Tad’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe


Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and hearty stew that has been a beloved classic in American households for generations. This traditional recipe features tender stewing hen cooked in a flavorful broth, accompanied by soft, pillowy dumplings. The combination of succulent chicken and fluffy dumplings is a true delight for the taste buds and warms the soul. Perfect for cold days or any time you crave a comforting meal, this Chicken and Dumplings recipe will become a family favorite.

Preparation Time In Minutes: 30 minutes (excluding overnight soaking)

Cooking Time In Minutes: 4 hours (including stewing time) + 15 minutes (for dumplings)

Recipe Summary:

In this recipe, a stewing hen is slow-cooked with onions, celery, and a blend of spices to create a rich and flavorful chicken broth. After simmering for hours, the tender chicken meat is removed from the bone and added back to the thickened broth along with chopped celery and carrots. The dumplings, made from a simple flour and milk-based dough, are dropped into the simmering stew and steamed to fluffy perfection. The result is a comforting, classic dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

  • 1 stewing hen
  • 1 onion, chopped into big pieces
  • 5 pieces of celery chopped into big pieces
  • 1 tbsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup chicken fat or butter
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 2 cups sifted flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 3 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • 1-2 tsp. parsley (optional)

Instructions:

  1. On the day before serving, rinse the stewing hen in a colander and place it along with the onion, celery, salt, and enough water to just cover it in a large stockpot.
  2. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to low-medium, allowing it to simmer covered for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken meat is tender and easily falls off the bone.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pot and strain the broth, making sure to keep the flavorful liquid. Let the chicken cool, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Refrigerate the broth overnight.
  4. The next day, you will notice that the fat has solidified and risen to the surface of the broth. Remove and set aside this chicken fat for later use.
  5. In a large pot, melt 1/2 cup of the reserved chicken fat (or use butter if preferred) and stir in 1/2 cup of flour to create a roux.
  6. Gradually add the strained chicken broth to the roux, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth, velvety gravy.
  7. Toss in the chopped celery and carrots and let them simmer in the stew until they become tender.
  8. Add the chopped chicken pieces to the stew, allowing them to heat through and become infused with the savory flavors of the broth and vegetables.
  9. While the stew is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
  10. Add the milk and melted butter (or any extra chicken fat) to the dry ingredients, forming a soft dough. If desired, mix in parsley for added flavor.
  11. Drop heaping teaspoons of the dumpling dough into the simmering stew. To do this neatly, you can use a cookie scoop.
  12. Cover the pot tightly, allowing the dumplings to steam without lifting the lid for 12-15 minutes. This helps the dumplings cook to fluffy perfection.
  13. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, and your Chicken and Dumplings are ready to be enjoyed!

Tad’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

In conclusion, Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy to the dining table. This classic recipe’s rich and flavorful stew, coupled with the fluffy dumplings, creates a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. So the next time you want a taste of nostalgia and a bowl of warmth, give this Chicken and Dumplings recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Olivia Bennet

Olivia Bennett, the passionate author and curator of Ninja Creamier, has always had a deep love for all things that include chicken. This site is just a humble example of that.

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