Description
Hearty chicken and dumplings showcase Southern comfort cuisine with tender meat and pillowy pastry. Nostalgic flavors blend creamy broth and delicate dumpling layers, inviting you to savor a classic home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups chicken (cooked, shredded; rotisserie works great)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup milk (for dumplings)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter (for thickening)
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter (melted, for dumplings)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for dumplings)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley or thyme (optional, for dumplings)
Instructions
- Sauté Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables soften and become translucent, releasing their natural flavors and creating a robust aromatic foundation.
- Develop Flavor Profile: Introduce minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, then sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Build Liquid Foundation: Slowly pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a silky, integrated base. Add shredded chicken and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
- Simmer and Merge: Allow the mixture to gently simmer, enabling flavors to meld and intensify. Incorporate heavy cream or milk to transform the dish into a rich, comforting meal with a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Prepare Dumplings: While the chicken mixture simmers, prepare dumpling dough by combining flour, baking powder, salt, and herbs. Gradually add milk to create a soft, cohesive dough that will float delicately on the surface.
- Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly into the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing dumplings to steam and become light, fluffy pillows nestled in the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Control Butter Heat: Use medium-low temperature to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even melting without scorching.
- Vegetable Precision: Dice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and balanced texture throughout the dish.
- Layer Flavor Gradually: Add seasonings in stages to build depth, allowing each ingredient to release its unique essence without overwhelming others.
- Cream Timing Matters: Add cream at the end of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a silky, rich consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg