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Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. Big fluffy dumplings, broth, shredded chicken, carrots, onion, diced potatoes, and celery. A heart and delicious recipe for a family meal.

Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 50 minutes


Ingredients:

  • 1 (2 1/2- to 3-lb.) whole chicken

  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)

  • 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)

  • 2 quarts water

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening

  • 3/4 cup whole buttermilk

  • Chopped fresh chives (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Simmer chicken: Place the chicken, celery, carrots, water, and 2 teaspoons of salt in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the chicken is tender, about 1 hour.


  1. Prepare chicken: Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove and discard the skin and bones. Cut the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces. Bring the broth back to a boil over high heat and stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper.


  1. Make dumpling dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in the vegetable shortening using a pastry blender (or your fingers) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.


  1. Add buttermilk: Stir in the buttermilk with a fork until the dry ingredients are just moistened.


  1. Form dumplings: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly 4-5 times. Pat the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness. Pinch off 1 1/2-inch pieces of dough to form the dumplings.


  1. Cook dumplings: Drop the dumplings into the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes or until the dumplings reach your desired consistency.


  1. Combine and serve: Stir the cooked chicken into the broth with the dumplings. Garnish each serving with chopped fresh chives.


Tips & Tricks:

  • For richer flavor: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the best flavor.

  • Don't overmix: Overmixing the dumpling dough can make them tough.

  • Simmer gently: Simmering the dumplings prevents them from falling apart.

  • Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the dumplings.

A Comfort Food Classic: Chicken and Dumplings

Nothing says stick to your bones and warm you up like good ole’ Chicken and Dumplings. The name itself conjures up images of cozy nights, crackling fires, and the comforting aroma of simmering broth. This classic dish is a true labor of love, a symphony of flavors that warms the soul and satisfies even the hungriest of appetites.

In my household, Chicken and Dumplings holds a special place in our hearts. It's a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings, of long winter nights, and of the simple joys of sharing a meal together.

My nibblers, bless their hearts, are particularly fond of this dish. Even the pickiest of eaters can't resist the tender chicken, the flavorful broth, and those pillowy soft dumplings. The sight of a steaming bowl of Chicken and Dumplings on the table seems to have a magical effect, transforming even the fussiest eaters into eager participants.

The process of making Chicken and Dumplings is a true labor of love. The simmering broth, the tender chicken, the delicate dumplings – it's a symphony of flavors and textures that unfolds over time. And the aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers? Pure magic. It's the kind of smell that calls you to the table, promising warmth and comfort.

Serving Chicken and Dumplings is an experience in itself. I love watching my nibblers dive into their bowls, their faces beaming with delight. The sounds of slurping and satisfied sighs fill the air, a testament to the comforting power of this classic dish.

So, the next time you're craving a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a dish that will warm you from the inside out, I encourage you to embrace the magic of Chicken and Dumplings. It's a culinary masterpiece that's sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.

I hope this blog post inspires you to embrace the magic of this classic comfort food and create your own culinary masterpieces.

P.S. Don't forget to share your culinary creations with me on social media! I'd love to see your Chicken and Dumplings masterpieces. Not following me yet? That's okay, just click the emojis below to get my handles off my LinkTree.

🦋 𝕏 📌 📸 @ 𝅘𝅥𝅮

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