Grandma’s Southern-Style Chicken n’ Dumplings

Grandma’s Southern-Style Chicken n’ Dumplings is a heartwarming comfort food that has been passed down through generations. This classic recipe combines tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings for a satisfying and delicious meal that warms the soul.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Grandma’s Southern-Style Chicken n’ Dumplings is a wonderful way to bring a taste of traditional Southern cooking to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or want to impress your family with a homemade dish, this recipe is sure to please with its simple yet flavorful ingredients.

How to Make Grandma’s Southern-Style Chicken n’ Dumplings

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, thawed and cleaned
• 1/2 cup carrots, celery, and onion (optional, for flavoring the broth)
• Water to completely cover chicken in a large stockpot
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 heaping tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Two large chicken bouillon cubes
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup water mixed with 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Place the chicken and veggies in a large stockpot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for one hour, then remove chicken to cool. Strain broth and return to the pot.
2. Remove chicken skin, cut into bite-sized pieces, and return to the broth. Add bouillon cubes, salt, and pepper.
3. Make the dumplings by cutting shortening and salt into flour, then adding hot water and more flour to form a dough. Divide into balls, roll out, and cut into strips.
4. Drop dumplings into the boiling broth, add butter, and cook.
5. Make a slurry with water and flour, add to the pot, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

How to Serve Grandma’s Southern-Style Chicken n’ Dumplings

Serve this comforting dish in bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of chicken, dumplings, and flavorful broth. Pair with crusty French bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Grandma’s Southern-Style Chicken n’ Dumplings

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to bring back the desired consistency.

Tips to Make Grandma’s Southern-Style Chicken n’ Dumplings

• Use a mix of white and dark meat for the chicken for a more flavorful broth.
• Keep the dumpling dough soft but firm enough to roll out easily.
• Season the broth well with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.

Variation

For a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the broth for an extra burst of flavor. You can also swap out the vegetables or adjust the thickness of the broth to suit your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

   • Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken if you have leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken on hand. Simply add the chicken to the broth when making the dumplings.

2. Can I freeze Grandma’s Southern-Style Chicken n’ Dumplings?

   • While the dumplings may not freeze well, you can freeze the chicken and broth separately and make fresh dumplings when ready to enjoy the dish again.

3. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

   • Yes, you can prepare the dumplings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This can save time when preparing the dish for a meal.