Southern Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken broth: The base of the dish, providing rich flavor and a savory foundation.

Chicken: Adds protein and heartiness to the dish; use cooked and shredded for convenience.

Gluten-free flour: Essential for making the dumplings; ensures the dish is gluten-free.

Baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Milk: Adds moisture to the dumpling dough, making it tender.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dumplings.

When making the dough for the dumplings, be sure to mix the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly before adding the milk and melted butter. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps the dumplings rise properly and cook evenly.

• gluten-free flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour provides a nutty flavor and is naturally gluten-free, making it a great alternative for dumplings.

• gluten-free flour - Substitute with coconut flour: Coconut flour is another gluten-free option that adds a slight sweetness and works well in dumpling recipes.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture needed for the dumplings.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor, suitable for dumplings.

• butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee is a clarified butter that is lactose-free and adds a rich, buttery flavor to the dumplings.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar texture and a slight coconut flavor.

• Allow the Southern Chicken and Dumplings to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dumplings soggy.
• Transfer the cooled chicken and dumplings into an airtight container. For best results, use a container that is just the right size to minimize air exposure.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dumplings will absorb some of the broth over time, so you might need to add a bit more chicken broth when reheating.
• To freeze, place the cooled chicken and dumplings in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken and dumplings in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the dumplings.
• Reheat the chicken and dumplings on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra chicken broth if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
• For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the chicken and dumplings in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the leftover Southern Chicken and Dumplings in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quicker method, use the stovetop. Transfer the leftovers to a large skillet or saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain moisture. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

• If you prefer the microwave, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until fully warmed.

• For a more gourmet touch, consider reheating in a slow cooker. Add the leftovers to the slow cooker and set it to low. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the dumplings and chicken are thoroughly heated. This method is perfect for maintaining the dish's original texture and flavor.

• Large pot: Used to bring the chicken broth to a boil and cook the dumplings.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt, and to mix in the milk and melted butter.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the chicken broth, gluten-free flour, and milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the baking powder and salt.

• Wooden spoon: Used to stir the ingredients in the mixing bowl.

• Ladle: Used to drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth.

• Knife: Used to shred the cooked chicken if it is not already shredded.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to shred the cooked chicken.

• Stove: Used to heat the large pot and cook the chicken broth and dumplings.

• Lid: Used to cover the pot while the dumplings are cooking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your own.

Quick broth heating: Heat the chicken broth in the microwave before adding it to the pot to reduce boiling time.

Pre-melt butter: Melt the butter in the microwave while the broth is heating to save a step.

Batch drop dumplings: Use a small cookie scoop to drop uniform dumplings quickly into the simmering broth.