Homemade chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cozy, hearty meal. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients: For the Chicken and Broth: 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) 8 cups water 2 celery stalks, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste For the Dumplings: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup milk Instructions: Prepare the Chicken and Broth: a. In a large pot, place the whole chicken and cover it with 8 cups of water. b. Add the chopped celery, carrots, onion, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. c. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let it cook for about 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the Chicken: a. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and let it cool. b. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces once it’s cool enough to handle. Make the Dumplings: a. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. b. Gradually add the milk, stirring to form a soft, sticky dough. Roll and Cut the Dumplings: a. On a floured surface, roll out the dumpling dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. b. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Cook the Dumplings: a. Return the pot with the chicken broth to a simmer. b. Drop the dumplings into the simmering broth one at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. c. Cover the pot and let the dumplings simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have expanded. Finish the Dish: a.
Add the shredded chicken back to the pot with the dumplings. b. Allow the chicken and dumplings to simmer together for a few minutes to heat through. c. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve: a. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. Enjoy your homemade chicken and dumplings, a warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re in the mood for some classic comfort food.