Homemade Chicken and Dumplings: A Comforting Classic

A bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth:

1 (3-pound) whole chicken
1 large onion, quartered
2 carrots, quartered
2 celery stalks, quartered
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 cups water

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

Instructions

Preparing the Broth:

Combine Ingredients: Place the whole chicken, onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper in a large stockpot. Add 8 cups of water.
Simmer: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove and Shred: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it. Strain the broth, discarding the vegetables.

Making the Dumplings:

Prep the Dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to create a dry mix.
Add Milk: Gradually stir in the milk until a soft dough forms.
Drop Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth.
Cook Dumplings: Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.

Combining and Serving:

Return Chicken: Add the shredded chicken back to the broth.
Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Dumplings:

Don’t Overcook the Dumplings: Cook them just until they float to the top of the broth. Overcooking can make them tough.
Season the Broth: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices.
Customize Your Dumplings: Experiment with different types of flour, milk, or add herbs or cheese to the dough.
Serve with Sides: Pair your chicken and dumplings with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

Conclusion

This classic comfort food recipe is effortless to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings that will warm your soul.

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