Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

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Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

A classic comfort dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings. This recipe serves 6-8.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

· 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 1 whole chicken, 3-4 lbs)
· 8 cups chicken broth (or water)
· 2 tbsp butter or oil
· 1 large onion, diced
· 3 carrots, sliced into rounds
· 3 celery stalks, sliced
· 3 garlic cloves, minced
· 2 bay leaves
· 1 tsp dried thyme
· Salt and pepper to taste
· ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)

For the Dumplings:

· 2 cups all-purpose flour
· 1 tbsp baking powder
· 1 tsp salt
· 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
· 3 tbsp melted butter or vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Place chicken in a large pot and cover with broth/water. Add 1 tsp salt.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Remove chicken, let cool slightly, then shred meat, discarding skin and bones. Reserve broth.

Step 2: Make the Stew Base

  1. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened (6-8 minutes).
  2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  3. Sprinkle flour over vegetables (if using) and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually pour in reserved broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
  5. Add bay leaves, thyme, shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Prepare Dumplings

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined (do not overmix).

Step 4: Cook Dumplings

  1. Drop dumpling batter by tablespoonfuls onto simmering stew.
  2. Cover pot tightly and simmer for 15-18 minutes (do not lift lid during first 10 minutes).
  3. Dumplings are done when puffed and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Remove bay leaves. Ladle stew and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

· Don’t overmix dumpling batter – lumps are okay; overmixing makes them tough.
· Keep the lid on while steaming dumplings to ensure they cook properly.
· For a richer broth, use homemade chicken stock.
· Add frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes for extra vegetables.
· Leftovers thicken upon standing; thin with a little broth when reheating.

Enjoy this warm, comforting meal perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a taste of home!

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