Best CHICKEN and

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Best Chicken and Dumplings – Comfort in a Bowl

Introduction

Few dishes say comfort food quite like Chicken and Dumplings. A warm, hearty stew of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy dumplings simmered to perfection, it’s the kind of meal that soothes the soul and satisfies the stomach.

It’s ideal for cold evenings, family dinners, or whenever you need a taste of home. The combination of a rich chicken broth, soft biscuit-like dumplings, and well-seasoned vegetables creates a cozy, nostalgic experience in every bite.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Chicken Stew:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery ribs, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs), cut into parts, or 3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs/breasts
  • 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dumplings:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broth:
    • In a large heavy pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
    • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Add chicken broth, chicken pieces, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 45–60 minutes, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  3. Shred the Chicken:
    • Remove chicken from pot, shred meat, and discard bones and skin.
    • Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  4. Make the Dumpling Dough:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    • Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Stir in buttermilk until just combined (do not overmix).
  5. Cook the Dumplings:
    • Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) into the simmering stew.
    • Cover pot and simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Finish the Dish:
    • Stir in heavy cream (if using) and fresh parsley.
    • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
    • Serve hot in deep bowls.

Methods

  • Low and Slow Cooking: Keeps chicken tender and juicy.
  • Don’t Peek: Lifting the lid while dumplings cook can make them heavy instead of fluffy.
  • Fresh Herbs Finish: Adds brightness to the rich flavors.

History

Chicken and Dumplings is a classic Southern and Midwestern comfort dish in the U.S., though variations exist in European peasant cooking traditions as well. It became popular in America during the Great Depression, when stretching a chicken with broth and flour dumplings provided a filling, affordable meal.

Benefits

  • Nutrient-Dense: Protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables.
  • One-Pot Meal: Less cleanup.
  • Comfort Factor: Perfect for cold weather or when you’re feeling under the weather.
  • Customizable: Add extra veggies, spices, or creaminess.

Formation (Serving Ideas)

  • Serve with crusty bread for soaking up broth.
  • Pair with a crisp green salad to balance richness.
  • Sprinkle extra parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color.

Conclusion

This Best Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, creamy, and soul-warming. From the tender chicken to the fluffy dumplings, every bite is a hug in a bowl.

For the Lovers

  • Chicken Lovers: Juicy, flavorful chicken in every spoonful.
  • Dumpling Lovers: Soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dough balls.
  • Soup Lovers: A creamy, savory broth that feels like home.

Methods (Again)

  • Drop, Don’t Roll: Keeps dumplings tender and rustic.
  • Simmer, Not Boil: Prevents tough chicken and dumplings.
  • One Pot Magic: Layers flavors for a richer final result.

Conclusion (Again)

Whether you grew up eating it or are trying it for the first time, Chicken and Dumplings is timeless. Serve it to family, friends, or just yourself — and watch it disappearDUMPLINGS

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