This comforting chicken and dumplings recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy family meal!
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breast or thighs)
- 2 small carrots, sliced
- 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 Irish potatoes, cubed
- 5 small onions, chopped
- 5 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons melted chicken fat (or butter)
- Water (to make a stiff dough)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:
In a large saucepan, add the chicken, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, and celery tops. Cover with 5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Add the sliced carrots, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, and onions to the pot. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender. - Prepare the Dumplings:
While the soup is cooking, make the dumpling dough. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the melted chicken fat and stir until the mixture resembles crumbs. Gradually add enough water to form a stiff dough. - Shape the Dumplings:
Divide the dough into three parts. Roll each part into a small log and then cut into squares or small dumpling shapes. - Cook the Dumplings:
Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering pot with the chicken and vegetables. Add one third of the dumplings at a time, cooking each batch for 5 minutes before adding the next. Cook for an additional 5 minutes after adding the final batch of dumplings. - Serve:
Once the dumplings are cooked and fluffy, ladle the chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls. Serve hot and enjoy!
This homemade chicken and dumplings dish is hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor—a true comfort food classic!