Hearty Chicken and Dumplings: A Comfort Food Classic

Introduction to Chicken and Dumplings

When you think of comfort food, chicken and dumplings often come to mind. This classic dish is not only heartwarming but also incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a craving or warm yourself up on a chilly evening, this recipe will get the job done. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the preparation of this beloved dish!

Ingredients You'll Need

To whip up a delectable batch of chicken and dumplings, gather the following:

• Whole small chicken (you will only use about 1/3, so there will be leftover chicken for another recipe)
• Salt and pepper
• 3 stalks of celery
• 4 whole carrots
• 1 tsp Better than Bouillon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 7 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves

Cooking Instructions

Start by rinsing the whole chicken and placing it in a large pot with a lid. Add the Better than Bouillon, carrots, onion, and celery, and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and boil for 2 ½ hours until the chicken is barely falling apart. Once done, remove the chicken, cool for a few minutes, and shred it, keeping aside approximately one-third of it for this recipe.

Next, it's time to make the dumplings! In your Dutch oven, toast 6 tablespoons of flour over medium heat until it begins to brown. Cook the chicken meat in the now-empty Dutch oven with some oil until it is fully browned. Then, add chopped onion and remaining oil, cooking until softened. Stir in some thyme for extra flavor, letting it cook for a bit before adding 7 cups of the chicken broth along with the chicken and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the meat reaches the proper internal temperatures.

While the chicken is cooking, combine the reserved broth and fat. Process remaining flour with salt and add the broth mixture gradually to form a dough. Roll each dough half into a 10-inch square, cutting into twenty rectangles. Layer your dumplings on a parchment-lined plate.

Return the broth to a simmer and add your dumplings. Cook them until nearly tender, stirring occasionally to ensure they don’t stick together. Then thicken the stew with a reservation of broth mixed with flour, and finally add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with some parsley for an added touch. Serve this hearty chicken and dumplings dish warm and enjoy!

Conclusion

This chicken and dumplings recipe is perfect for families or anyone looking to indulge in a comforting meal. Not only is it delicious, but it also provides a great opportunity to use leftover chicken from the recipe in a future dish. Dig in and savor the comforting warmth of this timeless classic!