Chicken and dumplings is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any time of the year. It is a classic American comfort food that has been enjoyed by generations. In this article, we will walk you through how to make chicken and dumplings from scratch, including some helpful tips and tricks, so you can enjoy this delicious meal in your own home.
Ingredients:
1 Whole Chicken, cut up
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
4 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 stick unsalted butter
1 onion, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 tbsp. dried thyme
1 cup milk
2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on both sides for 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
3. Add the chicken broth and water to the pot, along with the bay leaves, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. While the chicken is cooking, make the dumplings by mixing 4 cups of flour with 1 tsp. of salt in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the flour and salt, then make a well in the center of the bowl.
5. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of milk and mix until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
6. Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into small squares. Set aside.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool enough to handle. Shred the chicken into small pieces and set aside.
8. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the dumplings and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown.
9. Pour in 1/2 cup of milk and stir gently. Add the shredded chicken and parsley and stir to combine.
10. Let the chicken and dumplings simmer for 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are tender and the sauce is thick and creamy.
11. Serve hot with extra parsley for garnish.
FAQs:
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just cook them in the same way as the whole chicken until they are cooked through, then shred them and add to the pot with the dumplings.
2. Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
Yes, you can make the dumplings gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to check the packaging to ensure it is suitable for making dumplings.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a mixture of cornstarch and water to the pot, stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
4. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Yes, chicken and dumplings can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in a pot on the stove until hot. You may need to add extra liquid to the pot to thin out the sauce if it has thickened in the freezer.
Conclusion:
Chicken and dumplings is a comfort food classic that is perfect for any occasion. While it may seem intimidating to make from scratch, it is actually a simple yet delicious dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can make a hearty and satisfying meal that will leave everyone feeling warm and cozy.
