Autumn is just around the corner, so I figure it's time to pull out all my cozy, cold-day, warm-you-up recipes! Today I want to share with you one of my favorite chicken and dumplings recipes. This recipe is sort of a combination of a really old recipe handed down by my grandmother, only with a few modern twists thrown in from me.
Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings to create a satisfying meal that warms both the body and soul. Whether enjoyed on a chilly day or as a comforting dinner, chicken and dumplings is sure to become a family favorite.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup of frozen peas, thawed
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, peas and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. While the chicken is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5. Drop spoonfulls of the dumpling dough into the simmering pot. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
7. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
The dumplings, themselves, are savory enough. But if you want, you can top them off with a few of your favorite crunchy croutons or your favorite baked bread. Either way, chicken and dumplings is a timeless dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. Whether enjoyed as a family dinner or a comforting meal on a cold day, this recipe is sure to satisfy and bring joy to all who partake. Enjoy!