CHICKEN and DUMPLINGS

by

For Chicken:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 🛢️

  • 4 chopped stalks celery 🥒

  • 4 sprigs thyme 🌿

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour 🌾

  • 1 large diced yellow onion 🧅

  • 2 thinly sliced large leeks 🌱

  • 6 peeled and sliced medium carrots 🥕

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 🧈

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Coat both sides of the chicken with pepper and salt. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes, until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside, reserving the fat in the pan.

  2. Cook the Vegetables: Return 2 tablespoons of the reserved chicken fat to the pot, leaving the browned bits behind. Add the celery, onions, and half of the carrots. Season with pepper and salt, and cook on medium heat for about 4 minutes, until softened.

  3. Prepare the Broth: Add the chicken, thyme, and 8 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

  4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the broth and place it on a platter to cool. Strain the broth and set it aside.

  5. Make the Roux: In a separate pot, melt the remaining chicken fat and butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture turns a pale golden brown. Gradually whisk in the reserved chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain.

  6. Add the Vegetables: Season with salt, and reduce the heat to low. Let the carrots and leeks cook in the broth for about 10-12 minutes.

  7. Add the Chicken Meat: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat and return it to the pot. Stir to combine.

  8. Make the Dumplings: In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir lightly until just combined.

  9. Cook the Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop dollops of dumpling dough into the simmering broth, making sure they’re spaced apart. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 20 minutes on low heat.

  10. Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked through, serve the dish hot. Garnish with fresh parsley and chives for added flavor and color. 🌿🍴

What Goes Well with Chicken and Dumplings?

Chicken and Dumplings pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like cornbread, green beans, and other comforting vegetables. This dish is a creamy, delicious meal that brings the family together around the table. 🍞🌱🥕

Enjoy this classic comfort food any day of the week, and let it warm your soul with every bite!

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