Homestyle Thick Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
This hearty, comforting dish combines tender shredded chicken with pillowy dumplings in a rich, thick broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s sure to satisfy!
Ingredients
- 2 quarts chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium for better flavor)
- Meat from a 3-4 lb chicken, cooked, deboned, and shredded
- 3 cups White Lily All-Purpose Flour, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shortening or lard (for authentic Southern flavor)
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, simmer a 3-4 lb chicken in water with salt, pepper, and aromatics (like onion, celery, and garlic) for about 1 hour or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, and shred the meat, discarding bones and skin. Save the cooking liquid to use as part of your chicken broth if desired. - Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth and shredded chicken to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to an hour, allowing the chicken to break down into fine shreds. This will thicken the broth naturally and enhance its flavor. - Make the Dumpling Dough
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the shortening or lard to the center of the flour mixture. Use a large fork or pastry cutter to cut the shortening into the flour until it resembles small pea-sized crumbs evenly distributed throughout.
- Pour in the buttermilk gradually while stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Roll and Cut the Dumplings
- Lightly flour a clean surface or large piece of parchment paper. Turn out the dough onto the surface and sprinkle the top with flour.
- Roll the dough very thin, about 1/8 inch thick, using a floured rolling pin.
- Cut the dough into long 1-inch-wide strips, then cut each strip into 2.5-inch rectangles. (Use a spatula or knife for clean cuts.)
- Cook the Dumplings
- Gently add the dumplings to the simmering broth one by one to prevent sticking. Use a spatula to transfer them carefully if needed.
- Stir gently but frequently to keep the dumplings from clumping. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are tender and the broth has thickened to your liking.
- Adjust Thickness
- For thicker broth: Continue cooking uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- For thinner broth: Add more chicken broth or water in small increments and stir until well combined.
- Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are well balanced. For extra depth, consider adding a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of dried thyme. - Serve
Ladle the thick chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. For an extra Southern touch, pair with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad.
Enjoy your thick and creamy chicken and dumplings! The tender dumplings and flavorful broth are guaranteed to bring smiles around the table.