Prepare to be transported to a world of comfort and nostalgia with a recipe that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds! This timeless chicken and dumplings dish is more than just a meal - it's a culinary embrace that whispers stories of family traditions and homemade love. Imagine a recipe so delicious, it could make even the most sophisticated food critic close their eyes and remember childhood Sunday dinners. Get ready to unlock a generations-old secret that will become the new star of your family's recipe collection!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove giblets from whole chicken and rinse chicken thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Place whole chicken in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Pour chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring it's mostly covered. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bring liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Cover and simmer for approximately 45-50 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through and tender.
- Carefully remove chicken from broth and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove and shred meat from bones, discarding skin and bones.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Return broth to a gentle simmer. Using a spoon, drop small portions of dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth.
- Cover pot and cook dumplings for 10-12 minutes without lifting the lid. Dumplings will expand and become fluffy.
- Gently fold shredded chicken back into the pot with dumplings. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has both chicken and dumplings with plenty of broth.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality, fresh whole chicken for the most tender and flavorful result.
- Take your time when simmering the chicken - low and slow is the key to incredibly tender meat.
- For extra fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough and drop them gently into the simmering broth.
- Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Don't peek too often when cooking dumplings - keeping the lid closed helps them steam and become light and fluffy.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some fresh thyme to the broth while simmering the chicken.
- If the broth reduces too much, you can add a bit more chicken stock to maintain the right consistency.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 100mg
