Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings
Indulge in the homestyle goodness of Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings. This traditional recipe features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth, paired with soft, pillowy dumplings. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish embodies the comfort of Southern cooking and is sure to warm your heart. Simple to prepare and deliciously satisfying, gather your loved ones and share this hearty meal together!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole hen or chicken
1 (cleaned and whole)
butter
1/3 cup (unsalted)
plain flour
1 1/2 cups (all-purpose)
shortening
1/4 cup (cold)
milk
1/2 cup (whole or 2%)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (optional to taste)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings?
It is a traditional homestyle comfort food featuring tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth, served with soft, pillowy dumplings.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe recommends using a whole hen or chicken, cleaned and prepared whole for the best flavor.
What is the secret to fluffy dumplings?
Using a combination of plain flour, cold shortening, and milk, and avoiding over-mixing the dough, results in soft, pillowy dumplings.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/3 cup of unsalted butter to add richness to the dish.
What kind of flour is best for the dumplings?
Plain all-purpose flour is recommended for creating the perfect texture for Southern-style dumplings.
Why is shortening used in the recipe?
Cold shortening helps create a tender and flaky consistency within the dumplings.
What kind of milk should I use for the dough?
You can use either whole or 2% milk to provide moisture and richness to the dumpling mixture.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is a hearty and satisfying meal specifically designed for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: chicken, butter, flour, shortening, milk, and salt.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, this dish embodies the classic comfort of traditional Southern cooking styles.
How do I prepare the chicken?
The chicken should be cleaned and kept whole while simmering to create a flavorful broth.
Can I use a whole hen instead of a chicken?
Yes, a whole hen is an excellent choice as it often provides a deeper, richer flavor to the broth.
How much flour is needed for the dumplings?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose plain flour.
How much shortening is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of cold shortening.
Can I add other seasonings?
While the recipe is simple and traditional, you can add black pepper or herbs if you prefer more complexity.
What makes the broth flavorful?
Simmering a whole chicken or hen along with butter creates a rich and savory base for the dumplings.
Is it necessary to use cold shortening?
Yes, using cold shortening prevents it from melting into the flour too quickly, ensuring the dumplings remain soft.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of butter.
Can I substitute the milk?
While whole or 2% milk is recommended, you could use buttermilk for a tangier Southern variation.
Are the dumplings dropped or rolled?
Depending on your preference, this dough can be used for either 'drop' dumplings or 'rolled' dumplings.
Is this dish considered hearty?
Yes, it is a very hearty and filling meal due to the protein from the chicken and the density of the dumplings.
How much milk is needed for the dough?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of milk.
Is cleaning the chicken important?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the hen or chicken should be cleaned before cooking.
Is this recipe hard to prepare?
No, it is designed to be simple to prepare while delivering a delicious and satisfying result.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include southern cooking, chicken, dumplings, comfort food, and homemade.
Can I make this on a weeknight?
Absolutely, it is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with loved ones.
Why is it called comfort food?
It is warm, filling, and evokes a sense of home and nostalgia common in Southern cuisine.
What is the main entity of this dish?
The main entity is the combination of tender chicken and flour-based dumplings in broth.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve it hot in bowls, ensuring everyone gets a generous portion of both chicken and dumplings.