Buzz
There’s nothing like a hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings to chase away the winter chill.
©iStockphoto.com/EperceptionsChicken and dumplings stand alongside timeless favorites like mashed potatoes, meatloaf, and mac-n-cheese as quintessential comfort foods. These dishes have graced family tables for generations and have recently gained popularity in upscale restaurants. While chefs often add a contemporary twist, some prefer to honor the traditional recipes, appealing to diners craving nostalgic flavors. As a beloved Southern classic, chicken and dumplings shine both as a homemade delight and a trendy restaurant offering.
Preparing the Chicken
To create the ideal chicken and dumplings, begin with perfectly prepared chicken. There are numerous methods to achieve tender, flavorful chicken. Martha Stewart suggests using a whole chicken, segmented by your butcher, and simmering it with carrots, celery, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This method yields tender meat and a rich homemade stock. Alternatively, celebrity chef Tyler Florence advocates for oven-roasting a whole chicken coated in herb butter. Roasting at 375°F (190.5°C) for about an hour ensures a golden, juicy result. Once cooked, shred the chicken for the dish. Popular seasonings include rosemary, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Preparing the Dumplings
Once the chicken is ready, the dumplings are cooked in a flavorful chicken stock. If you boiled the chicken, the stock is already prepared. Otherwise, create the stock separately, enhancing it with roasted chicken drippings if available. Simmer chicken bones with garlic, celery, carrots, and spices for added depth, then strain out the bones. For the dumplings, combine flour, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk or buttermilk to form a thick, doughy batter. Shape into balls and boil in the stock until fully cooked. Test doneness by inserting a skewer or toothpick; if it comes out clean, the dumplings are ready.
Crafting the Sauce and Final Touches
For those who prefer a richer sauce, thicken the chicken stock with flour, heavy cream, and butter after the dumplings are cooked. This transforms the broth into a velvety gravy. Incorporate the shredded chicken, dumplings, green peas, diced carrots, and celery, then simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. The result is a comforting, hearty dish of chicken and dumplings that’s sure to satisfy.
Dumplings have various names across cultures. For instance, Jewish cuisine features matzo balls, Chinese cuisine offers wontons, and Italian cuisine includes gnocchi, all of which are unique takes on the classic dumpling.
