Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction

Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender chunks of chicken with fluffy dumplings in a rich, savory broth. This hearty meal is perfect for cozy nights in, providing both warmth and satisfaction with every bite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Stew:
   • Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and brown them on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
   • Add the chicken broth, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
2. Shred the Chicken:
   • Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a creamier broth.
3. Thicken the Broth (Optional):
   • In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the broth to thicken it. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the broth has slightly thickened.
4. Make the Dumplings:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined (do not overmix). The dough will be slightly sticky.
   • Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering chicken stew, making about 8-10 dumplings. Make sure they are spaced out a bit so they have room to expand.
5. Cook the Dumplings:
   • Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking, as they need the steam to cook properly. After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked through.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf and serve the Chicken and Dumplings hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 60-65 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or a mix of hearty vegetables and use vegetable broth.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the stew for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a bit of broth to loosen the stew.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   • Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may not be as tender as thighs.
2. Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings?
   • Yes, but the dumplings may become slightly dense when thawed. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
3. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
   • Use gluten-free flour and a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.
4. Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
   • Yes, you can use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the salt content.
5. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   • Substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy milk for a lighter option.
6. How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
   • Dumplings are done when they are fluffy and cooked through; use a toothpick to test doneness.
7. Can I add other vegetables?
   • Yes, you can add vegetables like peas or potatoes to the stew.
8. What should I do if my broth is too thick?
   • Add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
9. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
   • You can prepare the stew and dumplings ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
10. How do I adjust the seasoning?
    • Taste the stew before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s perfect for a hearty meal and can be customized with various herbs and vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this classic recipe is sure to please. Enjoy this warm and hearty dish, perfect for cozy nights or special occasions!

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