Why You’ll Love these Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
When you take your first bite of these Southern Chicken & Dumplings, you’ll understand why this dish has been a comfort food staple for generations. The tender chicken, swimming in rich, velvety broth alongside pillowy dumplings, creates the ultimate soul-warming experience.
I’m particularly drawn to how the dumplings soak up that homemade chicken flavor while maintaining their distinct texture—slightly firm on the outside, cloud-like within.
You’ll appreciate the straightforward ingredient list and the magical transformation that happens when that simple flour dough meets simmering broth. It’s comfort in a bowl, no fancy techniques required—just honest, homestyle cooking at its finest.
What Ingredients are in Homemade Chicken & Dumplings?
When it comes to Southern Chicken & Dumplings, the beauty lies in its simplicity. This classic comfort food doesn’t require a lengthy shopping list or specialty ingredients—just honest, basic components that transform into something magical when they come together.
The foundation starts with a whole chicken that creates a flavorful broth, aromatic vegetables that build depth, and a straightforward dumpling dough that turns pillowy-soft when cooked in the simmering liquid.
- 1 (2½ pound) whole roasting chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 1 teaspoon house seasoning (salt, pepper, and garlic powder blend)
- 1 (10¾ ounce) can condensed cream of celery or cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
- Ice water (approximately ¾ cup for dumplings)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup water (for thickening if needed)
While the ingredient list is straightforward, there are several factors worth noting. First, don’t skimp on the chicken—a whole bird provides both meat and rich flavor for the broth that commercial stock simply can’t match.
For the dumplings, using ice water rather than room temperature is essential; it prevents the gluten from developing too much, keeping your dumplings tender rather than chewy.
And while the recipe offers a choice between cream of celery or cream of chicken soup, I find the celery version adds a subtle depth that complements the chicken beautifully.
Just remember, this is comfort food at its finest—no need to complicate it with fancy additions.
How to Make these Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
To begin making these soul-warming Southern chicken and dumplings, you’ll start with a 2½-pound roasting chicken cut into 8 pieces. Place the chicken in a large pot along with 3 chopped celery ribs, 1 large chopped onion, 2 bay leaves, 2 chicken bouillon cubes, and 1 teaspoon of house seasoning.
Add 4 quarts of water and bring everything to a simmer over medium heat. Let the chicken cook until it’s tender and the thigh juices run clear—this should take about 40 minutes. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and, when cool enough to handle, strip away the skin and separate the meat from the bones. Return all that delicious chicken meat to the pot and keep it warm over low heat.
Now for those pillowy, comforting dumplings that make this dish so special. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Starting from the center, drizzle a small amount of ice water over the flour.
Using your fingers, work from the center outward to gradually incorporate about ¾ cup of ice water. The cold water is key here—it helps create tender dumplings. Once you’ve formed a dough ball, dust your work surface generously with flour and roll the dough out to about ⅛-inch thickness. Let it rest for a few minutes, then add the 10¾-ounce can of condensed cream of celery soup (or cream of chicken soup) to the pot with the chicken.
Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces, pull each piece in half, and drop them into the gently simmering soup. Remember, no stirring once those dumplings go in! Instead, gently move the pot in a circular motion to help the dumplings cook evenly.
For professional-quality results and perfect temperature control, consider using a high end deep fryer to prepare crispy accompaniments like fried okra or hushpuppies to serve alongside your chicken and dumplings.
After 3 to 4 minutes, when the dumplings are floating and no longer doughy, your chicken and dumplings are ready to serve. And if your stew seems too thin, you can always mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of water and whisk it in before adding the dumplings.
Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Substitutions and Variations
Looking to personalize this classic Southern comfort dish? You can easily swap the chicken for leftover turkey after Thanksgiving, or try duck for a richer flavor profile.
Don’t have cream of celery soup? Cream of chicken works beautifully, or make your own quick version with butter, flour, and broth.
For the dumplings, you might experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dough, or incorporate cornmeal for a slightly different texture.
Some families even drop biscuit dough instead of rolled dumplings!
The beauty of chicken and dumplings lies in its adaptability to what’s in your pantry and your personal taste preferences.
What to Serve with Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
Although chicken and dumplings is practically a complete meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
I’m always looking for the perfect balance of flavors when serving this Southern classic. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, while steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add a welcome vegetal contrast.
For starch lovers, a slice of warm cornbread makes an excellent vehicle for sopping up that luscious gravy—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!
Fresh-sliced tomatoes in summer or cranberry sauce in winter can provide that perfect acidic counterpoint.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and dumplings holds a special place in Southern cuisine, and I’ve shared my favorite approach to this comforting classic that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
There’s something almost magical about those pillowy dumplings soaking up rich, velvety broth alongside tender chunks of chicken. The beauty lies in its simplicity—flour, salt, water transformed into something extraordinary.
Don’t fret if your first batch isn’t perfect; dumpling-making is an art that rewards practice. Remember, the key is handling the dough gently and resisting the urge to stir once they’re added.
Your family will treasure this soul-warming dish for generations to come.
