Southern-Style Chicken & Dumplings – A Comfort Classic on a Budget

Few meals feel as warm, cozy, and satisfying as a big bowl of Southern-Style Chicken & Dumplings. This classic comfort food is rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings—all made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.

The best part? This homemade version costs under $5 to make and tastes better than store-bought. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a hearty Southern dish, this cheap and easy chicken & dumplings recipe will hit the spot!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable pantry staples.
✔ One-Pot Meal – Less mess, more flavor.
✔ Rich & Comforting – Like a hug in a bowl!
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day.
✔ Customizable – Use rotisserie chicken, homemade broth, or add veggies.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple with ingredients that are cheap and easy to find.

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts 🛒 Best budget-friendly chicken cuts
• 4 cups chicken broth (or bouillon + water for a cheaper option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced (optional)
• 2 ribs celery, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter

👉 Need a shortcut? Swap homemade dumplings for store-bought biscuit dough!

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📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 more minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth, then add chicken thighs (or breasts).
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes until chicken is tender.

Step 2: Make the Dumplings

6. While the chicken is cooking, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
7. Stir in milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms (don’t overmix!).

Step 3: Shred the Chicken & Thicken the Broth

8. Remove cooked chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
9. Stir in 1 cup milk to make the broth creamy.

Step 4: Add the Dumplings

10. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the pot (about 1-inch balls).
11. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes (don’t stir, let the steam cook them!).
12. Check if dumplings are done by inserting a fork—they should be soft but not doughy.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

13. Ladle into bowls and enjoy this Southern comfort food classic!

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💰 Cost Breakdown (Estimated per Serving)

Total cost per serving: ~$1.25

• Chicken thighs (1 lb) – $3.00
• Flour, baking powder, seasonings – $1.00
• Milk & butter – $1.00
• Onion, garlic, carrots, celery – $1.00
• Chicken broth (or bouillon) – $1.00

🛒 Save more by:
✅ Using bone-in chicken thighs (cheaper & more flavorful).
✅ Making homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
✅ Swapping milk for evaporated milk for a richer taste.

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🥖 What to Serve with Chicken & Dumplings

Pair this comforting dish with simple, budget-friendly sides like:

✔ Cornbread – Southern-style cornbread recipe
✔ Side Salad – Cheap & easy salad ideas
✔ Green Beans – Simple garlic butter green beans

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🔍 Common Questions

What’s the Best Cut of Chicken for This Recipe?

✔ Chicken thighs – More flavorful and cheaper than breasts.
✔ Bone-in chicken – Extra juicy, but takes longer to cook.
✔ Rotisserie chicken – A time-saving, budget-friendly hack!

👉 Guide to choosing the best chicken cuts

Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Follow these steps:

• Add all ingredients (except milk & dumplings) to the slow cooker.
• Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
• Shred chicken, stir in milk, and drop in dumplings.
• Cover and cook for 30 more minutes until dumplings are done.

👉 Slow Cooker to Stovetop Conversion Guide

Can I Freeze Chicken & Dumplings?

Yes, but the dumplings may become soggy when reheated. To freeze:

• Freeze just the chicken stew and make fresh dumplings when reheating.
• Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

👉 Best ways to freeze & reheat soup

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🛒 Where to Buy Cheap Ingredients for Chicken & Dumplings

💡 Want to save even more? Check out:

• Aldi & Walmart – Cheap chicken & dairy.
• Costco or Sam’s Club – Bulk chicken at lower prices.
• Local Farmers Markets – Often have fresh, affordable chicken deals!

🔗 More money-saving grocery tips:

• How to Grocery Shop on a Budget
• Best Cheap Pantry Staples

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Final Thoughts: A Southern Comfort Meal for Less

This Southern-Style Chicken & Dumplings proves that classic comfort food doesn’t have to be expensive. With simple, cheap ingredients, you can enjoy a rich, creamy, and hearty meal that feeds a family for just $5!

👉 What’s your favorite way to make chicken & dumplings? Share it in the comments below!

📌 Loved this recipe? Pin it for later!

🔗 More budget-friendly meal ideas:

• 25 Cheap & Easy One-Pot Meals
• How to Cook Comfort Food on a Budget
• 10 Cozy & Cheap Winter Dinner Ideas