Indulge in the warmth of homemade chicken and dumplings, a classic dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. This recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a flavorful broth, making it an irresistible choice for dinner. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
– 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6-8 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 300 calories, 15g protein, 10g fat, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g fiber. This is based on a standard serving size for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, broth, water, onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Cook uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly.
5. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones and skin.
6. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
7. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
9. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering broth.
10. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the whole chicken with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Additionally, frozen vegetables can replace fresh ones for quicker preparation without sacrificing taste.
Serving and Pairings
Serve the chicken and dumplings with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad. A warm biscuit or cornbread is also a delightful addition to soak up the flavorful broth.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t rush the simmering process; let the chicken cook thoroughly.
– Avoid lifting the lid while dumplings are cooking to ensure they steam properly.
– Use a gentle simmer, as a rolling boil can break apart the dumplings.
– Ensure the dumpling batter is not overmixed to keep them fluffy.
– Taste and adjust seasoning before serving to enhance flavor.
Helpful Tips
– Use homemade broth for richer flavor.
– Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra freshness.
– For a creamier broth, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
– Adjust the thickness of the broth by adding more or less water.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken can be added to the broth for a quick and easy meal. Just skip the initial cooking step and add the chicken towards the end.
What type of broth should I use?
Using homemade chicken broth will provide the best flavor, but store-bought low-sodium broth works well too. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How do I know if the dumplings are cooked?
Dumplings are done when they have doubled in size and are firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I add vegetables to the dumplings?
Definitely! Finely chopped spinach or grated carrots can be mixed into the dumpling batter for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This chicken and dumplings recipe is the epitome of comfort food. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Enjoy a bowlful of warmth and satisfaction that will bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces.
The Best Chicken And Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 4-5 pounds
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the chicken, broth, water, onion, carrots, and celery.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones and skin.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
- Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering broth.
- Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy.
