Slow-Cooked Southern Comfort Chicken & Herb Dumplings
Experience the heartwarming comfort of Slow-Cooked Southern Comfort Chicken & Herb Dumplings. This dish features tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered with wholesome vegetables in a rich, savory broth. The secret to achieve the fluffiest and most delectable dumplings lies in the technique - mix your batter gently and drop it onto the bubbling stew for instant cooking. Perfect for cozy family dinners or a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for traditional Southern fare. Enjoy each bite of perfectly seasoned chicken complemented by soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up the delicious flavors of the broth.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potato
1 (peeled and chopped)
Carrots
2 (chopped)
Chicken Broth
1 (14 ounce) can
Flour
1/4 cup
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Dried Thyme Leaves
1/2 teaspoon
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
2 lbs (cut into 2-inch pieces)
Frozen Baby Peas
1 (9 ounce) package
Baking Mix
1 1/2 cups
Milk
1/2 cup
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Southern Comfort Chicken & Herb Dumplings?
It is a traditional Southern comfort dish featuring tender chicken thighs and vegetables simmered in a savory broth, topped with soft, fluffy herb-infused dumplings.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 2-inch pieces for maximum juiciness and flavor.
How do I ensure the dumplings are fluffy?
The secret to fluffy dumplings is to mix the batter very gently and drop it directly onto the bubbling stew to cook instantly.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The recipe includes peeled and chopped potatoes, chopped carrots, and frozen baby peas.
Can I make this in a crock pot?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for slow cooking and is tagged as a crock pot meal.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
The potatoes should be peeled and chopped before being added to the slow cooker.
What seasonings are used for the broth?
The broth is seasoned with salt, pepper, and dried thyme leaves.
What kind of broth should I use?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of chicken broth.
What is the base of the dumpling batter?
The dumplings are made using 1 1/2 cups of baking mix and 1/2 cup of milk.
When do I add the frozen baby peas?
The peas are typically added towards the end of the cooking process to maintain their color and texture.
Why is flour included in the ingredient list?
Flour is used to help thicken the savory broth into a rich gravy-like consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for a chilly evening?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect meal for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly night.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While the recipe specifies thighs for their tenderness, you can use breasts, though they may be slightly drier after slow cooking.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 11 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be cut into approximately 2-inch pieces.
Do I need to cook the dumplings separately?
No, the dumplings are dropped directly onto the stew and cook in the steam and heat of the broth.
What type of peas should I buy?
The recipe recommends one 9-ounce package of frozen baby peas.
Can I add extra herbs to the dumplings?
Yes, while the recipe uses thyme in the broth, you can add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the dumpling batter for extra flavor.
Is this considered a family-style meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a family recipe and a hearty meal perfect for serving a household.
What is the texture of the dumplings?
When cooked correctly, the dumplings are soft, fluffy, and soak up the delicious flavors of the chicken broth.
Is this an easy dinner to prepare?
Yes, with the slow cooker doing most of the work, it is tagged as an easy dinner.
Can I substitute the baking mix?
If you do not have baking mix, you can make a substitute using flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening.
How much milk is needed for the batter?
You will need 1/2 cup of milk to mix with the baking mix.
Should the carrots be peeled?
While the recipe says chopped, it is generally recommended to peel or scrub carrots before adding them to a slow-cooked stew.
How much thyme is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, but remember that fresh herbs are less potent than dried; use about three times the amount of fresh thyme.
What makes this 'Southern' style?
The combination of slow-cooked poultry, root vegetables, and dropped dumplings is a hallmark of traditional Southern comfort cuisine.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, though the dumplings may absorb more liquid over time.
Does the recipe require a lot of salt?
The recipe calls for a modest 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust to taste.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings are done when they have puffed up and are firm to the touch, usually taking 15-20 minutes in the slow cooker.