Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a classic Southern comfort food that’s perfect for cooler weather or when you need a little extra comfort. It’s a simple dish made with tender chunks of chicken and soft, fluffy dumplings in a rich, savory broth. The combination of flavors and textures is both hearty and satisfying.

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The origins of chicken and dumplings are somewhat unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in the rural South as a way to stretch leftover chicken and create a filling, comforting meal. Today, it’s a staple of Southern cuisine and a favorite of many.

To make chicken and dumplings, you’ll need:

For the chicken:

– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), cut into pieces

– 1 onion, diced

– 3-4 carrots, peeled and sliced

– 3-4 stalks of celery, sliced

– 4 cloves of garlic, minced

– 6 cups of chicken broth

– 2 bay leaves

– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the dumplings:

– 2 cups of all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon of baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon of salt

– 3 tablespoons of butter, chilled and diced

– 3/4 cup of milk

Start by making the chicken. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown on all sides, then remove them from the pot and set them aside.

Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken pieces to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about an hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

While the chicken is cooking, make the dumplings. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk and stir until just combined.

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop the dumpling batter onto the simmering chicken mixture, spacing them evenly. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and fluffy.

Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, if desired.

Chicken and dumplings is a classic Southern dish that’s both comforting and delicious. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why chicken and dumplings has been a beloved Southern tradition for generations?