🍲 Southern Chicken and Fluffy Drop Dumplings
Tender chicken, soft fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth with herbs make this classic comfort food perfect for a cozy family dinner! ❤️
Ingredients
For the chicken and broth
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the fluffy drop dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cold butter
- 3/4 cup milk, plus a little more if needed
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add chicken, chicken broth, thyme, pepper, and salt. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Prepare the dumpling dough: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk just until a soft, sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot. Stir in the cream, if using.
- Drop the dumplings: Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the surface, leaving a little space between them.
- Cover and cook: Cover the pot and simmer gently for 15–18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during the first 15 minutes so the dumplings can become light and fluffy.
- Finish and serve: Check that the dumplings are cooked through, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Tips for perfect dumplings: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer, avoid stirring after adding the dumplings, and don’t overwork the dough.
🍽️ Which do you prefer? Fluffy drop dumplings or traditional flat, rolled dumplings? I love the fluffy ones soaking up all that delicious broth! 😍