Creamy Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings

Creamy Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make!

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creamy Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. The creamy chicken stew is loaded with tender chicken, fresh green beans, and sweet corn, all simmered in a flavorful broth. The cornmeal dumplings are light and fluffy, adding a delicious texture to the dish.

History

Creamy Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings is a classic American comfort food dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of creamy chicken stew and fluffy cornmeal dumplings is a favorite in many households, especially during the colder months.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 cups desired fresh vegetables, such as chopped carrots, chopped turnip, chopped rutabaga, chopped onion, and/or green beans cut into 1 inch pieces
1 x 9 oz (255 g) package frozen whole kernel corn
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp dried basil, crushed
0.25 tsp dry mustard
0.13 tsp black pepper
1 cup vegetable broth or water
0.33 cup all-purpose flour
0.33 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tsp baking powder
0.13 tsp salt
dash black pepper
0.25 cup milk
2 tbsp cooking oil
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
0.75 cup milk

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into pieces that are 0.75 inches in size.
In a pressure cooker that has a capacity of 4 or 6 qt (5.68 liters), combine the chicken, desired vegetables, corn, garlic, 0.5 tsp of salt, basil, mustard, 0.13 tsp of black pepper, and vegetable broth or water.
Lock the lid in place.
If you have a first-generation cooker, place the pressure regulator on the vent pipe.
Over high heat, bring the cooker up to pressure.
Reduce the heat just enough to maintain pressure and allow the pressure regulator to rock gently. Cook for 3 minutes.
While the mixture is cooking, stir together 0.33 cup of flour, cornmeal, baking powder, 0.13 tsp of salt, and a dash of black pepper in a small bowl.
Combine 0.25 cup of milk and cooking oil, and add it to the flour mixture. Stir just until combined.
Quick-release the pressure.
Carefully remove the lid.
In a small mixing bowl, stir together 0.25 cup of flour and 0.75 cup of milk. Add this mixture to the pressure cooker.
Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the bubbling chicken mixture to make 4 mounds.
Cover loosely (do not lock the lid) and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center of a dumpling comes out clean.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or carrots to the stew for extra vegetables.
Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish.
Substitute the chicken with turkey or pork for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Use fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture.

- Make sure to lock the lid on the pressure cooker securely to prevent steam from escaping.

- Drop the dumpling batter onto the simmering stew gently to avoid splashing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cold glass of milk.

Cooking Techniques

Pressure cooking, simmering

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.

- Substitute vegetable broth for the water for added depth of flavor.

- Use gluten-free flour and cornmeal for a gluten-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

The stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dumplings can be made fresh before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Creamy Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings in individual bowls, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. The colorful vegetables and fluffy dumplings make for an attractive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Creamy Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious gravy. A side of roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes would also complement the dish well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers 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 per serving: 350

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g

Fats

Total Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Proteins

Protein: 28g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

Vitamin C: 15%

Calcium: 15%

Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains: Milk, Wheat

Summary

Creamy Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner.

Summary

Creamy Chicken with Cornmeal Dumplings is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a family dinner. The creamy chicken stew is packed with flavor and nutrients, while the fluffy cornmeal dumplings add a satisfying texture. This classic American comfort food is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a cold winter's day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a picture of creamy chicken with cornmeal dumplings caught my eye. The golden dumplings looked so fluffy and inviting, and I could almost smell the savory aroma wafting from the page.

I had always been a lover of comfort food, and this dish seemed to epitomize everything I loved about home cooking. The recipe was simple enough, with basic ingredients that I already had in my pantry. But it was the combination of flavors and textures that intrigued me – tender chicken simmered in a creamy sauce, topped with fluffy cornmeal dumplings that soaked up all the delicious juices.

I decided then and there that I would make this dish for dinner that night. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the recipe step by step. As the chicken simmered on the stove, filling the house with its rich aroma, I prepared the cornmeal dumplings. The dough was soft and sticky, and I used a spoon to drop dollops of it onto the simmering chicken.

As the dumplings cooked, they swelled and expanded, absorbing the flavors of the creamy sauce. When the dish was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and served it to my family. Their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites, savoring the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.

From that moment on, creamy chicken with cornmeal dumplings became a staple in our household. It was a dish that brought us together, warming our bodies and souls on cold winter nights. I made it for special occasions and Sunday dinners, and it never failed to impress.

Over the years, I learned to make the recipe my own, tweaking it here and there to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I added extra herbs and spices for a more savory flavor, or swapped out the chicken for turkey or beef. But no matter how I changed it, the dish always retained its comforting essence.

I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing it down through the generations just as my grandmother had done with me. Each time I made creamy chicken with cornmeal dumplings, I felt a connection to the women who had come before me, who had lovingly prepared meals for their families with the same care and attention to detail.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the warmth of the stove and the familiar smells of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes that have been handed down to me. They are a link to the past, a way of honoring the memories and traditions of my ancestors.

And so, as I stir the pot of creamy chicken with cornmeal dumplings, I think of my grandmother and all the other women who have inspired me to cook with love and passion. I know that this recipe will continue to be a part of my family's culinary heritage, bringing joy and comfort to those who gather around my table.

As I sit down to enjoy my meal, I take a bite of tender chicken and fluffy dumpling, savoring the rich flavors that fill my mouth. And in that moment, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment, knowing that I have honored my grandmother's legacy in the best way possible – through the art of cooking.