Chicken and Dumplings I

Chicken and Dumplings I Recipe - Authentic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth and topped with fluffy dumplings.

History

Chicken and dumplings has roots in Southern cuisine and has been a staple in American households for generations. The dish was originally created as a way to stretch a small amount of chicken to feed a large family.

Ingredients

1 small chicken (1.5 lb (680 g))
1.5 cups water
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 stalk celery
0.25 cup onion

Dumplings

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
1 tbsp shortening
0.5 cup skim milk

How to prepare

To make chicken and dumplings, disjoint the chicken and remove the skin. Place it in a large pan.
Add water, salt, celery, and onion to the pan. Simmer for 1 to 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
Remove the chicken from the bone and return it to the chicken stock.
Bring the chicken and stock to a boil and add the rolled dumplings.
Cover the pan and boil gently for 8 to 10 minutes.

Dumplings

To make dumplings, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the shortening.
Add milk to make a stiff dough.
Roll the dough out to about 0.13 inch thickness and cut it into 1 inch strips, squares, or diamonds.

Chicken pot pie

To make a chicken pot pie, put the mixture in a deep dish and cover it with a rolled pastry dough that fits, making several slashes in the top.
The top crust will add calories to the total.
You may add peas, carrots, and mushrooms if you like. Those ingredients are not in the original recipe.

Variations

Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist on the dumplings.
Try adding different vegetables like corn or green beans.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the chicken until it is tender to ensure a flavorful broth.

- Rolling the dumplings out to a consistent thickness will help them cook evenly.

- Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, and mushrooms can add extra flavor and nutrients to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chicken and dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chicken until tender and boiling the dumplings gently ensures a flavorful and tender dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute butter for shortening in the dumplings for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to add the dumplings and finish cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve chicken and dumplings in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair chicken and dumplings with a glass of white wine or a cold glass of milk for a comforting meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken and dumplings are a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and dairy.

Summary

Chicken and dumplings are a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth and topped with fluffy dumplings, making it a satisfying and delicious meal for the whole family.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Chicken and Dumplings. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves falling in a beautiful dance of reds and golds outside my kitchen window. My dear friend Margaret had come over for a visit, and as we sat around the table sipping tea, she began to reminisce about her grandmother's famous Chicken and Dumplings.

Margaret spoke of how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully preparing each ingredient with love and care. The smell of the simmering broth and tender chicken wafting through the air, creating a sense of warmth and comfort in their home. As Margaret spoke, I could almost taste the rich, savory broth and fluffy dumplings in my mind.

I knew then and there that I had to learn this recipe. Margaret graciously agreed to share it with me, passing down her grandmother's legacy to me. She handed me a worn, stained recipe card, written in delicate cursive script. The ingredients and instructions were simple, yet I could sense the magic and tradition behind them.

I spent the next few days gathering the ingredients, carefully selecting the freshest vegetables and the plumpest chicken. As I began to cook, I felt a sense of connection to Margaret's grandmother, as if she was guiding me through each step. The kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of onions and garlic sizzling in butter, the sound of the broth bubbling gently on the stovetop.

I followed the recipe to the letter, taking my time to ensure that each dumpling was perfectly fluffy and each piece of chicken was tender and succulent. As I stirred the pot, I felt a sense of calm and contentment wash over me, knowing that I was creating something truly special.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I ladled the steaming Chicken and Dumplings into a bowl, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. With bated breath, I took my first bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue, the rich broth warming me from the inside out. The dumplings were light and fluffy, soaking up the savory broth like a sponge.

I couldn't believe it. I had done it. I had mastered Margaret's grandmother's recipe for Chicken and Dumplings. I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride, knowing that I had honored a family tradition and created something truly delicious.

From that day on, Chicken and Dumplings became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply on a cold winter's day when I needed a bit of comfort. Each time I made it, I would think of Margaret and her grandmother, grateful for the gift of their recipe and the memories it brought with it.

As the years passed, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own little twists and touches to make it my own. But at its core, it remained Margaret's grandmother's Chicken and Dumplings, a dish that would forever hold a special place in my heart and in the hearts of those who tasted it.

And so, dear reader, I urge you to seek out the recipes of your loved ones, to learn from them and pass them down to future generations. For in those recipes lies a piece of history, a piece of love, and a piece of tradition that will forever bind us together. And who knows, perhaps one day, you too will find yourself standing in a kitchen, stirring a pot of simmering broth, feeling the presence of those who came before you guiding your hand.