There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chicken and garlic butter dumplings when craving a warm and hearty meal. This dish embodies everything comforting about soul food, bringing together tender braised chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings infused with garlic butter.
Every bite is packed with deep, savory flavors that make it perfect for any occasion, whether a cozy night at home or a meal shared with loved ones.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Chicken and garlic butter dumplings stand out because of their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The slow-simmered chicken creates a broth that is rich and full-bodied, while the dumplings add a buttery, pillowy contrast.
The garlic enhances the overall taste, providing a depth of flavor that keeps every spoonful satisfying. Unlike traditional dumplings, these are infused with butter and garlic, giving them an irresistible golden flavor that blends seamlessly into the creamy broth.
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Cooking Tips for the Best Flavor
The key to making this dish exceptional is in the preparation. A few simple techniques can elevate the flavors to make this recipe unforgettable.
- Season the chicken well before cooking to ensure deep, well-rounded flavors in the broth. A mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder helps enhance the natural taste of the meat.
- Brown the chicken first to develop a rich, caramelized base. Searing the skin creates a depth of flavor that infuses into the broth as it simmers.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme and sage to bring out earthy notes in the dish. They pair perfectly with the garlic and add complexity to the broth.
- Don’t overmix the dumpling batter. Stirring just until combined ensures light, fluffy dumplings rather than dense, heavy ones.
- Drop dumplings into the broth gently and cover while they cook. This allows them to steam and absorb the rich flavors of the soup.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
This dish is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adjust based on dietary preferences or available ingredients.
- For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with a gluten-free blend.
- To add extra vegetables, consider stirring in mushrooms, spinach, or green beans for added nutrition and texture.
- If a richer broth is preferred, substitute some of the water with chicken stock or bone broth for a more intense flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream while using a dairy-free butter alternative.
- For a spicy twist, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the broth for a subtle heat that balances the creamy flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and garlic butter dumplings are a complete meal on their own, but a few sides can complement the dish beautifully.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the broth.
- Cornbread or biscuits make excellent side options, adding an extra layer of comfort to the meal.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots can provide a fresh contrast to the creamy dish.
- A glass of white wine pairs beautifully with the savory flavors, enhancing the meal with a crisp, refreshing finish.
Storing & Reheating
This dish stores well, making it an excellent option for leftovers. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the dumplings from breaking apart.
- Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to maintain the creamy consistency.
- Freeze the broth and chicken separately from the dumplings if planning to store it for an extended period. This prevents the dumplings from becoming too soft when thawed.
Why This Dish Is a Soul Food Favorite
Chicken and garlic butter dumplings embody the essence of comfort food with their rich flavors and satisfying textures.
The slow-cooked broth, tender shredded chicken, and melt-in-your-mouth dumplings come together to create a dish that feels like a warm embrace.
Soul Food Chicken & Garlic Butter Dumplings
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 whole chicken quartered
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- Paprika to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 11 cups water divided
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 3 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery ribs chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- 5 fresh sage leaves chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
For the Garlic Butter Dumplings
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- ⅔ cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken quarters generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides. In a large cast-iron skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Simmer the Chicken: Transfer the browned chicken to a large stockpot and pour in 10 cups of water, leaving the butter and oil in the skillet. Bring the water to a boil, then skim off any foam from the surface. Reduce the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and continue simmering the rest of the chicken for another 30 minutes.
- Cook the Vegetables: While the chicken is simmering, heat the skillet with the reserved butter and drippings over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, sage, and bay leaves, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine the Flavors: Transfer the cooked vegetables to the pot with the simmering chicken. Pour the remaining 1 cup of water into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, then add this liquid to the stockpot. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with a fork, and set it aside.
- Make the Dumpling Dough: While the soup continues simmering, melt the butter in a small microwave-safe dish, then mix in the minced garlic. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat in the egg, then gradually stir in the buttermilk and the melted garlic butter, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Finish the Soup: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop small dollops of the dumpling dough into the pot. Cover and let them cook over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves, ladle the soup into bowls, and top with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious soul food comfort dish!
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.