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Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. This easy homemade chicken and dumplings recipe will take your taste buds on a delicious journey. Imagine tender dumplings soaking up a flavorful broth, accompanied by juicy chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables. It’s a meal that will make you feel cozy and content.
Creating this comforting dish from scratch is easier than you might think. Starting with a simmering whole chicken, onion, and carrots, you’ll develop a rich and flavorful broth that forms the base of this recipe. Then, using simple pantry ingredients like flour, shortening, baking powder, and milk, you’ll prepare the fluffy dumplings that will delight your palate.
The cooking process involves rolling out the dumpling dough and cooking it in the simmering broth until it reaches plumpness and tenderness. To enhance the taste even further, you have the option to thicken the broth with cornstarch and water, or make it creamier by adding milk or heavy cream.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe will warm your soul and become a family favorite.
Key Takeaways:
- Homemade chicken and dumplings is a comforting and delicious family favorite meal.
- This easy recipe is made from scratch, including tender dumplings and juicy chicken in an easy homemade broth.
- The recipe starts with simmering a whole chicken, onion, and carrots to create a flavorful broth.
- Simple dumplings made with pantry ingredients are cooked in the broth until plump and tender.
- The broth can be thickened with cornstarch and water, and for a creamier version, milk or heavy cream can be added.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch
Making old-fashioned chicken and dumplings from scratch is a simple and rewarding process. Begin by simmering a whole chicken, onion, and carrots to create a flavorful broth.
While the broth simmers, prepare the dumplings using pantry ingredients like flour, shortening, baking powder, and milk. Roll out the dumpling dough to the desired thickness and cut into strips or rectangles.
Add the dumplings to the simmering broth and cook until they are plump and tender. The broth can be thickened with cornstarch and water if desired. For a creamy broth, milk or heavy cream can be added.
Old-fashioned chicken and dumplings can be cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for convenience. This classic comfort food is popular in Southern cuisine and is loved for its creamy texture and comforting flavors.
Whether you prefer a traditional recipe or a twist on the original, chicken and dumplings is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Continue reading for more tips and variations on homemade chicken and dumplings.
Tips and Variations for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings
When making homemade chicken and dumplings, there are a few tips and variations to consider. Firstly, don’t get too caught up in making the dumplings perfect. The shape and size don’t matter as much as the consistency of the dough. Roll the dough out to about 1/8″ thick for the perfect dumpling texture.
Secondly, consider adding your favorite herbs and spices to the broth for added flavor. Bay leaf, poultry seasoning, and fresh parsley are popular choices. Additionally, you can customize the recipe by adding chopped carrots and celery back into the broth along with the chicken. This provides additional texture and flavor to the dish.
If you prefer a thicker broth, thicken it with a mixture of cornstarch and water. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy broth, add milk or heavy cream after the dumplings are cooked. Finally, for a shortcut, you can use a cooked rotisserie chicken instead of simmering a whole chicken. This saves time and still results in a delicious meal.
With these tips and variations, you can make homemade chicken and dumplings that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy the comforting flavors and simplicity of this classic dish!
FAQ
What are some key ingredients needed for homemade chicken and dumplings?
The key ingredients for homemade chicken and dumplings include chicken, onion, carrots, flour, shortening, baking powder, milk, cornstarch, water, and optional additions like herbs, spices, and milk or heavy cream for a creamier broth.
What is the process for making old-fashioned chicken and dumplings from scratch?
To make old-fashioned chicken and dumplings from scratch, you simmer a whole chicken, onion, and carrots to create a flavorful broth. Then, you prepare the dumplings using ingredients like flour, shortening, baking powder, and milk. The dumplings are rolled out, cut into strips or rectangles, and added to the simmering broth to cook until plump and tender. The broth can be thickened with cornstarch and water if desired, and milk or heavy cream can be added for a creamier broth.
Can chicken and dumplings be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, chicken and dumplings can be made in a slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps of simmering the chicken, onion, and carrots in the slow cooker to create the broth. Once the broth is ready, prepare the dumplings and add them to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the dumplings are cooked through.
Are there any tips for making homemade chicken and dumplings?
Yes, some tips for making homemade chicken and dumplings include not worrying too much about the shape of the dumplings and focusing more on the consistency of the dough. Rolling the dough out to about 1/8″ thickness is ideal for the perfect dumpling texture. Additionally, you can add your favorite herbs, spices, or chopped carrots and celery back into the broth along with the chicken for added flavor. Thicken the broth with cornstarch and water for a thicker consistency or add milk or heavy cream for a creamier broth. Finally, you can use a cooked rotisserie chicken as a shortcut instead of simmering a whole chicken.
Are there any variations of chicken and dumplings?
Yes, there are various variations of chicken and dumplings. You can customize the recipe by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables to the broth. Some popular variations include adding bay leaf, poultry seasoning, or fresh parsley for added flavor. You can also experiment with different types of dumplings, such as using biscuit dough, whole wheat flour, or gluten-free flour. The possibilities for variations are endless, allowing you to adapt the recipe to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Source Links
- https://tasty.co/recipe/cozy-chicken-and-dumplings
- https://www.spendwithpennies.com/old-fashioned-chicken-and-dumplings/
- https://www.browneyedbaker.com/chicken-and-dumplings/
