Grandma’s Secret Chicken and Dumplings

Cozy Comfort in a Bowl: Grandma’s Secret Chicken and Dumplings!

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings to warm your soul on a chilly evening. This classic comfort food combines tender, juicy chicken with pillowy dumplings, all swimming in a rich, creamy broth that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm embrace, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face with every spoonful.

As the aroma of simmering chicken and herbs fills your kitchen, you’ll find yourself transported back to simpler times. This recipe takes the beloved dish to new heights with a secret blend of spices and a foolproof method for creating the fluffiest dumplings you’ve ever tasted. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

While the origins of chicken and dumplings can be traced back to the Southern United States, this hearty dish has become a comfort food favorite across the country. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a complete meal in itself, packed with protein and vegetables. For a perfect pairing, serve it alongside a crisp green salad and a tall glass of sweet iced tea for the ultimate Southern-inspired feast.

Grandma’s Secret Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 onion diced

3 carrots sliced

3 celery stalks chopped

3 cloves garlic minced

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool.

2. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

5. While the broth simmers, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces.

6. Add the shredded chicken and heavy cream to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. For the dumplings, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

8. Stir in the milk and parsley until a soft dough forms.

9. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

10. After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are cooked through by inserting a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, they’re ready.

11. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Notes:

• For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
• To make gluten-free dumplings, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1 cup

Calories: 380

Fat: 18g

Protein: 25g

Carbohydrates: 30g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 3g

Sodium: 650mg

Other Information

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

Equipment used: Large pot, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons

Estimated cost per serving: $2.50

Total cost: $15 (serves 6)

In Conclusion, Grandma’s Secret Chicken and Dumplings

In conclusion, this chicken and dumplings recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of comfort food. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your household, just as it has been in countless homes across America for generations.

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