Imagine a dish that instantly transports you to grandma's kitchen, where every spoonful tells a story of love, tradition, and pure comfort. Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings isn't just a meal—it's a culinary hug that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. Whether you're craving a hearty weekend dinner or seeking the ultimate comfort food, this classic American recipe promises to deliver a symphony of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich, soul-satisfying broth that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken. Place the whole chicken in a large pot and add 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the chicken simmer for about 40 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and tender.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumpling dough. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, melt 1/4 cup of butter and let it cool slightly. Then, add 1/2 cup of milk to the melted butter and stir until well combined.
- Pour the milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Reserve the broth in the pot.
- While the chicken cools, add 1 cup of diced carrots, 1 cup of diced celery, and 1 chopped onion to the pot with the reserved broth. Bring the mixture back to a gentle boil.
- As the vegetables cook for about 5-7 minutes, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the vegetables.
- Once the broth is boiling, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the pot. Make sure to leave some space between each dumpling as they will expand while cooking.
- Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- After the dumplings are done cooking, gently stir the chicken and dumplings to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your old-fashioned chicken and dumplings!
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use a whole chicken for the most flavor, but ensure it's fresh and of good quality.
- Don't Overmix the Dumpling Dough: Gentle mixing prevents tough dumplings. Stop stirring as soon as ingredients are just combined.
- Temperature Control is Key: Maintain a gentle simmer when cooking chicken and adding dumplings to ensure even cooking and tender results.
- Resist Lifting the Lid: When steaming dumplings, keep the lid closed to trap steam and help them cook evenly and become light and fluffy.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or thyme to elevate the dish's flavor profile.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
