Old-Fashioned Chicken Dumplings are a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to any dining table. Growing up, I remember my grandmother spending hours in the kitchen, crafting these delightful dumplings from scratch, filling our home with the irresistible aroma of simmering chicken and herbs. This dish has deep roots in American cuisine, often associated with family gatherings and cozy evenings. People love Old-Fashioned Chicken Dumplings not just for their rich, savory flavor, but also for their tender, fluffy texture that perfectly complements the hearty chicken broth. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, these dumplings are a convenient and satisfying choice that will surely become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 8 cups of water
- 2 medium onions, quartered
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparing the Chicken and Broth
- In a large pot, place the chicken pieces and cover them with 8 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and skim off any foam that rises to the surface. This will help keep your broth clear and flavorful.
- Add the quartered onions, sliced carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper to the pot.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Youll know its done when the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the pieces from the pot and set them aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot or large bowl to remove the vegetables and bay leaves. Discard the solids.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Set the shredded chicken aside.
Preparing the Dumpling Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Cooking the Dumplings
- Bring the strained broth back to a gentle simmer over medium heat. If you find the broth is too concentrated, feel free to add a bit of water to reach your desired flavor and consistency.
- Once the broth is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the broth. I like to use a tablespoon for this, but you can also use a cookie scoop for more uniform dumplings.
- Make sure to leave some space between the dumplings, as they will expand while cooking. You can fit about 8-10 dumplings at a time, depending on the size of your pot.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as the steam is essential for cooking the dumplings through.
- After 15-20 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness. They should be fluffy and cooked through. If you want to be sure, you can cut one in half to check that its no longer doughy in the center.
Assembling the Dish
- Once the dumplings are cooked, gently stir in the shredded chicken into the pot. Allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This is the time to make it just right for your palate!
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Conclusion:
In wrapping up this delightful journey into the world of Old-Fashioned Chicken Dumplings, I cant help but emphasize why this recipe is an absolute must-try. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth creates a comforting dish that warms the heart and soul. Its a nostalgic recipe that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings, making it perfect for any occasion. For serving suggestions, I love to pair these dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the dish. You can also experiment with variations by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist, or even incorporating vegetables like carrots and peas into the broth for added flavor and nutrition. If youre feeling adventurous, try using different proteins such as turkey or even a vegetarian option with mushrooms and vegetable broth. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Old-Fashioned Chicken Dumplings recipe a try. I promise you wont be disappointed! Once youve made it, Id love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Lets keep the tradition alive and spread the joy of cooking together! Happy cooking! Print
Old-Fashioned Chicken Dumplings: A Comforting Recipe for Family Dinners
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
This hearty Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth, paired with fluffy dumplings that soak up all the deliciousness. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Dumplings
- Broth
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Vegetables (such as peas or corn)
Instructions
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy your comforting chicken and dumplings!
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the broth, such as peas or corn, for added flavor and nutrition.
- Leftover dumplings can be stored in the broth in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but they may become softer over time.
- This recipe can be easily doubled if you’re serving a larger crowd.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes