Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Who doesn’t love a cozy, comforting bowl of old-fashioned chicken and dumplings on a chilly day? This classic recipe will warm your soul and fill your belly with goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
• In a large pot, brown the chicken pieces on all sides.
• Add chopped celery, carrots, and onion to the pot.
• Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• In a bowl, mix flour, milk, and a pinch of salt to form a sticky dough.
• Drop spoonfuls of dough into the boiling broth.
• Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use cooked chicken, simply add it in towards the end of the cooking process to heat through.

• Q: Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative?

A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour if needed.

• Q: How do I make the dumplings lighter and fluffier?

A: To achieve lighter dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough and handle it gently when dropping into the boiling broth.

• Q: Can I add herbs or spices to the broth for more flavor?

A: Absolutely, feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices like paprika or garlic powder to enhance the flavor of the dish.

• Q: How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?

A: Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Helpful tips:

• Add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking for extra richness.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley over the finished dish for a pop of color and freshness.
• For a thicker broth, mix a spoonful of cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering broth.
• Try adding diced potatoes or peas for additional vegetables in the dish.
• For a shortcut, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a whole chicken.

Expert Secrets:

• Allow the dumplings to cook undisturbed for the full 20 minutes to ensure they are cooked through and fluffy.
• Skim any excess fat from the broth before adding the dumplings for a cleaner final dish.
• Season the broth generously with salt and pepper to ensure the flavors are well-balanced.
• Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and cook the dumplings more quickly.
• Stir the dumplings gently once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.