Chicken and Dumplings: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken and dumplings is a beloved comfort food that combines tender chicken, hearty dumplings, and a rich, flavorful broth. This classic dish is perfect for cozy family dinners and is sure to warm you up on a chilly day. With its origins rooted in Southern and Midwestern cuisine, chicken and dumplings have become a staple in American households. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this delicious dish from scratch, ensuring a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

To make chicken and dumplings, you will need the following ingredients:

Soup:

• 7 pounds cut up chicken pieces
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt

Dumplings:

• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Gravy:

• 1 cup water
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1: Gather the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients measured and prepared. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

Step 2: Start the Soup

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • Place the chicken pieces in a large pot. Add the chicken stock, chopped onions, celery, and 2 teaspoons of salt.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-low heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked by the end of this time.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings

While the chicken is cooking, you can start preparing the dumplings.

1. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg and milk together until well combined.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
   • Mix in 1 cup of the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir until the mixture forms a batter.
3. Incorporate Butter and Parsley:
   • Grate the cold unsalted butter into the wet flour mixture. This helps to distribute the butter evenly and creates a flaky texture. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

1. Dollop Dumplings:
   • Using a large spoon, dollop six large spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture onto the top of the simmering chicken soup.
2. Steam the Dumplings:
   • Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam until they are fluffy, about 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time as the steam is essential for cooking the dumplings properly.
3. Remove and Set Aside:
   • Carefully remove the dumplings and chicken pieces from the pot and place them on a large dish. Shred the chicken, discarding any bones, and cover to keep warm.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

1. Strain the Stock:
   • Strain the remaining stock left in the pot, pressing the vegetables to release more flavor. Return the strained stock to the pot.
2. Thicken the Gravy:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup of water with the remaining ½ cup of flour until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the strained stock.
3. Season and Cook:
   • Season the gravy with ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Serving the Chicken and Dumplings

Once the gravy is ready, it’s time to serve your delicious homemade chicken and dumplings. Here’s how to assemble the dish:

1. Combine Chicken and Gravy:
   • Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the gravy, stirring to combine.
2. Add Dumplings:
   • Gently place the cooked dumplings on top of the chicken and gravy mixture.
3. Serve:
   • Ladle the chicken, gravy, and dumplings into bowls or onto plates. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

To ensure your chicken and dumplings turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

1. Use High-Quality Chicken:
   • Using good-quality chicken will enhance the flavor of your soup. Organic or free-range chicken is often more flavorful.
2. Keep the Dumplings Fluffy:
   • Make sure to steam the dumplings with the lid on and avoid lifting it during the cooking process. This helps to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
3. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste your soup and gravy as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your preference. A bit more salt or pepper can make a big difference in flavor.
4. Make Ahead:
   • You can prepare the chicken soup ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, make the dumplings fresh, and proceed with the gravy as directed.

Variations and Additions

While the classic chicken and dumplings recipe is delightful, you can customize it to suit your taste:

1. Add Vegetables:
   • Include other vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
2. Herb Variations:
   • Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or dill to add a unique twist to the dish.
3. Creamy Gravy:
   • For a creamier gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
4. Spicy Kick:
   • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

Chicken and dumplings is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. By following this recipe, you can create a delicious homemade version of this classic dish that your family and friends will love. Whether you stick to the traditional method or add your own twist, chicken and dumplings are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process of cooking, and most importantly, savor every delicious bite!

Chicken and Dumplings: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

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• Author: hdrecipes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. This hearty meal is perfect for cold weather and evokes a sense of nostalgia with its simple, home-cooked charm.

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Ingredients

Soup:

 

7 pounds cut up chicken pieces

 

4 cups chicken stock

 

2 onions, chopped

 

3 stalks celery, chopped

 

2 teaspoons salt

 

Dumplings:

 

1 large egg

 

¼ cup milk

 

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided

 

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

 

1 teaspoon salt

 

2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

 

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

 

Gravy:

 

1 cup water

 

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

 

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Gather the ingredients.

 

Start the soup: Place chicken pieces in a large pot; add chicken stock, onions, celery, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat, then simmer, partially covered, until chicken is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

 

Meanwhile, make the dumplings: Beat egg and milk together in a large mixing bowl. Mix in 1 cup flour, baking powder, and salt.

 

Grate cold butter into the wet flour mixture; stir in parsley.

 

Dollop 6 large spoonfuls of dumpling mixture onto the top of the simmering chicken. Cover the pot and steam dumplings until fluffy, 10 minutes more.

 

Remove dumplings and chicken pieces to a large dish; shred chicken and discard bones. Cover and set aside, keeping warm.

 

For the gravy: Strain stock left in the pot, pressing the vegetables to release more flavor; return stock to the pot.

 

Whisk water with remaining 1/2 cup flour until smooth; stir into the strained stock. Season with pepper and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, to thicken.

 

Stir in chicken and top with dumplings.

 

Serve with parsley and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 95mg