Chicken and dumplings

chicken_and_dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a classic Southern dish that has been passed down through generations. It is the ultimate comfort food, full of flavor and hearty enough to fill you up on a cold winter’s day. This savory dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and it’s simple enough for even the novice cooks among us.

The origins of chicken and dumplings are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the Southern United States around the time of the Civil War. It is thought that the recipe was created by woman who had to use whatever ingredients were available to them, including scraps of chicken and flour.

Chicken and dumplings is a very versatile recipe, and there are many ways to make it. Some recipes call for a creamy sauce, while others are more soupy. Some recipes include vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, while others focus solely on the chicken and dumplings.

The key to a delicious Southern Chicken and dumplings recipe is in the dumplings themselves. The dumplings should be light and fluffy, yet still dense enough to hold up in the thick sauce. To achieve this texture, the dough should not be overworked, and the dumplings should be cooked until they are just done, not overcooked.

To make the perfect Southern Chicken and dumplings, start by frying the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides. This step is important because it helps to develop the flavor of the dish. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, sauté some onions and celery until they are soft and translucent. Add in some flour and cook until it is lightly golden brown. This will create a roux, which will thicken the sauce later on.

Slowly add in some chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce has thickened.

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the dumplings. Mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and some milk to create a dough. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering sauce, cover, and let them cook for about 15 minutes.

Once the dumplings are cooked, add the chicken back into the pan and stir to combine. Let the chicken and dumplings cook together for a few minutes to ensure that the flavors meld together.

To serve, ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and enjoy! This meal is perfect with a side of buttered corn, green beans or collard greens.

In conclusion, Southern Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that’s been enjoyed by generations. It’s a simple yet hearty dish that’s easy to prepare, and the key to a perfect recipe is the light and fluffy dumplings. So, next time you’re in the mood for a comforting meal or are hosting a potluck, give this recipe a try and impress your guests with your Southern cooking skills.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, bring the chicken and water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

  2. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Remove and discard the skin and bones, and shred the meat.

  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  4. Add the milk to the bowl and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 1 minute.

  5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut the dough into 1-inch squares.

  6. Add the dumplings to the pot of chicken and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.

  7. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.

  8. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and comforting Southern chicken and dumplings!