How to Can Chicken and Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Guide
Canning chicken and dumplings is a fantastic way to preserve the essence of this comforting dish for future enjoyment. Whether you’re preparing for a long winter or simply looking to extend the life of your homemade meal, this guide will walk you through the process of canning chicken and dumplings. From selecting the right ingredients to following the proper canning techniques, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a delicious and long-lasting canned meal.
Ingredients
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks of celery, chopped
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
– 4 cups of water
– 1 cup of flour
– 1/4 cup of shortening
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 cup of buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley (optional)
Preparation
1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Remove any giblets and rinse the chicken under cold water. Place the chicken in a large pot and add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, remove the meat from the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, shortening, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring until the mixture forms a soft dough.
4. Preheat your canner and jars according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fill the jars with the chopped chicken, then top with the dumpling dough. Leave 1 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
Canning Process
1. Once the jars are filled, place the lids and rings on the jars and tighten them securely.
2. Lower the jars into the canner, making sure they are fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 90 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary.
3. After processing, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove the jars and place them on a towel to cool.
4. Once the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing on the center of the lids. If the lids are concave and stay down, the jars are sealed properly. If any jars do not seal, refrigerate and use them within a few days.
Enjoy Your Canned Chicken and Dumplings
Congratulations! You’ve successfully canned chicken and dumplings. Store your jars in a cool, dark place and enjoy this delicious meal whenever you desire. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting meal during the cold winter months or sharing it with friends and family, canned chicken and dumplings are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table.
