🍗 Prepare yourself for a heartwarming culinary journey with this beloved family favorite: Chicken and Dumplings! Originally inspired by a recipe from Southern Living magazine, this rendition boasts a delightful twist with the addition of carrots, onion, and celery, elevating its flavor profile and nutritional content. Perfect for cozy weeknights or chilly evenings, this stove-top wonder requires just under four hours from start to finish, promising a satisfying meal that’ll leave everyone craving seconds!
🕒 Let’s dive into the timing of this recipe:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 1 hour 25 minutes | 1 hour 55 minutes |
📝 Now, let’s uncover the secret behind crafting this culinary masterpiece:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chicken bouillon granules
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 3 tablespoons poultry seasoning
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/3 cup bacon drippings
- 2 cups milk
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 carrot (chopped)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken Broth:
- Begin by covering the chicken with water in a large Dutch oven or pot, bringing it to a boil.
- Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and ground red pepper.
- If desired, incorporate chopped onion, celery, and carrot for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for approximately one hour.
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the broth and set it aside to cool.
- Skim any excess fat from the broth using your preferred method, ensuring a lighter and cleaner base.
-
Create the Dumplings:
- In a separate bowl, combine the self-rising flour and poultry seasoning.
- Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening and bacon drippings until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add milk to the dry ingredients, stirring until a moist dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to approximately 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces, ready to be transformed into delectable dumplings.
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Assemble and Cook:
- Return the prepared chicken broth to a simmering state.
- Skin, bone, and chop the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chicken, chicken bouillon, and remaining salt and pepper to the broth, returning it to a gentle simmer.
- To make the dumplings, bring the broth to a rolling boil and drop the prepared dough pieces into the pot, a few at a time.
- Stir the mixture gently to ensure even cooking and distribution.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle this comforting concoction into bowls, allowing the aroma to tantalize your senses.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.
- Gather your loved ones around the table and savor each spoonful of this soul-soothing dish.
- Whether it’s a frosty winter’s night or a rainy day, let this Southern-inspired comfort food warm your body and soul!
Indulge in the nostalgia and flavors of the South with every mouthful of this classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe. With its hearty combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and pillowy dumplings, it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, cherished by generations to come. So, grab your apron and get ready to create cherished memories around the dinner table with this soul-satisfying dish!
