If you’re craving that soulful, comforting meal that wraps you up like a cozy blanket on a chilly day, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. This dish is pure magic—tender chicken swimming in a rich, creamy broth with fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings that’ll make you swoon. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll want to keep it on repeat every season. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through my best tips to get it just right!

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Why This Recipe Works

Classic Comfort: It stays true to that tried-and-true Southern soul food flavor that feels like home on a plate.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find and comes together quickly without complicated steps.
Perfect Dumplings: Fluffy yet tender, these hand-cut dumplings soak up the broth beautifully for amazing texture.
Customizable Base: You can sneak in extra veggies or swap chicken cuts without messing up the delicious balance.

Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings, chicken and dumplings recipe, comforting Southern chicken dish, homemade chicken and dumplings, easy chicken soup with dumplings - A close-up view of a creamy light beige soup with shredded light tan chicken pieces mixed in. The soup has a smooth, thick texture with visible specks of black pepper spread on the surface. A shiny metal ladle lifts a portion of the soup showing the creamy broth and chicken clearly. The soup pot is white inside with a black exterior handle visible, resting on a white marbled surface with green blurred herbs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I’ve always found that picking the right ingredients makes or breaks this Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. The mix of savory chicken broth, a hint of garlic and onions, and the buttermilk-based dumplings come together harmoniously to create that silky, hearty stew you want on a cold night.

Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing onions and garlic without overpowering the dish’s subtle flavors.
White onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked until soft and translucent.
Garlic: Just enough to provide warm aroma and a slight kick.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Ideal for shredding into tender pieces, though thighs work well too!
Salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every flavor in the soup.
Chicken broth: The soup’s base, making it rich and deeply savory.
Milk (whole or 2%): Adds creaminess without heaviness—whole milk gives a richer touch.
Cornstarch: For thickening the broth just the right amount.
All-purpose flour: The heart of the dumpling dough for that soft, pillowy bite.
Baking powder: Gives the dumplings a gentle lift to keep them light.
Salt: A little extra for the dough to balance flavors.
Shortening (cold): Keeps dumplings tender and flaky, helping with that classic Southern texture.
Buttermilk: Adds slight tanginess to the dumplings and tenderizes the flour for softness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you add veggies, swap out dairy, or give the dumplings a spin with herbs, this dish welcomes all kinds of creativity.

Veggie Boost: I sometimes toss in diced carrots and celery with the onions for extra dimension and a pop of color.
Chicken Thighs Swap: Using thighs adds more moisture and flavor—you’ll need to check for doneness a bit longer, but the payoff is worth it!
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary into the broth for a subtle herbal note I love on colder days.
Dairy-Free Option: Try almond milk or oat milk if you want to ditch dairy; just be mindful the broth might be a little lighter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics to Build Flavor

I start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat—once it shimmers, in go the diced onions. Cooking them for about 5 minutes until translucent is crucial because it releases the natural sweetness that gives the soup its warm base. Add minced garlic last, cooking just about a minute until you can smell that garlicky goodness without burning it. This simple step layers your dish with soul—don’t rush it here!

Step 2: Simmer the Chicken in Flavorful Broth

Next, place the boneless skinless chicken breasts right into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then simmer on medium-low for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is ready when it shreds easily with two forks—this step releases all the chicken flavor into the broth and gives you tender meat to add back later.

Step 3: Make Those Fluffy Dumplings

While the chicken’s cooking, I get to work on the dumplings—this is one of my favorite kitchen moments! Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in cold shortening until it looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add the buttermilk, just enough for the dough to come together but not be sticky. Then, lightly flour your surface, knead briefly, and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 1-inch strips and then 2-inch pieces. Perfect dumplings start here, so don’t overwork the dough or they might turn tough!

Step 4: Add Dumplings, Thicken Broth, and Combine

Once the chicken’s out of the pot and shredded, stir in the milk and bring the soup back to a simmer. Now, gently drop your dumplings in and let them cook for 15-20 minutes—they should float and look slightly puffed when done. Meanwhile, whisk together the cornstarch with water, add it gradually to the pot, and keep stirring. This final step thickens the broth just right to coat everything in velvety goodness before the shredded chicken rejoins the party.

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Pro Tips for Making Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Patience with Dumplings: Resist the urge to stir the pot after adding dumplings—they’re delicate and need to cook undisturbed to stay fluffy.
Broth Balance: Taste your broth before adding salt at the end; chicken broth brands vary a lot, so you might not need much more seasoning.
Use Buttermilk Wisely: If you don’t have buttermilk, adding a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to milk works great to mimic acidity and tenderness.
Shortening Substitute: If you prefer, unsalted butter works but shortenings really give that classic, flaky texture.

How to Serve Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a mild herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. A dash of cracked black pepper on top never hurts either—it makes everything look and taste just a bit more special.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this comforting bowl with a crisp green salad or some buttery sautéed greens like collards or kale to lighten things up. Crusty bread or warm cornbread muffins are perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious broth—never skip on the bread!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, I’ve served this in individual mini Dutch ovens or rustic bowls lined with a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top, making it look like a cozy country feast. It’s a real crowd-pleaser at family dinners and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling down, I like to transfer leftovers into airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick reheats on busy evenings when you need a little comfort food fix in a flash.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup plenty of times—just be sure to freeze the dumplings with plenty of broth so they don’t dry out. Use freezer-safe containers and label with the date. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally so the dumplings don’t stick or fall apart. Adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating helps revive the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and richer flavor to the dish. They may take a few extra minutes to cook through, so keep an eye on them and shred once tender. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How do I make the dumplings fluffy and not tough?

Make sure to use cold shortening and buttermilk and handle the dough as little as possible—just enough to combine. Don’t over-knead, and avoid stirring the dumplings once they’re in the simmering soup so they cook gently and stay tender.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! I like throwing diced carrots and celery in along with the onions at the beginning to add color, nutrition, and extra flavor. They cook down nicely and complement the creamy broth well.
Is there a quick way to make this recipe if I’m short on time?

Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can speed things up—simply add shredded chicken after the broth and dumplings are cooked. Just make sure to adjust seasoning and broth thickness to balance flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is truly one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort, warmth, and a nostalgic bite of home. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of cozy Sundays and family gatherings filled with laughter and full bellies. Give this recipe a try—you’ll get all those feelings wrapped up in one delicious bowl. I can’t wait to hear how it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!