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Fluffy Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Food

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A comforting Southern-style chicken and dumplings recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful broth with light, fluffy dumplings. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chopped; freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken thighs in a large pot and cover with chicken broth. Add diced onion, garlic, celery, carrots, bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  2. Simmer gently for about 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  3. While the broth simmers, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix the milk and melted butter.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir just until combined. The dough should be thick but spoonable.
  5. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot with tongs or a slotted spoon. Set aside to cool slightly.
  6. Strain the broth if desired for a clearer soup, or leave the vegetables in for more texture.
  7. Shred the chicken, discarding skin and bones, then return shredded chicken to the pot.
  8. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering broth, spacing them to avoid sticking.
  9. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes over low heat without lifting the lid.
  10. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into a dumpling; it should come out clean.
  11. Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using.
  12. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Notes

[‘Simmer broth gently to avoid tough chicken and cloudy broth.’, ‘Do not overmix dumpling dough; lumps are okay.’, ‘Keep the lid on while dumplings cook to help them rise properly.’, ‘Use bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor.’, ‘Shred chicken carefully after cooling for tender pieces.’, ‘Season gradually and taste at different stages.’, ‘For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend; texture may vary.’, ‘For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.’, ‘Optional: add a splash of cream at the end for a silkier broth.’, ‘Broth and chicken can be prepared ahead; add fresh dumplings when ready to serve.’, ‘Leftovers keep 3-4 days refrigerated; reheat gently with added broth or water.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and dumplings, Southern comfort food, homemade dumplings, easy chicken recipe, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/fluffy-southern-style-chicken-and-dumplings-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/