I’ve made this classic Southern dish countless times, and let me tell you—nothing warms the soul like a steaming bowl of Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings. It’s rich, hearty, and full of old-fashioned comfort.
Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings is a beloved Southern dish made by slow-simmering chicken to create a flavorful broth, then adding homemade dumplings that cook to pillowy perfection. This dish is known for its simple ingredients, rustic preparation, and rich, comforting flavor, like the Brenda Gantt’s Eggplant Parmesan.
Stick around because I’ll walk you through every step, from making a flavorful broth to rolling out perfect dumplings. Plus, I’ll share my personal tips and serving ideas!
What Does Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings Taste Like?
Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings is pure comfort food. The slow-simmered chicken creates a rich, savory broth that’s packed with flavor. The dumplings soak up all that goodness, turning soft and deliciously tender.
And let’s not forget the buttermilk in the dumplings! It adds just the right amount of tang, making them irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients Required for Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
For the Chicken and Broth
- 1 large whole chicken, cleaned and rinsed
- 3 extra chicken breasts (optional, for a larger batch)
- Water (enough to cover the chicken in the pot)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings
- 4-5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg-sized portion of solid shortening
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk (shaken)
- Extra flour for rolling
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large stockpot
- Cutting board and Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Measuring cups
- Spatula or knife for cutting dumplings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Recipe for Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings at home
Step 1: Boil the Chicken
Clean the chicken and remove any unwanted fat or skin. Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot and cover it with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours. If using extra chicken breasts, add them halfway through the cooking time.
Step 2: Prepare the Dumplings
In a large bowl, pour in 4-5 cups of all-purpose flour. Create a well in the center and add the shortening and buttermilk. Mix with your fingers, gradually incorporating the flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dumplings
Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the dough until it’s paper-thin. Using a knife or spatula, cut the dough into 2-3 inch strips.
Step 4: Add Dumplings to the Broth
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and let it cool. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the broth. Bring the broth to a rolling boil and carefully drop in the dumplings. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook for 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Chicken and Dumplings
1. With Southern-Style Collard Greens
Nothing screams comfort food like a side of slow-cooked collard greens. The slight bitterness of the greens, cooked down with a little bacon or ham hock, balances out the rich, creamy chicken and dumplings beautifully. It’s like they were made for each other!
2. A Slice of Buttery Cornbread
Oh man, if you haven’t tried dunking a warm piece of cornbread into your chicken and dumplings, you’re missing out! The soft, crumbly texture soaks up all that flavorful broth, and the slight sweetness of the cornbread is just chef’s kiss.
3. Classic Mashed Potatoes
I know, I know—double carbs. But trust me, a spoonful of creamy mashed potatoes alongside a bowl of chicken and dumplings is pure comfort food heaven. It makes everything even richer and heartier.
4. Pickled Okra or Jalapeños
Okay, hear me out on this one. The tangy, slightly spicy bite of Brenda Gantt’s Fried Okra or jalapeños cuts through the richness of the dish and adds a fun little kick. I didn’t think I’d love this combo until I tried it, and now I can’t get enough!
5. A Fresh Garden Salad
Sometimes, you just need something light and refreshing on the side. A simple salad with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the hearty chicken and dumplings. Plus, it makes you feel like you’re eating healthy (even if you go back for seconds).
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting Brussels sprouts until they’re crispy and caramelized brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs surprisingly well with the savory goodness of chicken and dumplings. Add a little balsamic drizzle, and you’ve got a next-level pairing!
7. A Side of Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama
If you love a little sweet with your savory, try serving this dish with a side of Southern-style Brenda Gantt’s Squash Alabama. The warm, cinnamon-spiced apples add a comforting, fall-inspired twist that makes the whole meal even cozier.
8. Biscuits and Honey Butter
I can’t say no to a good biscuit, and when you slather it with honey butter and serve it alongside chicken and dumplings? Absolute perfection. The buttery, flaky biscuit is perfect for scooping up every last drop of that broth.
9. Steamed Green Beans with Garlic
If you want to keep things simple, a side of steamed green beans tossed with a little butter and garlic does the trick. It adds a nice pop of color to your plate and a fresh, crisp bite to contrast with the soft dumplings.
10. Sweet Tea or Lemonade
No Southern meal is complete without a big glass of sweet tea or homemade lemonade. The refreshing sweetness balances out the richness of the dish, making it the perfect way to wash down every delicious bite.
Some Tips on This Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
1. Use a Whole Chicken for the Best Flavor
I know, I know—it’s tempting to just use chicken breasts. But trust me, a whole chicken gives you that deep, rich broth that makes this dish so good. The bones add extra flavor, so don’t skip them!
2. Simmer the Chicken Low and Slow
Don’t rush it! Let the chicken simmer gently for at least an hour (or even two). This makes the meat super tender and gives the broth time to develop that delicious homemade taste.
3. Don’t Skip the Buttermilk in the Dumplings
The buttermilk is what makes these dumplings soft and tasty. If you don’t have any, mix regular milk with a little vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes, and boom—you’ve got homemade buttermilk!
4. Roll the Dumpling Dough Paper-Thin
The thinner, the better! Thick dumplings can get doughy, and we don’t want that. Roll them out until they’re almost see-through. They’ll puff up a bit in the broth, so don’t worry!
5. Flour is Your Best Friend
When rolling out the dumplings, sprinkle plenty of flour on the counter. It keeps them from sticking and helps thicken the broth when they cook. Win-win!
6. Keep the Broth at a Rolling Boil for the Dumplings
This part is important! If the broth isn’t hot enough, the dumplings might clump together or turn gummy. Make sure it’s bubbling before you drop them in.
7. Stir Gently, Not Too Much
Once the dumplings are in, give them a light stir now and then to keep them from sticking. But don’t go overboard—too much stirring can break them apart!
8. Taste and Season at the End
Salt and pepper are your best friends here. But wait until the end to add them—since the broth reduces while cooking, you don’t want to overdo it too soon!
9. Let It Sit Before Serving
I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the dish sit for a few minutes helps the flavors come together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Make It Your Own
This recipe is already amazing, but feel free to add your own touch. A little garlic, a pinch of thyme, or even a splash of heavy cream can take it to the next level. Play around and make it your own!
How to Store and Reheat Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings Properly
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large whole chicken cleaned and rinsed
- 3 extra chicken breasts optional, for a larger batch
- Water enough to cover the chicken in the pot
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg-sized portion of solid shortening
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk shaken
- Extra flour for rolling
Instructions
- Clean the chicken and remove any unwanted fat or skin. Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot and cover it with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours. If using extra chicken breasts, add them halfway through the cooking time.
- In a large bowl, pour in 4-5 cups of all-purpose flour. Create a well in the center and add the shortening and buttermilk. Mix with your fingers, gradually incorporating the flour until a soft dough forms.
- Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the dough until it’s paper-thin. Using a knife or spatula, cut the dough into 2-3 inch strips.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and let it cool. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the broth. Bring the broth to a rolling boil and carefully drop in the dumplings. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe that people often ask.
1. What are the ingredients for chicken and dumplings?
For this recipe, you’ll need a whole chicken, extra chicken breasts (if you want more meat), water, salt, and pepper for the broth. The dumplings are made with all-purpose flour, solid shortening, buttermilk, and a little extra flour for rolling. That’s it—simple, classic, and absolutely delicious!
2. Why are my chicken and dumplings not fluffy?
If your dumplings turned out tough or dense, it’s usually because the dough was overworked. When mixing, be gentle—just bring everything together until it forms a soft dough. Also, make sure you’re rolling them thin enough. If they’re too thick, they won’t cook evenly and can end up chewy instead of soft.
3. What is a good thickener for chicken and dumplings?
The dumplings naturally thicken the broth as they cook, but if you want it even creamier, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the broth. Another trick? A splash of heavy cream at the end makes it extra rich!
4. What is the best flour for dumplings?
I always use all-purpose flour—it gives the dumplings just the right texture. If you want a softer dumpling, you can try self-rising flour, but for this traditional recipe, all-purpose is the way to go.
5. How do I keep my dumplings from sticking together?
Make sure you add them to the pot one at a time and give the broth a gentle stir in between. Also, don’t overcrowd the pot—if you drop too many in at once, they’ll clump together instead of cooking separately.
6. Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the dough, roll it out, and cut the dumplings a few hours in advance. Just dust them with a little flour so they don’t stick, then cover them with a clean kitchen towel until you’re ready to cook.
7. Can I use store-bought broth instead of making my own?
You can, but trust me, homemade broth is what makes this dish so special! If you’re short on time, you can use a mix of store-bought broth and homemade broth from boiling the chicken—it still turns out delicious.
8. How do I know when the dumplings are done?
Dumplings cook pretty quickly—about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they look slightly translucent and feel soft but firm when you bite into them. If they’re still doughy in the middle, let them simmer a little longer.
9. What’s the best way to reheat chicken and dumplings?
Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently. If the broth has thickened too much in the fridge, just add a little water or chicken broth to loosen it up. Avoid using the microwave—it can make the dumplings rubbery.
10. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
I don’t recommend it. The dumplings tend to get mushy when frozen and reheated. If you want to save time, you can freeze the broth and cooked chicken separately, then make fresh dumplings when you’re ready to eat.
Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate Southern comfort food. The rich broth, tender chicken, and homemade dumplings make every bite unforgettable.
Give this recipe a try—you’ll feel like you’re sitting at Brenda’s kitchen table!
Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
Additionally, You can also like and, follow us on Pinterest, and Reddit for more updates. Your thoughts and engagement are greatly appreciated!
healthy and tasty
Thanks
Thanks for the recipe
Welcome