Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Warm, comforting, and a classic American favorite, homemade chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold winter’s night or just craving a taste of nostalgia, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into making this comforting dish from scratch.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken Stew:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add them to the pot. Brown the chicken on all sides, then remove it and set it aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
5. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it covers the chicken and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Discard the bones and skin.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the frozen peas if desired and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Making the Dumplings:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk and melted butter until warm but not boiling.
3. Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly lumpy dough is okay.

Cooking the Dumplings:

1. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering chicken stew. Use a small ice cream scoop or two tablespoons to do this.
2. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they have doubled in size and are cooked through.
3. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot. The dumplings will have soaked up some of the delicious broth, creating a hearty and comforting meal.

Tips:

• Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can make a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of water and stirring it into the stew.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or green beans for extra flavor and color.
• Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, using fresh thyme and rosemary can elevate the flavor even more.
• Leftovers: Chicken and dumplings taste even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the stew before adding the dumplings and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

This homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is a heartwarming classic that’s perfect for family dinners or whenever you’re in need of some comfort food. Enjoy the rich flavors and fluffy dumplings!