satisfied smiles around the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe over and over, especially on chilly days when nothing else hits the spot quite like tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and flavorful broth all mingled together. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

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Why This Recipe Works

Authentic Southern Flavors: The combination of thyme-seasoned chicken, rich broth, and tender dumplings brings true Southern comfort to your table.
Simple, From-Scratch Dumplings: Making the dumplings yourself means they’re fresh, fluffy, and much better than any canned version.
Balanced Texture and Flavor: The slow simmer melds the ingredients beautifully, letting the dumplings soak up the luscious broth while the chicken stays juicy.
Flexible and Adaptable: You can easily tweak the veggies, seasonings, or protein to suit what you have on hand or personal preferences.

Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings, Southern Chicken and Dumplings, Classic Southern Comfort Food, Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, Hearty Chicken and Dumplings - 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

Every ingredient in this Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe serves a purpose—from building deep flavor to creating the perfect dumpling texture. Shopping for fresh onion and garlic is key; they form the foundational flavor that infuses the broth. And trust me, don’t skimp on the buttermilk; it transforms those dumplings into a tender, slightly tangy cloud of deliciousness you won’t forget.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding a subtle richness as the base flavor for your soup.
White onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked slowly, really opening up the flavor profile.
Garlic cloves: Incorporates a fragrant warmth; freshly minced is best for that punch of aroma.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Easy to shred once cooked, giving you tender chunks for the soup. You can substitute thighs for a juicier bite.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors without overpowering anything.
Chicken broth: The heart of this dish, creating a savory base that’s rich and comforting.
Milk (whole or 2%): Added for creaminess and thickness, giving the broth a silky sheen.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the broth so it clings to every dumpling and shred of chicken.
Water: Mixed with cornstarch to make a slurry that thickens without lumps.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for your dumplings, providing the structure you need.
Baking powder: This makes the dumplings light and fluffy by adding a little rise.
Shortening (cold): Important for flakiness in the dumplings—cold shortening prevents tough dough.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a hint of tanginess, helping your dumplings stay tender and flavorful.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over time, I’ve tried adding a few extras here and there, and it’s fun to adjust to your own flavor cravings or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the veggies or the spice level—you might just discover your new family favorite twist.

Variation: Sometimes I like to add diced carrots and celery right when I sauté the onions. It adds a mild sweetness and extra veggies without complicating the flavors.
Dietary Adaptation: For a lighter version, swap butter for olive oil and use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
Herb Boost: Adding chopped fresh thyme or a bay leaf while the chicken simmers can deepen the Southern notes beautifully.
Spice Level: A pinch of cayenne pepper can quietly warm things up without overpowering the comforting vibe.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Build Your Base

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, just long enough for it to shimmer. Toss in the diced onion and cook for about five minutes until they soften and turn translucent—this step is key for a naturally sweet and savory foundation. Then add the minced garlic, cooking just one minute more until fragrant, but watch carefully to prevent burning, which can add a bitter taste. Taking your time here helps build a flavorful broth you’ll fall in love with.

Step 2: Simmer the Chicken in Broth

Place your chicken breasts right into the pot with the onion and garlic, then season with the salt and black pepper. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and bring the whole mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and easy to shred with a fork—this simmering process infuses the broth with rich, meaty flavor.

Step 3: Make Your Dumpling Dough

While your chicken simmers, mix the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or a food processor to cut in the cold shortening until it looks like coarse crumbs—this creates flakiness in the dumplings. Then gradually stir in the buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Keep kneading gently on a floured surface to bring it all together without overworking it, which keeps dumplings tender instead of tough.

Step 4: Cut and Prep the Dumplings

Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into strips about an inch wide, then slice those into 2-inch lengths. These bite-sized pieces will cook evenly and become the soft pillowy dumplings you love. Don’t worry if your shapes aren’t perfect—homemade has a charm all its own!

Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Add Milk

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks; this is one of those moments that will make you feel like a pro! Set the shredded meat aside. Stir in the milk to the broth and bring it back to a simmer over medium heat—this helps create a creamy texture without using heavy cream.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings and Thicken the Broth

Gently drop the dumpling pieces into the simmering soup. Let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until they’re fully cooked through and tender all the way. Meanwhile, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes to thicken the broth perfectly—no watery soup here!

Step 7: Add Shredded Chicken Back and Serve

Finally, return the shredded chicken into the pot and give everything a good stir to combine all those tasty flavors. Serve your Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings piping hot and prepare for some serious compliments!

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Pro Tips for Making Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Keep Your Shortening Cold: This ensures the dumplings stay flaky, so pop it back in the fridge until you’re ready to use.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Gently knead just until it comes together to avoid dense dumplings.
Simmer Don’t Boil Your Dumplings: Let them cook gently – too much heat can break them apart or make them tough.
Shred Chicken Once Cooled Slightly: It’s easier to handle and shreds better when not too hot.

How to Serve Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top—its fresh, peppery notes lift the dish beautifully. Sometimes I add a dash of cracked black pepper or even a few drops of hot sauce for a subtle kick. If you like, a little shredded sharp cheddar on the side can be an indulgent bonus!

Side Dishes

This Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is hearty enough on its own, but I love pairing it with a light green salad or steamed greens like collards or kale dressed with a bit of olive oil and vinegar. Cornbread or warm buttermilk biscuits on the side also complete the soul-food experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this dish in individual rustic ramekins or mini Dutch ovens. It looks charming and feels extra homey. You can also top each serving with a pat of herb butter or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for a fun texture contrast that guests always talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When stored this way, the dumplings soak up even more flavor overnight, making the second serving just as delightful as the first—sometimes even better!

Freezing

Freezing works well if you save the broth and shredded chicken separately from the dumplings. Dumplings can get soggy when frozen and thawed, so I prefer to make fresh dumplings when reheating. But if you’re in a pinch, freeze everything in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Adding a splash of broth or milk helps loosen things up if the soup thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving for long stretches, as it can dry out the dumplings or make them tough.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more richness and stay juicy, which some folks prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking time—they might take a few more minutes compared to chicken breasts. Also, thighs may create a deeper broth flavor, enhancing your dish further.
How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together in the soup?

Be sure to add the dumpling dough pieces gently and give the pot a gentle stir right after adding them. Also, keep the soup at a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil—to avoid them colliding and sticking. Using enough room in the pot helps, too, so they can spread out as they cook.
Can I make the dumplings healthier or gluten-free?

You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that’s suitable for baking. Note that texture might differ slightly. For a healthier twist, try reducing the shortening amount or swapping it with a healthier fat, but keep in mind this will change the classic flakiness of the dumplings.
Is it okay to add extra vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! Adding diced carrots, celery, or even frozen peas can add great flavor and nutrition. Just toss them in early with the onions so they sauté and soften well before the broth simmers.
How can I tell when the dumplings are fully cooked?

They’ll be tender and no longer doughy inside after cooking for 15-20 minutes on a gentle simmer. You can test by cutting one in half—the middle should be fluffy and cooked through, not raw or dense.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about a bowl of homemade Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings that feels like coming home. It’s a recipe I’ve cherished for years because it’s forgiving yet delivers that authentic, soul-satisfying flavor we all crave sometimes. I hope you’ll enjoy making this as much as I love sharing it—don’t hesitate to tweak it to make it your own, and remember, cooking from the heart always tastes best. Now, go ahead and whip up a pot; your cozy dinner awaits!