Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with homemade chicken and dumplings. This classic dish, featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, brings back memories of cozy family dinners. It’s the perfect meal to warm up your heart and soul on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp shortening
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2-3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 medium whole chicken
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Water (enough to boil and for broth)
- Optional: canned broth or water and a chicken bouillon cube if more broth is needed
Directions:
- Boil the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large pot, cover with water, and season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Boil for about 1 hour until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, debone it, and set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup water, 1 tbsp shortening, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp baking powder. Gradually add 2-3 cups of flour to form a dough. For added color, you can mix in a bit of yellow food coloring before adding the flour.
- Make the Dumplings: Roll out the dough very thin on a floured surface and cut into strips about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long. Using parchment paper can help prevent sticking.
- Cook the Dumplings: Bring the chicken broth back to a boil and add the dough strips. Boil for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine and Serve: Add the deboned chicken back to the pot. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For extra flavor, you can add a chicken bouillon cube or a touch of poultry seasoning. Serve hot.
Conclusion and Tips:
This homemade chicken and dumplings recipe brings the comforting flavors of home-cooked goodness to your table. For a richer taste, use chicken broth instead of water, or add a splash of cream to the broth. Share your tips and variations in the comments below!