The Rustic Chicken and Dumplin’s recipe is a comforting classic that has been passed down through generations in Southern kitchens. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of family gatherings, cozy dinners, and the warmth of a well-loved home. Traditionally prepared using simple ingredients, this dish reflects the ingenuity of rural cooks who created hearty, filling meals with what they had on hand. Over the years, Chicken and Dumplin’s has become a staple not only for its delicious flavor but for the sense of nostalgia and comfort it brings. With tender chicken simmered to perfection and fluffy homemade dumplings swimming in a savory broth, it’s the ultimate dish for anyone craving a warm, wholesome meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter (plus 2 tablespoons for dumplings)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin side down, and brown for 6-8 minutes on each side.
- Add the chicken broth, water, onion, poultry seasoning, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add carrots and celery, and continue to simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- In a large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and the remaining salt. Whisk together egg and buttermilk in a separate bowl. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until crumbly. Add the buttermilk mixture and stir gently to combine. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to 1-inch thickness. Cut into 9 (2×2 inch) squares.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and keep warm. Skim the fat from the broth. Bring the broth to a boil and drop the dumplings in one at a time. Simmer for 10 minutes, until dumplings float and are cooked through.
- Return the chicken to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Rustic Chicken and Dumplin’s recipe is a beloved southern comfort dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with soft, pillowy dumplings in a flavorful broth. This dish has a rich history in Southern cuisine and is often served as a hearty meal to bring people together, especially during colder months. It’s easy to see why this recipe is such a favorite—it’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor.
Origins of Chicken and Dumplings:
Chicken and Dumplin’s has deep roots in Southern and Appalachian cooking. It was traditionally a frugal dish, made with simple ingredients like chicken, flour, and water, making it accessible even to families with limited means. Over time, the dish evolved, with the dumplings becoming fluffier and the broth richer, thanks to the addition of vegetables, herbs, and butter. What was once a simple meal has now become a staple of home-cooked Southern comfort food.
Key Elements of the Recipe:
- The Chicken: The chicken is seasoned and browned in butter before being simmered with onions, garlic, and poultry seasoning, which adds layers of flavor to the broth. Using bone-in chicken pieces adds richness to the dish, but you can also opt for boneless cuts if you prefer.
- The Dumplings: The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the homemade dumplings. Made with flour, baking powder, and buttermilk, these dumplings are tender and fluffy, soaking up all the delicious broth as they cook. Unlike drop dumplings, these are rolled out and cut into squares, making them slightly denser with a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
- The Broth: The broth is a savory, comforting base made from chicken stock, vegetables, and simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. As the dumplings cook, they thicken the broth slightly, creating a rich, gravy-like consistency that’s perfect for soaking up with a piece of bread.
- Vegetables: Carrots and celery provide the perfect balance to the hearty dumplings and chicken, adding a slight sweetness and a bit of crunch to the dish. You can also customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Dumplin’s:
- Don’t rush the dumplings: Letting the dough rest in the fridge allows the flour to hydrate and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Season generously: The chicken and dumplings rely on the flavor from your seasonings, so be sure to taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add variety: If you want to switch things up, you can add other vegetables like peas or green beans, or even sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the broth for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Rustic Chicken and Dumplin’s is a meal in itself, but you can elevate it with some classic sides. Serve it with a fresh green salad, warm biscuits, or cornbread for a complete Southern meal. For a comforting finish, a simple dessert like peach cobbler or banana pudding would be the perfect complement.
Background:
The origins of Chicken and Dumplin’s can be traced back to the early American settlers, particularly in the Southern Appalachian region. Families who lived in rural areas needed to make the most of limited resources. Chickens were readily available, and dumplings, made with flour and water or buttermilk, were an inexpensive way to stretch a meal and feed a large family. Over time, variations of the recipe developed across different Southern states, each adding its own unique twist, such as the addition of vegetables or herbs. What started as a necessity became a beloved comfort food enjoyed across the United States.
The dish’s simplicity is its strength. The recipe calls for few ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, making it both accessible and budget-friendly. In addition, its one-pot preparation ensures minimal cleanup, while its rich and comforting flavors make it a crowd-pleaser at any table.
Why This Recipe Is the Best:
- Wholesome Ingredients: This recipe sticks to the basics, using fresh chicken, vegetables, and a homemade dumpling dough. There are no complicated or hard-to-find ingredients, yet the result is a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Flavorful Broth: By browning the chicken and simmering it with garlic, onion, and poultry seasoning, you create a rich broth that is the heart of this dish. The chicken slowly releases its juices into the broth, creating a depth of flavor that is both savory and comforting.
- Perfectly Tender Dumplings: Homemade dumplings are the key to this recipe’s success. The dough is made with buttermilk, giving the dumplings a tender, fluffy texture that soaks up the flavors of the broth beautifully. Unlike some dumpling recipes that result in heavy, doughy bites, these dumplings are light, airy, and just the right consistency.
- Customizable: While the basic recipe is a traditional version, it is easily adaptable to different tastes. You can swap in vegetables like green beans or peas, or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. For those watching their calorie intake, the dumplings can be made with whole wheat flour or served in smaller portions.
- Nutritional Benefits: This dish provides a great balance of protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and energy from the dumplings. Using bone-in chicken adds nutrients like calcium and collagen to the broth, while vegetables like carrots and celery offer essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s a filling, wholesome meal that satisfies without needing heavy or processed ingredients.
- One-Pot Wonder: The recipe’s ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy home cooks. Everything is prepared in one pot, reducing cleanup and making it a convenient option for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The long simmering process also makes it an ideal dish for slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld together over time.
Conclusion:
In today’s fast-paced world, we often turn to quick and easy meals, but there’s something timeless about a dish like Rustic Chicken and Dumplin’s that invites you to slow down and savor each bite. Its rich history, dating back to the early days of American cooking, is a testament to the power of simple, comforting food to bring people together. With its tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and flavorful broth, this recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It evokes warmth, comfort, and a sense of home.
The beauty of Chicken and Dumplin’s lies in its versatility. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a Sunday lunch, or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress without the need for fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Its ability to adapt to various tastes and preferences while still holding onto its traditional roots makes it a timeless favorite.
Moreover, the nutritional benefits of this meal make it even more appealing. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, but balanced enough to provide essential nutrients from both the chicken and vegetables. It’s a dish that fuels the body and nourishes the soul, making it a fantastic option for any occasion. As you prepare and serve this Rustic Chicken and Dumplin’s recipe, you’ll likely find that it quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your household. The process of making it—from browning the chicken to cutting the dumplings and watching them float to the top of the pot—is a rewarding culinary experience. And when you finally sit down to enjoy that first bite of tender chicken, soft dumpling, and rich broth, you’ll understand why this dish has stood the test of time. It’s more than just comfort food; it’s a recipe that brings together tradition, flavor, and the simple joys of cooking at home.