My family loves my grandma’s chicken and dumplings recipe. And they are just as tasty when warmed up!
Ingredients
2 cups flour, all-purpose
½ cup of sifted shortening
½ cup of milk
1 egg
1 chicken
2 bouillon cubes
2 cups celery chopped finely
2 cups carrots chopped finely
1 small chopped onion
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
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Directions
Step1
Using a medium bowl, mix the shortening and flour until the combination resembles stale cornbread.
Step2
In a different separate the milk and eggs and break it up by whisking. These two mixtures, plus any bean substitutes, should be added to the main flour mixture. Blend the ingredients to form a dough that holds together in a ball shape. Roll it out onto a floured surface; then, using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough as thin as you can. Allow the dough to rest for 2 hours.
Step 3
Transfer the chickens to a large pot, then add enough water to cover them completely. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat and allow it to simmer until the center is completely transparent in color and the meat starts to come off the bone. This may take up to one hour. The thermometer should read about 165F.
Step 4
Get the chicken out of the pot. Use your bare hand to break meat away from the bone.
Step 5
Strain the liquid and return it to the pot. Add two cups of water, fish cubes, chicken meat, chopped carrots, leucocyanidin, and onion. Boil this mixture for another 15 minutes.
Step 6
In the meantime, the dough should be rolled into strips with a width of about one inch. See a pot of broth oil and then drop the strips of the rolling dough into the hot oil. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to ensure that the dumplings are thoroughly cooked. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy the food!
An Easy Recipe
I recall something about chicken and dumplings that smiled at me. My mother’s effort in the cuisine was commendable, but it never struck me with such intensity. Consequently, I assumed it would be nearly impossible to prepare the dish from its original ingredients.
That was not the case. It is one of the simplest dishes he has ever had to prepare. And on top of all that, it was very affordable, too—a great cost-effective meal.
Instead of the flat dumplings that she always made, the biscuit-like kind has become preferred by us and this one is included in the current recipe.
Meals that do require much expenditure yet are sufficiently satisfactory still appeal to me. And it’s filling.
And assuming it would be your first time making this dish, I assure you that you will appreciate it.
Reasons To Love This Recipe
You can save time preparing your meal because this is incredibly simple to prepare. I prepared this dish as I was re-doing the interior of my house, come!
The recipe can provide up to six generous servings.
The dish is quite substantial.
If you purchase chicken on promotion, it is not very expensive.
Especially in winter or cold evenings, chicken and dumplings are the best option.
The dish is perfect for potluck dinners, office events, or any large gatherings.
Maybe you often forget to defrost the chicken if you are like me. No need to panic. Put it in a Crock Pot frozen. I assure you the meat will still be tender when cooked.
I stock up on frozen chicken that I buy from Fresh Market which goes on sale every week. It is a good way to cut some costs.
If you are fond of Southern dishes, you may enjoy this Southern peach cobbler too.
How To Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings
Put all the chicken breasts inside the Crock Pot.
Grab a big bowl and get the condensed cream of celery soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, water, onion, salt, and pepper in there. Give it a good mix. (Or for the simplest option, put all the products in the crock pot).
Now pour the soup mixture onto the chicken one and close the lid again.
Choose a medium temperature for six hours on the slow cooker or a low temperature for eight hours.
About an hour before your time is up, make the chicken into shreds with a pair of forks. Add the peas and carrots.
Take the biscuit dough and make small pieces out of it or any dumpling dough. Place it inside the Crock Pot and push it under the liquid with care as it is hot.
Let it cook for one more hour.
If you care to make it even cheaper, making your biscuit dough will not be a difficult task for you.
I have already spoiled myself with Julia’s Simply Southern Southern Buttermilk Biscuits recipe and it will never let me down.
These will puff and cook inside the biscuits.
What I do most of the time is take one out and look inside it to see whether it is fully baked or it is still doughy. In case the latter is the case, I will leave them in the oven for a few more minutes.
Additional Flavor Tips and Variations
Finely chopped onions are prepared.
A few more of your favorite spices or herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme can surely be added to this dish as well. For additional taste, you can feel free to sprinkle some parsley on top.
Biscuits, which are flavored either with buttermilk, cheese, or herbs, are delicious in the dish.
Chicken broth, low in sodium.
Garlic in a bulb.
You can incorporate some diced celery, carrots, or green beans.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe as well; if that is all you have.
Conclusion
The recipe of Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings is a straightforward yet extraordinary dish that has so much history behind it. It’s very easy to prepare yet enjoyable to eat, hence making it a great choice for family occasions or even for cold nights. The combination of chicken, broth, and dumplings is just out of this world; the satisfaction is something else.
This recipe is surely for everyone whether a beginner in the kitchen or a professional. It will soon become a well-liked dish in your house. So, get your products, and do the following steps to satisfy your taste buds with some homemade food prepared as if it was your Grandma who cooked it.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dumplings for this recipe?
Certainly, if you are pressed for time, you may opt for dumplings from a store. Nonetheless, the flavor of the meal is better complimented by the handmade dumplings.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can make the chicken and the broth a day in advance and store it in a refrigerator. When the time to serve it comes, boil the broth, after that immerse the dumplings into it and bring it to a fluffy state.
3. Can I substitute chicken breast for the whole chicken?
Definitely! A chicken breast or even a chicken thigh would be ideal. Just keep in mind that you should change the cooking length in case there is a chicken breast since it simmers rapidly.
4. How do I store leftovers?
It is recommended that leftover food should go into an air-tight container and further be kept in the refrigerator where it is safe for 3 days. Avoid making the dumplings overcooked by gently heating them on the stovetop.
5. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Yes, it is quite possible, however, it is preferable to do so without the dumplings. Chicken and broth can be frozen, however, it is advised to add fresh dumplings when reheating in order to ensure texture.
6. What vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Carrots, celery, and peas are brilliant as they might add better taste and nutrition as well. While simmering chicken, broth can be used to put them in.