Hearty Chicken and Dumplings A Comforting Classic

Prepare yourself for the ultimate comfort food experience with this tantalizing chicken and dumplings recipe. Get ready to indulge in tender chicken thighs swimming in a luscious gravy alongside an array of vibrant vegetables, all crowned with fluffy, flavorful dumplings. This dish is pure coziness, reminiscent of a warm embrace on a chilly day. And the best part? It's crafted entirely from scratch, ensuring each bite is packed with homemade goodness.

Exploring Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings, a beloved comfort food, may vary in interpretation depending on regional traditions. Yet, they consistently offer a hearty and comforting dining experience. While the foundation typically comprises succulent chicken enveloped in a savory gravy, the dumplings can take on various forms, from thick noodles to fluffy biscuits. In this rendition, we're opting for the irresistibly soft and pillowy cloud dumplings.

Ingredients for a Memorable Meal

Gather the following ingredients to embark on your chicken and dumplings adventure:

• Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their foolproof tenderness and juiciness. Alternatively, chicken breast can be used with caution to avoid overcooking.
• Vegetables: Onion, garlic, carrot, and celery form the flavorful base, infusing the gravy with depth while imparting color and texture.
• Butter and Flour: Create a roux with butter and flour to thicken the gravy and infuse it with richness.
• Herbs: Harness the aromatic blend of parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, and pepper to evoke classic chicken soup flavors.
• Chicken Broth and Milk: Combine broth and milk for a flavorful and creamy gravy base.
• Dumplings: Craft fluffy dumplings with a simple mixture of flour, milk, melted butter, herbs, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Storing Leftovers for Later Enjoyment

Savor the deliciousness of leftover chicken and dumplings by storing them properly. Divide any remaining portions into single-serving containers and refrigerate. Despite the gravy thickening upon refrigeration, the leftovers remain irresistibly delectable for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and dumplings for 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, either thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or utilize the defrost function on the microwave.

Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Dumplings

Achieve dumpling perfection with these helpful tips

• Ensure the dumpling batter is sufficiently moist, yielding a soft, sticky, scoopable dough.
• Simmer the gravy before adding the dumplings to harness the steam's cooking power.
• Keep the pot lid on throughout the dumplings' cooking process to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
• Opt for smaller dumplings to expedite cooking; they'll double in size as they cook, ensuring a delectably fluffy texture.

Savory Chicken and Dumplings: A Homestyle Favorite

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this delectable chicken and dumplings recipe. Featuring tender chicken thighs enveloped in a rich gravy alongside a medley of aromatic vegetables, this dish promises to warm your soul with every bite. Topped with fluffy, flavorful dumplings, it's a homestyle favorite that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Chicken and Gravy

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 lb.)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions for Chicken and Gravy

1. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown chicken thighs on each side until deeply golden. Transfer partially cooked chicken to a clean bowl.
2. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened. Stir to dissolve browned bits from the skillet.
3. Add diced carrot and celery to the skillet and sauté for an additional five minutes.
4. Stir in butter and flour until a paste forms, coating the vegetables. Cook for about two minutes.
5. Add parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and milk. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer until thickened into a gravy.
6. Dice chicken and return it to the skillet with vegetables and gravy. Cover and simmer over medium heat while preparing dumplings.

Ingredients for Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions for Dumplings

1. In a bowl, combine flour, parsley, sugar, salt, baking powder, garlic powder, and pepper.
2. Pour in milk and melted butter, stirring until a soft batter forms. Do not overmix.
3. Drop dumpling batter onto the simmering gravy in 2 tablespoon dollops. Aim for about 12 dumplings.
4. Cover skillet and simmer for 15 minutes, ensuring a steady simmer throughout. Dumplings should double in size and be fluffy and cooked in the center. Serve hot and enjoy!

Equipment

• Deep stainless steel skillet

Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 369 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Fat: 19 g
• Sodium: 991 mg
• Fiber: 2 g

Experience the comforting flavors of homestyle chicken and dumplings with this irresistible recipe. Perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings, it's a dish that promises warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.