# Warm Classic Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Chicken and dumplings is a cherished comfort dish that soothes the spirit and invokes nostalgia. This traditional recipe includes a hearty broth, tender chicken, and homemade dumplings, making it an ideal meal for cool nights or family gatherings.
## Taste Profile
The dish features a savory and rich broth brimming with succulent chicken and fluffy, soft dumplings. It’s a delightful mix that pleases the taste buds and stirs memories of home.
### Time-Efficient Tip
To minimize preparation time while retaining flavor, consider opting for frozen vegetables and a homemade biscuit mix.
### Suggested Tools
A pizza cutter serves as a fantastic tool for swiftly slicing dumplings into uniform strips, ensuring consistent cooking.
### Serving Ideas
Present this dish warm in a slow cooker, allowing everyone to serve themselves. Pair it with homemade breadsticks to absorb the creamy broth.
## Ingredient Highlights
– **Chicken Base:** Select any combination of chicken up to 5 pounds for the broth. A whole bone-in chicken adds depth, while individual parts work just as well. If using frozen chicken, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
– **Vegetables:** Celery, carrots, and onions create a sweet and savory foundation for the broth.
– **Dumplings:** These simple dumplings are prepared with pantry essentials and are soft and airy. If you’re short on time, you can substitute them with any pasta that has tubes or ridges to capture the broth.
## How to Prepare Chicken and Dumplings
1. **Cook the Broth and Chicken:** In a large pot, add chicken, onion, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cover simmer for 45-60 minutes until the chicken is tender.
2. **Prepare the Dumplings:** While the broth cooks, prepare the dumplings (full recipe below).
3. **Strain the Broth:** Strain the broth through cheesecloth, shred the chicken, and discard the skin and bones. Return the broth to the pot.
4. **Add Dumplings:** Bring the strained broth back to a boil, gently add dumplings, and reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until they are tender.
5. **Combine and Serve:** Mix the shredded chicken (and vegetables if preferred) back into the broth and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated. Adjust seasonings if necessary before serving.
### Dumpling Suggestions
– For flat dumplings, roll out the dough and cut into strips, dusting with flour to avoid sticking.
– Drop biscuits are airier and usually float on top of the soup rather than being stirred in.
## Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
– **Refrigeration:** Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– **Freezing:** Separate the chicken from the dumplings when freezing for up to 4 months. Dumplings are best enjoyed fresh.
– **Reheating:** Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. If the broth thickens, stir in a bit of broth or water.
## Frequently Asked Questions
**How to Thicken Chicken and Dumplings?**
Combine cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into boiling broth until the desired thickness is reached.
**Can You Freeze Chicken and Dumplings?**
Yes, but it’s advisable to freeze the broth and chicken apart from the dumplings. Make fresh dumplings during reheating.
## What to Accompany Chicken and Dumplings
Consider offering a side of green beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Savor this traditional chicken and dumplings recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your dining experience!