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- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 cup milk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - Fresh parsley, for garnish Gathering fresh ingredients is key to good chicken and dumplings. Start with a whole chicken, which gives rich flavor and great texture. Use low-sodium chicken broth for a balanced taste. Diced onion adds sweetness, while sliced carrots and chopped celery bring color and crunch. Garlic gives depth, and herbs like thyme and rosemary bring a lovely aroma. For the dumplings, use milk for moisture and all-purpose flour to create a sturdy base. Baking powder helps them rise, making them light and fluffy. A pinch of salt and black pepper adds flavor. Lastly, melted butter gives richness and a nice finish. Fresh parsley not only looks great but adds a nice burst of freshness when you serve. You can find the full recipe within this article to guide you through making this dish. Enjoy the process as you blend these ingredients into a warm, comforting meal. In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, chicken broth, diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. This mix creates a rich flavor base. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 30 to 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked and tender. Remove the chicken from the pot after cooking. Allow it to cool slightly so you can handle it safely. Shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, adding back all that juicy goodness. In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and melted butter. This creates a thick batter for the dumplings. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the broth. Watch as they puff up during cooking! Bring the broth back to a gentle boil. Cover the pot and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This step helps the dumplings become fluffy. After cooking, check the seasoning and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make light and fluffy dumplings, follow these simple tips. First, mix your batter gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Second, make sure your broth is boiling when you drop in the dumpling batter. This helps them puff up nicely. Lastly, do not lift the lid while they cook. This keeps the steam in, which is key for fluffy dumplings. You can boost the flavor of your broth easily. Add bay leaves and parsley stems to the pot. They give your dish a nice depth. You can also try extra spices like paprika or fresh herbs like thyme. This creates a richer taste overall. When serving chicken and dumplings, use deep bowls. This allows the broth to cover the dumplings nicely. You can drizzle a bit of broth over the top for extra flavor. For sides, consider a simple green salad or crusty bread. These pair well and round out the meal perfectly. Enjoy your comforting dish with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing touch. For the full recipe, check the Complete Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can make chicken and dumplings lighter without losing flavor. For the dumplings, try using low-fat milk or yogurt instead of whole milk. This swap keeps the texture nice while cutting fat. You can also use whole wheat flour for a fiber boost. If you want to swap the chicken, turkey works well. It keeps the dish hearty, and it’s a great way to use leftovers. For a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and a nice texture. You have options when it comes to broth. Homemade broth is rich and flavorful, but store-bought can save time. If you use store-bought, choose low-sodium broth for a healthier choice. To make your broth special, infuse it with herbs like bay leaves or fresh parsley. This step adds depth to the flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix in extra veggies. Peas, corn, or mushrooms add color and taste. You can also use sweet potatoes or spinach for a twist. They help make the dish more nutritious. Adjusting seasonings can also change the dish. Add more thyme, or try a pinch of cayenne for heat. Taste as you cook to find what you love. This way, your chicken and dumplings will always be perfect for your palate. For more cooking ideas, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftovers safely, place chicken and dumplings in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing. This helps prevent bacteria growth. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. To freeze chicken and dumplings, let the dish cool completely first. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can store it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Stir gently to avoid breaking the dumplings. Enjoy your comforting meal again without losing flavor or texture! It takes about one hour and fifteen minutes to make classic chicken and dumplings. You will spend around twenty minutes on prep. Then, cook the chicken and dumplings for about fifty-five minutes. This time includes simmering the chicken and making the dumplings. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen chicken takes longer to cook. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat. Also, add a few extra minutes to ensure the chicken is tender. Chicken and dumplings pair well with several sides. Consider a fresh salad with mixed greens. You can also serve steamed broccoli or green beans for a nice crunch. Mashed potatoes are another great option, adding more comfort to your meal. For a light touch, serve with a fruit salad. Yes, you can make dumplings without baking powder. Use self-rising flour instead. This flour has baking powder mixed in. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of flour and cream of tartar. Mix one cup of flour with one and a half teaspoons of cream of tartar. This will help your dumplings rise. This blog post guides you through making classic chicken and dumplings. You learned about the main ingredients, like chicken, broth, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing the dish, making fluffy dumplings, and enhancing flavor. You also discovered variations and storage tips. Enjoy this warm, comforting meal with family. Experiment with flavors and ingredients. Your kitchen can be filled with amazing smells and joyful moments. Making chicken and dumplings is both easy and rewarding for everyone.

Classic Chicken and Dumplings

Warm up your dinner table with this comforting chicken and dumplings recipe! This dish features tender chicken swimming in a rich broth, paired with fluffy dumplings that are easy to make. Perfect for cozy nights, it's not just delicious but also a family favorite. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe is a must-try! Click through for the full recipe and tips to impress your loved ones with this hearty meal.
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Ingredients
  

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 medium onion, diced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 cup milk

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, chicken broth, diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

    Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

      Remove the chicken from the pot and allow to cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

        In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and melted butter to form a thick batter for the dumplings.

          Bring the broth back to a gentle boil. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the broth; they will expand while cooking. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

            Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

              Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

                Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 1 hr 15 min | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in deep bowls, drizzling a bit of the broth over the dumplings, and sprinkle with extra parsley for a pop of color.