How do I make chicken and dumplings from scratch? This classic American dish is a warm and comforting meal that brings together tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, mastering the art of making chicken and dumplings from scratch can be a rewarding experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process, step by step, to help you create a delicious homemade version of this timeless favorite.
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need chicken breasts, chicken broth, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, butter, onions, celery, and carrots. Once you have everything prepared, follow these simple steps to make chicken and dumplings from scratch:
1.
Begin by preparing the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer until it is cooked through. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.
2.
In the same pot, add the chicken broth, onions, celery, and carrots. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften.
3.
While the vegetables are simmering, prepare the dumpling dough. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Cut in 1/4 cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add 1/2 cup of cold water. Stir the mixture until it comes together to form a dough. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, but be careful not to make it too wet.
5.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Using a knife or a biscuit cutter, cut the dough into small pieces and drop them into the simmering broth. Cook the dumplings for about 10 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through.
6.
Once the dumplings are done, shred the cooked chicken and add it back to the pot. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
7.
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped chives if desired. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal that will warm you up on a cold day.
By following these steps, you can easily make chicken and dumplings from scratch. Remember to adjust the seasoning to your taste and experiment with different herbs and spices to add your own twist to this classic dish. Happy cooking!
