Chicken & Dumplings
There is something very comforting about Chicken & Dumplings. It’s one of those meals that always feels like home. I can remember Mom having a big batch simmering on the stove when I was little. I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. This dish is a lot easier to make than most realize. Take your time developing the flavors of your chicken broth. That flavor is what makes or breaks this dish. I hope you will give it a try.
In a large stockpot, add:
4 cups Water
1 Carrot, cut into 1/2” pieces
1/2 Onion, roughly chopped
2 stalks Celery, cut into 2” pieces
1 Bay Leaf
2 cloves Garlic, smashed
3 pinches Salt
Black Pepper to taste
2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Bring to a boil then cover pot with lid. Reduce heat to a simmer and allow to cook for 30 minutes. Add
2 cups of low sodium Chicken Broth
Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Once proper seasoning is achieved, remove chicken breasts from pot and add:
1/3 cup Milk
1 pat Butter
Turn heat up to achieve a gentle boil. While it is coming to temp, begin making your dumplings.
For Dumplings:
In a bowl, whisk together:
2 cups All Purpose Flour
2 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Salt
Black Pepper to taste
Once well combined, cut in, using a pastry cutter, fork, or even your hands:
2 Tbsp. Butter
Butter should be smaller than a pea when done. Add:
3/4 cup Milk
Using a fork, stir until your dough comes together but don’t overmix. You want all your flour incorporated but then STOP. Allow dough to rest for 5 minutes, if possible. Drop dough by slightly rounded Tablespoon into gently boiling broth. Work in batches so not to overcrowd your pot. Allow dumplings to cook UNCOVERED for 3-4 minutes, flip over and cook for another 2 minutes. It is always a good idea to cut open your first dumpling to see if it is cooked through. Adjust your cooking time as needed. Once all dumplings are cooked, add your chicken (I slightly shred it first) back to the pot. You can also add frozen peas at this point if desired. Bring broth back to a rolling boil and allow your broth to thicken slightly. Gently place dumplings into broth and stir to coat. Pour into serving dish and Enjoy!