Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings

 

Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ¾ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Place the whole chicken in a large pot and cover it with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin.

2. Prepare the Broth:
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

3. Make the Dumplings:
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and milk until a thick dough forms.

4. Assemble and Cook:
   Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering broth. Cover and let the dumplings steam for 15-20 minutes, until they are light, fluffy, and fully cooked.

5. Serve & Enjoy:
   Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Southern classic!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 450 kcal per serving