Chicken and Dumplings

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Chicken and Dumplings is a classic Southern comfort food dish that’s hearty, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. It features tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors. Here’s a traditional recipe to make it at home:

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 6-8):

For the Chicken Stew:

  • 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds) or 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs/breasts
  • 8 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creaminess)

For the Dumplings:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Chicken:
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken, water or broth, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Set aside.
  1. Prepare the Stew:
  • Strain the broth and return it to the pot. Discard the vegetables and bay leaves (or save them for added texture if you prefer).
  • In a small bowl, whisk the flour with 1/2 cup of the broth until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the pot to thicken the stew.
  • Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat while you prepare the dumplings.
  1. Make the Dumplings:
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and thyme.
  • Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined (do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky).
  1. Cook the Dumplings:
  • Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering stew, spacing them evenly.
  • Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid too often to ensure the dumplings steam properly.
  1. Serve:
  • Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

  • For a quicker version, use rotisserie chicken and store-bought broth.
  • Add peas, corn, or green beans to the stew for extra vegetables.
  • If the stew is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! 😊

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