Southern Charm Chicken and Dumplings
There's nothing quite like a big bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings on a chilly evening. This recipe, passed down through generations in my family, embodies the very essence of Southern comfort food. It's creamy, savory, and utterly irresistible. The fluffy dumplings, nestled amongst tender chicken and hearty vegetables, create a symphony of textures and flavors that will warm your soul.
Keywords:
Chicken, Dumplings, Comfort Food, Southern, Stew, Homemade, Creamy, Savory, #chickenanddumplings, #comfortfood, #southerncooking, #homemade
Ingredients:
| For the Chicken and Stew: | For the Dumplings: |
|---|---|
| 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs) or 6-8 chicken thighs | 2 cups all-purpose flour |
| 1 tbsp olive oil | 1 tbsp baking powder |
| 1 large onion, chopped | 1 tsp salt |
| 2 carrots, chopped | 1/2 cup shortening or butter, cold and cut into pieces |
| 2 celery stalks, chopped | 3/4 cup milk |
| 4 cloves garlic, minced | |
| 8 cups chicken broth | |
| 1 tsp dried thyme | |
| 1/2 tsp dried rosemary | |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
Instructions:
- If using a whole chicken, place it in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. (If using chicken thighs, sauté them in olive oil until browned, then add broth and simmer until cooked through).
- In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, add thyme and rosemary, and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening or butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot and heat through. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is perfect as is, but you can elevate it further! Consider serving it with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the delicious broth. A simple green salad would also complement the richness of the chicken and dumplings. For a heartier meal, serve alongside some roasted vegetables. For beverages, a glass of crisp white wine or sweet tea pairs wonderfully.
Tips and Tricks:
- Don't overmix the dumpling dough; this will result in tough dumplings.
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf to the broth while simmering the chicken.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, you can whisk together a slurry of cornstarch and cold water and add it to the pot at the end of cooking.
For more delicious Southern recipes, check out this amazing Southern Recipes website.
Labels:
Recipes from the Americas, American Comfort Food