There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of chicken dumplings, especially when they are crafted from scratch with a Southern biscuit dough. This Southern Biscuit Dough Chicken Dumpling recipe is the embodiment of pure comfort food and is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy meal at home. The rich aroma fills the kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table. Each mouthful offers not just nourishment but a moment of joy, reminiscent of family traditions and heartfelt moments shared over a delicious meal.
At the heart of this dish lies a delightful blend of simple ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup of butter, 3/4 cup of milk, and, of course, the star of the show, 4 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. The whole thing simmers in 4 cups of chicken broth seasoned with 1 teaspoon each of pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The combination of these elements creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying, making it a family favorite.
The method to prepare these dumplings is straightforward and uncomplicated, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. First, you mix the dry ingredients, cut in the butter, and combine them with milk until a dough forms. Next, you roll out the dough, cut it into squares, and cook it in a pot of boiling chicken broth along with the shredded chicken and seasonings. After about 15 minutes, you’ll have fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth. It truly doesn’t get much easier than this!
This dish is particularly wonderful for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something hearty and filling. It’s great for family meals or potlucks, and its appeal spans generations. Whether you’re cooking for grandchildren or sharing with friends, these dumplings bring warmth and joy to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Biscuit Dough Chicken Dumpling
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in a short amount of time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Simple Ingredients: With easy-to-find ingredients, you won’t have to hunt for anything unusual at the store.
- Comfort Food: There’s a reason this dish is cherished in Southern kitchens—it warms both the stomach and the soul.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the fluffy dumplings and savory chicken broth.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the seasonings or add vegetables to suit your taste.
Chicken Tips
Chicken is the key protein in this recipe, and selecting the right variety can enhance your dish immensely. For the best results, opt for cooked chicken that is very tender and flavorful. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice because it’s already seasoned and ready to go. If you prefer, you can also poach your own chicken breasts in the broth for added flavor. Just make sure to let the chicken cool before shredding, so you can avoid burns while handling it.
Options for Substitutions
Here are some great substitutes you can try if you want to customize your dumplings:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a nuttier taste.
- Swap butter for olive oil or coconut oil to make a dairy-free version.
- Instead of chicken broth, try using vegetable broth for a lighter dish.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for enhanced flavor.
- Use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- For extra nutrition, throw in some chopped vegetables such as carrots or peas.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
When making Southern Biscuit Dough Chicken Dumplings, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of.
First, overcooking the dumplings can lead to a gummy texture. Remember, they only need about 15 minutes in the broth to achieve that perfect fluffiness.
Second, seasoning is key. Be sure to taste your broth before adding the dumplings and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary. Adding too much or too little can drastically change the flavor of the final dish.
Lastly, avoid adding the dumpling squares too early. If your broth isn’t boiling vigorously, the dumplings won’t cook correctly. Wait until it’s bubbling before dropping them in for the best results.
What to Serve With Southern Biscuit Dough Chicken Dumpling?
These wonderful dumplings pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, some steamed broccoli for a nutritious greens option, or even some cornbread for a classic Southern touch. Each of these options will complement the heartiness of the dumplings while adding color and variety to your meal.
Storage Instructions
Store: You can keep leftover chicken dumplings in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freeze: If you want to enjoy this dish later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. However, I recommend freezing the dumplings separately from the broth to prevent them from becoming mushy when reheated.
Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth if needed to prevent sticking. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just stir often to heat evenly.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 6-8
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1,400 – 1,600 kcal
- Protein: 125 – 150 grams
- Fat: 50 – 60 grams
- Carbohydrates: 150 – 170 grams
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt with the flour.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add 1/4 cup of butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This helps create a light and fluffy texture in your dumplings.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually stir in 3/4 cup of milk until the mixture comes together to form a dough. It should be moist and slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a knife or a dough cutter, cut the dough into squares, roughly 2 inches wide.
Step 5: Boil the Broth
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce to a simmer.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Seasonings
Stir in 4 cups of shredded cooked chicken along with 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Step 7: Drop in the Dough Squares
Carefully drop the squares of unmixed dough into the boiling broth. Make sure you space them out so they cook evenly.
Step 8: Cook the Dumplings
Allow the dumplings to cook in the broth for about 15 minutes. They will puff up and become fluffy as they cook. Avoid stirring too much as they can break apart.
Step 9: Serve Hot
Once the dumplings are cooked, serve them hot. Ladle some broth and chicken into bowls and enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones.
This Southern Biscuit Dough Chicken Dumpling recipe is sure to become a cherished masterpiece in your kitchen. From the warm flavors to the comforting textures, each bowl offers a taste of home. I would love for you to try this recipe out, and I encourage you to share your experiences or variations! Don’t forget to explore similar delicious recipes on my blog. Happy cooking!
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Southern Biscuit Dough Chicken Dumplings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting bowl of chicken dumplings made with scratch Southern biscuit dough, perfect for family gatherings or cozy meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Cut in 1/4 cup of butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually stir in 3/4 cup of milk until a moist dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch squares.
- Boil 4 cups of chicken broth in a large pot over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add 4 cups of shredded chicken, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder to the broth.
- Drop the squares of dough into the boiling broth, spaced evenly.
- Cook the dumplings in the broth for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Serve hot with broth and chicken in bowls.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or adding fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
