Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken in a rich, flavorful broth with soft, fluffy cornbread dumplings. This hearty dish is a Southern-inspired twist on a classic, offering a delightful blend of savory chicken stew and the sweet, buttery goodness of cornbread. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this meal will warm your heart and soul.
The first time I made Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings, I was looking for a way to bring a new spin to a traditional dish, and this combination didn’t disappoint. The cornbread dumplings soak up the delicious broth while staying wonderfully tender, adding a unique texture and flavor to the dish. The chicken is slow-cooked to perfection, making it fall-apart tender, and the herbs and seasonings bring everything together beautifully.
What I love most about this recipe is how it brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special. You can customize the broth with vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas, and the cornbread dumplings can be jazzed up with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a bit of cheese. Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings is a warm, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Chilly nights
- Comfort food lovers
- Easy weeknight meals
- Hearty, satisfying meals
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings will become your go-to comfort food:
- Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of tender chicken and soft cornbread dumplings fills you up without being too heavy.
- Fluffy Dumplings: The cornbread dumplings are light and fluffy, perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
- Rich Chicken Flavor: The chicken is tender and juicy, simmered in a savory broth full of depth and flavor.
- One-Pot Meal: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family dinner, this dish works every time.
- Comforting and Cozy: The warm, hearty ingredients make this dish perfect for chilly days.
- Make-Ahead Meal: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal.
- Customizable Dumplings: Adjust the seasoning of the cornbread dumplings to suit your taste, adding herbs or spices as desired.
- Kid-Friendly: Both the chicken and cornbread dumplings are loved by kids and adults alike.
- Affordable and Easy: This is a budget-friendly recipe made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cornbread Dumplings:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Cornmeal: Gives the dumplings their characteristic texture and flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the dish, perfectly complementing the chicken and dumplings.
- Buttermilk: Creates a tender, moist texture for the cornbread dumplings.
- Herbs and Spices: Thyme, rosemary, garlic, and onion enhance the savory flavor of the chicken and broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken and Broth:
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, add the chicken breasts or thighs, chicken broth, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
Prepare the Cornbread Dumplings:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine the Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick.
Cook the Dumplings:
- Add Dumplings to Broth: Drop spoonfuls of the cornbread batter on top of the simmering chicken and broth.
- Simmer Dumplings: Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid while cooking to ensure the dumplings cook through.
- Check for Doneness: The dumplings are ready when they are puffed up and firm to the touch.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the chicken and cornbread dumplings in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley, if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings:
- With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a light green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- As a Hearty Lunch: Perfect for a filling and satisfying lunch that keeps you going through the day.
- For Family Dinners: Serve in large bowls at the dinner table for a cozy family meal.
- With Hot Sauce: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted root vegetables for an additional side.
- As a Comforting Meal: A perfect meal for cold nights, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
- For Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week—reheat easily for lunch or dinner.
- With Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the broth.
- For Potlucks: This dish is ideal for sharing at a potluck or family gathering.
- With a Side of Fruit: Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Dumplings: Space out the spoonfuls of batter to allow room for the dumplings to expand.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For more flavor, use bone-in chicken and remove the bones after cooking.
- Chill the Dough for Fluffier Dumplings: If time allows, chill the cornbread batter for 30 minutes before adding it to the pot.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the broth is too thick, add extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Make the Broth Ahead of Time: The chicken and broth can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge for quicker assembly.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings: Add diced jalapeños to the dumpling mixture for a spicy twist.
- Gluten-Free Dumplings: Use gluten-free flour and cornmeal to make the dumplings suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Cheddar Cornbread Dumplings: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the dumplings for a cheesy, savory flavor.
- Southern-Style Chicken and Dumplings: Use seasoned chicken breast and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a Southern-inspired version.
- Lemon Herb Dumplings: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dumpling mixture for a fragrant twist.
- Beef Bacon Cornbread Dumplings: Stir in crispy beef bacon bits into the cornbread batter for an extra savory element.
Special Equipment
- Large Pot: For simmering the chicken and broth.
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle: For adding the dumplings to the broth.
- Forks or Tongs: For shredding the chicken.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients.
- Soup Ladle: For serving the dish.
FAQ Section
- Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and works perfectly in this recipe. - How long does this dish last in the fridge?
The dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and broth (without dumplings) for up to 3 months. Add fresh dumplings when reheating. - Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
You can prepare the dumpling batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. - What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for a buttermilk substitute. - Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to spice things up. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pot. - How can I make the dumplings fluffier?
Be careful not to overmix the dumpling batter to keep it light and fluffy. - What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even water can be used as a substitute for chicken broth. - Can I skip the herbs?
Yes, you can skip the herbs or substitute them with dried mixed herbs for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy cornbread dumplings into one satisfying dish. It’s a simple, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy night or serving it at a cozy gathering, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this hearty dish!