Chicken and dumplings – the ultimate comfort food! This hearty dish is perfect for a chilly evening or any time you crave a warm, satisfying meal. This guide will walk you through making delicious chicken and dumplings from scratch, ensuring a perfect balance of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes a generous serving, perfect for sharing (or leftovers!).
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 12 cups water
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Chicken Broth:
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken thoroughly and place it in a large stockpot. Add the water, carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the Chicken: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Skimming off any foam that rises to the surface will result in a clearer broth.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken, discarding the skin and bones.
Making the Dumplings:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Drop the Dumplings: Once the chicken broth has been simmering for at least an hour, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the broth. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Combining and Serving:
- Return the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve Hot: Serve your Chicken and Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings:
- Use good quality chicken: The flavor of your broth will be directly impacted by the quality of your chicken.
- Don't overmix the dumplings: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Give the dumplings enough space to cook evenly.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on your stove and the size of your dumplings.
Variations and Serving Suggestions:
- Add vegetables: Enhance your broth by adding other vegetables like potatoes, turnips, or green beans.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Serve with a side salad: A fresh green salad is a perfect complement to the richness of chicken and dumplings.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Dumplings! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! (This is where you would include your social media handles if you were publishing this on a blog).
