Southern Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Tender chicken in a rich broth with fluffy drop dumplings
By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026
Chicken and dumplings is Southern comfort at its finest — a thick, creamy chicken stew topped with pillowy drop dumplings that steam on top.
The dumplings are dead simple: flour, baking powder, milk, butter. Drop spoonfuls onto the simmering stew, cover, and don't peek for 15 minutes.
Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut that gets dinner on the table faster.
About This Recipe
"Southern Chicken and Dumplings" is a Comfort Food recipe that brings cooked chicken, shredded, chicken broth, carrots, diced, celery, diced and onion, diced together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Medium and ready in about 50 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 6 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The American inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups flour (dumplings)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (dumplings)
- 3/4 cup milk (dumplings)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (dumplings)
Instructions
- 1
Sauté carrots, celery, and onion in butter 5 minutes. Add flour, cook 1 minute.
- 2
Add broth and cream. Bring to a simmer. Add chicken.
- 3
For dumplings: mix flour, baking powder, salt. Stir in milk and butter until just combined.
- 4
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough on top of the simmering stew.
- 5
Cover tightly. Simmer 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- 6
Dumplings are done when fluffy and cooked through. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Cooked chicken, shredded is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Stovetop work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"Southern Chicken and Dumplings" is a versatile Comfort Food dish that pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, buttered green beans, roasted potatoes and classic American sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Southern Chicken and Dumplings stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating before sealing the container. Reheat gently until warmed through, adding a small splash of liquid if needed to restore the original texture.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make Southern Chicken and Dumplings?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking, for a total of roughly 50 minutes. It serves 6 and is rated Medium.
How do I store leftover Southern Chicken and Dumplings?
Store leftover Southern Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
Can I make Southern Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Southern Chicken and Dumplings in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to preserve the best texture and flavor.
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