A Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings is one of the South’s most beloved comfort foods, featuring tender stewed chicken simmered with soft, homemade flour dumplings in a rich, seasoned broth. Simple ingredients come together to create a hearty meal that has warmed family tables for generations.
Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this recipe celebrates the tradition of homemade Southern cooking, where pantry staples are transformed into filling, satisfying meals shared with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 hen
- 1-1/2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup water (chilled)
Instructions
- Place the hen in a large pot and cover completely with water.
- Season the water with the salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil and cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- While the chicken cooks, combine the flour and chilled water to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough until smooth and firm.
- Roll the dough out very thin on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the dough into 1½-inch squares.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the broth and return about 8 cups of the broth to a gentle boil.
- Gradually drop the dumpling squares into the boiling broth, stirring gently as you add them to prevent sticking.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
- Return the chicken to the pot or serve the dumplings alongside the cooked chicken.
- Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired before serving.
Pro Tip
For extra-rich flavor, shred the cooked chicken and stir it back into the broth before serving. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cracked black pepper makes a simple finishing touch.
The Story Behind This Dish
Chicken and dumplings has long been a symbol of Southern comfort cooking. Passed down through generations, this humble dish was often prepared using a stewing hen and simple homemade dough, creating an affordable meal that could feed a large family. Its rich broth and tender dumplings continue to make it a favorite for Sunday suppers and cool-weather meals.
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- A timeless Southern comfort food made with homemade dumplings.
- Tender chicken and flavorful broth create a satisfying one-pot meal.
- Homemade dumplings offer the classic texture that makes this dish special.
- Serve with collard greens, green beans, or buttered cornbread for a complete Southern dinner.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
