Southern Comfort in a Bowl: How to Prepare Chicken and Dumplings the Old-Fashioned Way

In kitchens across Alabama, few dishes evoke the warmth of family, the rhythm of tradition, and the soul of Southern cooking quite like chicken and dumplings. Whether served at a church potluck, a Sunday supper, or a quiet weeknight meal, this classic comfort food is more than just a recipe-it's a ritual of care, patience, and flavor.

This guide walks you through the full process of preparing Southern-style chicken and dumplings, from boiling the bird to rolling out the dough. It's designed for home cooks, community educators, and anyone looking to preserve and share the culinary heritage of the Deep South.

🐔 Step 1: Start with a Whole Chicken

Southern chicken and dumplings begin with a whole bird-bone-in, skin-on-for maximum flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs)

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 onion, quartered

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 carrots, chopped (optional)

• 2 bay leaves

• Water to cover

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in a large stockpot and cover with water (about 10–12 cups).

2. Add salt, pepper, onion, celery, carrots, and bay leaves.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.

4. Remove chicken and set aside to cool. Strain broth and discard vegetables and bay leaves. Return broth to pot.

This homemade broth is the soul of the dish-rich, golden, and deeply seasoned by the chicken and aromatics.

🍗 Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once cool enough to handle, pull the chicken meat from the bones and shred into bite-sized pieces. Discard skin and bones.

You'll want about 4 cups of shredded chicken. Reserve it for later-don't add it back to the pot just yet.

🍞 Step 3: Make the Dumplings

Southern dumplings are rolled and cut-not dropped by spoonfuls like Northern-style versions. They're tender, slightly chewy, and perfect for soaking up broth.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/3 cup shortening or unsalted butter

• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (or whole milk)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder.

2. Cut in shortening or butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Stir in buttermilk until dough comes together.

4. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently 3–4 times.

5. Roll out to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into strips or squares (about 1x2 inches).

Let the dumplings rest for 10–15 minutes while you bring the broth back to a gentle boil.

🍲 Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

1. Drop dumplings one at a time into the simmering broth, stirring gently to prevent sticking.

2. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until dumplings are tender and slightly puffed.

3. Add shredded chicken back to the pot and stir gently.

4. Simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes to blend flavors.

Optional: Add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter for extra richness.

🌿 Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Some cooks add a pinch of poultry seasoning or fresh thyme. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley or cracked black pepper.

🧺 Outreach Tips for Alabama Communities

For educators, church groups, or landowner outreach, this recipe can be adapted into printable handouts, cooking demonstrations, or community potluck guides. Consider:

• Printable Recipe Cards: Include step-by-step instructions with visuals for easy sharing.

• Cooking Workshops: Host events where elders teach younger generations how to roll dumplings and make broth from scratch.

• Budget-Friendly Adaptations: Use bone-in thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken to reduce cost.

• Cultural Storytelling: Pair the dish with oral histories or family traditions to preserve Southern culinary heritage.

🧡 Why It Matters

Chicken and dumplings aren't just food-they're a form of Southern resilience. They stretch ingredients, feed crowds, and bring comfort in hard times. In Alabama, where stewardship and community go hand in hand, this dish reflects the values of thrift, hospitality, and care.

Whether you're cooking for your family, your congregation, or your neighbors, this recipe offers more than nourishment-it offers connection.