Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and hearty meal that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. This traditional dish features tender chicken cooked in a flavorful broth, accompanied by soft, pillowy dumplings. It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner any time of the year.
Ingredients:
- 7 pounds cut-up chicken pieces
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, chicken stock, onions, celery, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Add enough water to cover the chicken if necessary. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, then debone and shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 2: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a mixing bowl, beat together the egg and milk. Stir in 1 cup of flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and butter until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it's manageable.
Step 3: Form and Cook the Dumplings
Bring the chicken and broth mixture to a gentle boil. Drop tablespoon-sized pieces of dumpling dough into the boiling broth. Once all the dumplings have been added, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
Step 4: Thicken the Broth
In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of flour with 1 cup of water until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering broth to thicken it. Add the chopped parsley and ground black pepper. Stir well and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve
Once the dumplings are cooked and the broth has thickened, the chicken and dumplings are ready to be served. Ladle the chicken, dumplings, and broth into bowls and enjoy warm.
Cooking Note:
- Be gentle when stirring the dumplings into the broth to keep them intact. After adding them to the pot, try to avoid stirring until they've had some time to set.
Serving Suggestions:
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a complete meal on its own but can be served with a side of green beans or a crisp salad for added freshness.
Tips:
- Dumpling Consistency: The key to fluffy dumplings is not to overmix the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Broth Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the broth to your liking by adding more or less of the flour and water mixture.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and flavor, but other herbs like thyme or rosemary can also be used to add depth to the dish.
Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (varies based on the size of the servings and specific ingredients used)
- Protein: 30-40g per serving
- Sodium: Will vary based on the chicken stock and added salt
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless recipe that offers comfort and warmth in every spoonful. With its tender chicken, soft dumplings, and savory broth, this dish is sure to satisfy your craving for home-cooked goodness. Enjoy the simple pleasure of this classic meal with family and friends.
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