Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Few dishes evoke the warmth and comfort of home quite like chicken and dumplings. This timeless recipe has been a staple in kitchens for generations, offering a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. Here’s a detailed guide to making this classic comfort food from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
• 8 cups water
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth

1. Cook the Chicken: Place the whole chicken in a large pot and cover it with water. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, minced garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones.
3. Strain the Broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another large pot, discarding the solids. Set the broth aside.

Step 2: Make the Dumplings

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dumplings tough.
2. Form the Dumplings: Using a spoon, scoop out small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and drop them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Soup

1. Make the Roux: In the same pot used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
2. Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the reserved broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
3. Cook the Dumplings: Add the frozen peas and shredded chicken to the pot. Drop the dumplings into the simmering broth, cover the pot, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
4. Finish the Soup: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the soup is heated through.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

• Homemade Broth: Making your own broth adds depth of flavor to the dish. If short on time, you can use store-bought chicken broth, but homemade is always best.
• Light and Fluffy Dumplings: Be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough. Overmixing can result in dense, heavy dumplings. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
• Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning of your broth before adding the dumplings. Proper seasoning is key to a flavorful dish.

Chicken and dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. This recipe, with its rich broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home. Enjoy!

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Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Happy cooking!