Chicken and Dumplings | The Modern Proper (2024)

We take hearty chicken soup and top it with biscuit-like buttermilk dumplings. Get a spoon, you’re going to want a big scoop of this!

Categories:

  • Kid Friendly
  • One Pot
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Photography by Gayle McLeod

Chicken and Dumplings Are Our Favorite Love Language

When the craving calls for old-fashioned chicken and dumplings we offer this recipe for a thick and delicious chicken soup topped with made-from-scratch dumplings. There’s a long history–reaching back hundreds of years to European cooking–of hearty stewed meat dishes with the extra treat of tender dumplings contained within. This style of dish eventually made its way into the American culinary tradition, evidence of its delicious staying power. Homemade chicken and dumplings are a great one-pot meal, made with budget-friendly pantry staples, and our recipe serves six people with a real belly-warming meal.

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How To Make Chicken and Dumplings

This easy chicken and dumplings comes together in two parts–the chicken soup base and the dumplings. Let’s get going!

  1. Mirepoix is our favorite part of soup making. It’s a simple aromatic base that adds a lot of flavor. Cook the onion, carrots, and celery in oil until softened, then add the garlic.

  2. Once the mirepoix is ready, we’ll make the soup. What thickens chicken and dumplings? We use ¼ cup all-purpose flour and chicken stock to build a satisfyingly spoon-worthy soup.

  3. Add milk, shredded chicken and seasonings and let simmer.

  4. Now for the fun part–dumpling time! Make the dumpling dough, and drop by spoonful to cover the surface of the chicken soup. The dumplings will quadruple in size as they cook, about fifteen minutes.

  5. When you’re ready to serve this pot of goodness, scoop into bowls and top with chopped green onions and a good sprinkle of salt. Fresh cracked pepper is a cornerstone of this dish, so be sure to give it a few turns of the pepper mill.

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An Extra Note On How to Make Dumplings For Chicken and Dumplings

The secret to good dumplings is that they are simply drop biscuits! That’s right, no rolling or cutting needed for these scoopable dumplings. Made with a handful of ingredients, you’ll whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk and whole milk. Using a wooden spoon carefully mix dumpling dough, stirring just until all the dry ingredients are moistened. Be careful not to overmix, because the dumplings will be tough once cooked. And that’s it! You’re ready to make our kid-favorite (and entire family!) best chicken and dumplings recipe.

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What Is Chicken and Dumplings Served With?

You can serve this easy chicken and dumplings recipe with a fresh side salad like this Fennel Salad or our favorites, The Kale Salad and Simple Butter Lettuce Salad. If you’re looking to get more vegetables on the table, you can also prepare Perfectly Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Beets, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Green Beans Almondine for a little extra crunch. If you want to go all in on the comfort level, we recommend baking up our Homemade Cornbread. For another cozy soup recipe, check out our Caldo Verde recipe.

  • Easy Fennel SaladThis sophisticated raw fennel salad is dressed simply with bright citrus, good olive oil, a sprinkling of parmesan and fresh mint to let the lightly anise-like flavor of the shaved fennel shine.
  • Roasted BeetsBright and earthy, this simple side of roasted beets adds a pop of color and nutrition to your everyday meal.
  • Roasted Brussels SproutsSay goodbye to soggy, overcooked brussels! We have cracked the code for the crispiest, crunchiest, most delicious roasted brussel sprouts.
  • Homemade CornbreadIrresistible all year long, the old-fashioned comfort of a pan of homemade cornbread—served with salted butter and honey, of course—makes nearly any meal just a little bit better.
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Tools You’ll Need

One-Pot, Don’t Stop

If you loved this chicken and dumplings recipe we’ve got plenty of tasty one-pot meals that center chicken for you to try next. Like:

  • One-Pot Chicken with Creamed Kale for another great comforting meal.

  • Our One-Pot Braised Chicken with Kale and White Beans offers a pop of green.

  • The Chicken Enchilada Skillet is one that our family always asks us to make.

  • This One Pot Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta is a great way to give your next pasta night a little something extra.

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Don’t Worry Dumpling

Did you make this recipe for chicken and dumplings? We’d love to see those full bowls of creamy chicken and dumplings and maybe even a video of the beautiful people you feed it to. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!

Chicken and Dumplings | The Modern Proper (2024)

FAQs

What pairs well with chicken and dumplings? ›

Here are a few ideas:
  • Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables are a great way to add some color and nutrients to your meal. ...
  • Salads: A fresh salad is a great way to lighten up your meal and add some extra crunch. ...
  • Breads: Bread is a great way to soak up all the delicious sauce from your chicken and dumplings.
Sep 13, 2016

Is chicken and dumplings a southern thing? ›

Some sources say that chicken and dumplings originated in the Southern United States during the era of the Antebellum South and was considered a mainstay during harsh economic times. One of the earliest versions of the recipe was cornmeal dumplings cooked with turnip greens.

What country invented chicken and dumplings? ›

Most claim the American South, or some might claim French Canadian roots. Some say what we know as American chicken and dumplings started as a cornmeal-based dough, boiled on top of turnip greens.

Why are my chicken and dumplings not fluffy? ›

If it's boiling too hard, the dumpling dough can fall apart. Simmering broth might not be hot enough to raise the dumpling dough. Remove or tilt the lid after they've cooked so the dumplings don't over-steam and get soggy and dense. At least, that's the way I was taught and dumplings come out fluffy and delicious.

What are dumplings traditionally served with? ›

While dumplings are not traditionally served with side dishes, there are good pairings that make them a true meal.
  • Egg Drop Soup. Use homemade vegetable or chicken stock, you won't regret it! ...
  • Pickled Vegetables. Dill pickles, kimchi, even sauerkraut is good served on the side.
  • Fried Rice. ...
  • Noodle Soups.
Dec 10, 2015

What is the etiquette for dumplings? ›

Table Setting:
  • Don't forget your chopstick etiquette. ...
  • Don't eat the dim sum directly from the communal dish or steamer, transfer the dim sum to your own bowl or plate first. ...
  • Take small bites of each piece rather than eating them whole. ...
  • Don't ever take the last piece…
Nov 23, 2021

What is the American version of dumplings? ›

American dumplings may be of the filled pastry type (which are usually baked), or they may be little pieces of dough added to a savoury or sweet dish, in which case they are usually boiled. Baked sweet dumplings are a popular dessert in American cuisine.

What ethnicity is chicken and dumplings? ›

Germany is one such origin that is well-known for dumpling dishes, like spaetzle (an egg noodle) and popular potato dumplings. When many Germans immigrated to America in the 1820s, they brought their homeland dishes, including chicken and dumplings. The word dumpling translates to “knoedel” in German and Austrian.

What is a fun fact about chicken and dumplings? ›

Some sources say that chicken and dumplings originated in the Southern United States during antebellum era and was considered a mainstay during harsh economic times. One of the earliest versions of the recipe was cornmeal dumplings cooked with turnip greens.

Are chicken and dumplings unhealthy? ›

Is Chicken and Dumplings Healthy? Chicken and dumplings is a classic Southern comfort food dish, but it isn't necessarily the healthiest dish. Traditional chicken and dumplings from scratch uses a lot of rich ingredients like chicken fat, butter, and heavy cream.

What is the difference between northern and southern chicken and dumplings? ›

What is the difference between Southern and Northern chicken and dumplings? Old-fashioned Southern chicken dumplings are made with shortening or butter and dropped into a simmering broth. Northern dumplings are made with eggs and served with a thinner broth.

Are chicken dumplings American? ›

Although chicken and dumplings is most commonly attributed to the South, it can also be found in the Midwest and may have even originated from a similar French Canadian dish that appeared in the Great Depression (says Wikipedia).

How long do you need to boil dumplings? ›

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook dumplings in batches of about eight until they are cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the dumplings to a serving platter. Serve warm with the dipping sauce.

What can I add to my chicken and dumplings to make it thicker? ›

How can I thicken stove top chicken and dumplings? You can thicken this dish by adding more flour, or even cornstarch. Create a slurry with either of these ingredients and milk or water, then stir into your broth base until you get your desired consistency.

How do you make chicken and dumplings not bland? ›

Add about a teaspoon of salt and a big pinch of pepper or handful of peppercorns. Feel free to add several stalks/leaves of fresh herbs (no need to chop), like parsley, thyme, oregano, or sage. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat so water maintains a gentle simmer.

Where do people eat chicken and dumplings? ›

Although chicken and dumplings is most commonly attributed to the South, it can also be found in the Midwest and may have even originated from a similar French Canadian dish that appeared in the Great Depression (says Wikipedia).

What goes well with chicken and noodles? ›

Freshly baked bread, baguette, or dinner rolls are excellent for dipping into the broth. Salads:A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette can add freshness to the meal. Caesar salad or a side of coleslaw can also be tasty options. Vegetable Sides:Steamed or roasted vege.

Do you eat dumplings with noodles? ›

Who doesn't love a noodle and dumpling dinner, especially one that's super-fast to whip up? You simply pan-fry, then pan-steam the dumplings, boil the noodles and add them to a stir-fry mix that's tossed in a hot pan with sesame oil.

What to eat with stew and dumplings? ›

Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings – this hearty stew topped with herby dumplings is THE perfect comfort food. This easy crockpot beef casserole requires no browning – simply sit back and let your slow cooker do all the work. Serve with my Goose Fat Roast Potatoes and some crusty bread.

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