Classic Chicken & Dumplings

 

Browning the chicken first gives this comforting one-bowl meal its flavor—and eliminates the need for chicken broth.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)

kosher salt and black pepper

4 stalks celery, chopped

4 carrots, chopped

2 onions, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves or 2 teaspoons dried thyme

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 bay leaves

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted

3/4 cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus more for serving

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Brown in batches, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate; reserve the pot.

Add the celery, carrots, onions, thyme, and garlic to the drippings in the pot and cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the chicken, bay leaves, and 10 cups water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and transfer the chicken to a plate; let cool. Shred the chicken with 2 forks and return it to the pot (discarding the skin and bones).

Whisk together ½ cup of the flour, 2 cups of the cooking liquid, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly whisk the flour mixture back into the pot and simmer until slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.

Make the dumplings: Whisk together the remaining 2 cups of flour, the baking powder, baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk in the butter, buttermilk, and parsley. Reduce heat to low and drop the mixture into the broth in 8 large spoonfuls. Simmer, covered, until the dumplings are firm, 12 to 15 minutes. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

tips for making a delicious and flavorful crock pot beef stew:

1. Use bone-in chicken: Using bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks, adds more flavor to the broth. It also helps create a richer and more robust taste.

 

2. Cook the chicken with aromatics: Before adding the liquid, sear the chicken pieces in a pot with a little oil until they develop a golden brown crust. This step enhances the flavor of the dish. Add aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to the pot as well, as they contribute to the overall taste.

 

3. Make your own broth: Homemade chicken broth can take the flavor of your dish to the next level. If possible, use homemade chicken broth by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, herbs, and spices for a few hours. Alternatively, you can use store-bought chicken broth or a combination of broth and water.

 

4. Simmer for a longer time: Let the chicken and vegetables simmer in the broth for an extended period. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and results in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, it helps tenderize the chicken and ensures it absorbs the delicious broth.

 

5. Make fluffy dumplings: To make light and fluffy dumplings, use a biscuit-like dough made with flour, baking powder, salt, and a fat such as butter or shortening. Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough dumplings. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth, cover the pot, and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.

 

6. Season appropriately: Season the dish with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to enhance the flavors. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

 

7. Add vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, or celery to the dish for added nutrition and flavor. These vegetables complement the chicken and dumplings well and provide extra texture and color to the dish.

 

8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chicken, dumplings, and broth into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Classic chicken and dumplings are often enjoyed as a standalone meal, but you can also serve them with a side salad or crusty bread for a more substantial meal.

 

Remember, cooking times and ingredient proportions may vary depending on your recipe, so follow the instructions provided in your chosen recipe for the best results.