Southern Comfort: Chicken and Dumplings

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Chicken and Dumplings is a quintessential dish that embodies the heart and soul of Southern comfort food. This dish, with its creamy, savory broth and tender chicken pieces nestled beneath fluffy dumplings, has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations.

Originating from a blend of culinary traditions brought by European settlers, Chicken and Dumplings became a symbol of resourcefulness and warmth, often made with simple, readily available ingredients. Its rich, hearty nature makes it perfect for family gatherings and communal meals, where stories are shared and bonds are strengthened.

Beyond its taste, Chicken and Dumplings carries with it a sense of nostalgia and tradition, reminding many of home-cooked meals and the warmth of Southern hospitality.

Tennessee’s heralded Bell Buckle Café serves this dish regularly and it’s as close to home cooking as I’ve enjoyed. Here’s a family recipe for Chicken and Dumplings that captures the essence of this Southern favorite:

Aunt Stella’s Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Broth:

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 4-6 chicken thighs

8 cups water

1 onion, quartered

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf (optional)

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup milk

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Broth

In a large pot, add the chicken, water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth into a separate bowl and discard the vegetables (or save them for another use).

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.

Make the Dumplings

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in the milk until just combined. The dough will be thick.

Combine and Cook

Return the strained broth to the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Using a spoon, drop dollops of the dumpling mixture into the simmering broth.

Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid. The dumplings will puff up and cook through.

Once the dumplings are cooked, taste the broth and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve the Chicken and Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy this comforting dish that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Southern cooking!