A classic comfort food recipe featuring tender chicken simmered in flavorful broth with vegetables, topped with fluffy homemade dumplings for a hearty meal.
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
4 cups chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Dumplings
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup milk
Instructions
Prepare the broth: In a large pot, combine chicken pieces, chicken broth, chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin, then return the shredded chicken to the pot with the broth and vegetables.
Make the dumpling batter: In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined, forming a soft batter.
Cook the dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the simmering chicken mixture. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to become fluffy and fully cooked.
Serve: Spoon the chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
Use homemade or low-sodium chicken broth for better flavor and to control salt content.
You can add fresh parsley or thyme as garnish for extra aroma and taste.
For a richer broth, simmer chicken with the bones for added depth before shredding.
If you prefer lighter dumplings, substitute milk with buttermilk or a plant-based milk alternative.
Do not lift the lid while dumplings are cooking to ensure they steam properly and stay fluffy.
