How to Make Homemade Dumplings for Chicken and Dumplings

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug, chicken and dumplings is the way to go. This classic comfort food is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding your family on a chilly evening or just treating yourself after a hectic day. Today, I’m walking you through a simple, foolproof recipe for homemade dumplings that’ll take your chicken and dumplings game to the next level. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

What You’ll Need for the Chicken Broth

First things first: the broth. A rich, flavorful broth is the backbone of this dish, so don’t skimp on the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 whole chicken (around 4-5 pounds)
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
• 10 cups of water
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, but highly recommended)
• 2 bay leaves

How to Make the Chicken Broth

Making the broth is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it:

1. Grab a large pot and place the whole chicken in it. No need to cut it up—just plop it in there.
2. Toss in the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and all your spices. It’s like a little veggie party in your pot.
3. Pour in the water, making sure everything is fully submerged. Think of it as giving your chicken a nice, cozy bath.
4. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover it and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and practically falling off the bone.
5. Carefully remove the chicken and set it aside to cool. Strain out the veggies—they’ve done their job and can retire now.

Time to Make the Dumplings

Now for the star of the show: the dumplings. These little pillows of joy are what make this dish so special. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dumpling Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup buttermilk (if you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk with a splash of vinegar works too)

How to Make the Dumplings

Making dumplings is surprisingly simple. Just follow these steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry ingredient base.
2. Add the melted butter and mix it in with a fork or pastry cutter. You’re aiming for a crumbly texture—think of it as making a cozy little blanket for your dumplings.
3. Slowly pour in the buttermilk, stirring gently until a dough forms. Don’t overmix! Overworking the dough can make your dumplings tough, and nobody wants that.

Bringing It All Together

Now that you’ve got your broth and dumplings ready, it’s time to combine them into one glorious dish:

1. Shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the pot with the strained broth. This is where the magic happens.
2. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. You want it warm and welcoming, not boiling like a cauldron.
3. Using a spoon, drop small dollops of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Think of it as tucking little clouds into a savory soup.
4. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. The dumplings will puff up and soak in all that delicious broth flavor.

Serving Your Masterpiece

Once your homemade chicken and dumplings are ready, it’s time to serve them up in style. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more special:

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that savory broth.
• Pair it with a light green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

And there you have it—a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make some culinary magic. Enjoy!