How to Make Chicken and Dumplings From Scratch: A Complete Guide
Are you a fan of hearty, comforting meals that are perfect for colder months? Then you’ll love chicken and dumplings, a classic Southern dish that’s beloved by many. In this article, we’ll teach you how to make chicken and dumplings from scratch, so you can enjoy this homestyle meal in the comfort of your own home. We’ll cover everything from the recipe itself to regional variations, ingredient spotlights, and health-conscious approaches, so you can customize the dish to your liking.
Step-by-step Recipe Guide
To make chicken and dumplings, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Follow these easy steps:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the chicken pieces, bay leaves, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let cook for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add the milk and stir until the dough comes together.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat with a fork. Discard the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and bring the broth back to a simmer.
- Add the dumpling dough to the pot by spoonfuls. Cover and let cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Season the chicken and dumplings with salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Personal Anecdote
One of the reasons that chicken and dumplings is so special to me is because I learned how to make it from my grandmother. Whenever I visited her, she would always have a big pot of chicken and dumplings simmering on the stove. She taught me her recipe when I was young, and now it’s one of my favorite dishes to make. Not only does it remind me of her, but it’s also a comfort food that never fails to make me feel better on a chilly day.
Regional Variations
Chicken and dumplings differ from region to region, and each variation has its own unique spin on the classic recipe. For example, Southern-style chicken and dumplings use buttermilk biscuits instead of dumplings and often include a creamy, thick sauce. Pennsylvania Dutch chicken and dumplings are made with square-shaped potato dumplings. Wherever you are, there’s a style that’s perfect for you.
Health-conscious Approach
If you’re watching your sodium, fat, and calorie intake, there are ways to make chicken and dumplings healthier without losing any of the flavor. Here are a few suggestions:
- Use chicken breast meat instead of a whole chicken, as it’s leaner and lower in fat.
- Try using low-sodium chicken broth.
- If you’re making dumplings from scratch, use less butter and opt for skim milk instead of whole milk.
- Add extra vegetables to the dish to increase its nutritional value.
Ingredient Spotlight
One of the key ingredients in chicken and dumplings is, of course, the chicken. To make sure you get the best quality chicken for your dish, look for ones that are certified organic or free-range. These birds have been raised in humane conditions and are less likely to have been pumped full of hormones and antibiotics.
Quick and Easy Version
If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the deliciousness of chicken and dumplings, you can try a shortcut version that uses store-bought ingredients. Instead of making dumplings from scratch, you can use refrigerated biscuit dough. Simply cut the dough into pieces and add it to the pot with the chicken and broth.
Cooking Advice
When making chicken and dumplings, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure the dish turns out perfectly:
- Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid
- Be careful not to overwork the dumpling dough, as this can make the dumplings tough and dense.
- Use fresh or dried herbs instead of powdered ones for optimal flavor.
Conclusion
Learning how to make chicken and dumplings is a rewarding experience that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you prefer the classic Southern version or a regional variation, there’s a recipe out there that’s perfect for you. With our step-by-step guide, you can make this homestyle favorite from scratch in the comfort of your own home.
