Imagine a dish that wraps you in warmth, transports you to grandma's kitchen, and makes your taste buds dance with pure comfort! Anita's Chicken and Dumplings isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary hug that promises to chase away any blues and fill your home with mouthwatering aromas. Whether you're craving a hearty meal on a chilly evening or looking to impress your family with a classic American comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, combine chicken broth, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken to the simmering broth. Stir gently and let the ingredients heat together, allowing the flavors to meld.
- In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the dumpling dough by combining flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add milk and egg. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth. Space the dumplings evenly to prevent sticking.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Allow dumplings to steam and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through.
- Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The dumplings should be tender and the broth slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dumplings to set and the flavors to further develop.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has chicken, vegetables, dumplings, and plenty of broth.
Tips
- Use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for an extra flavor boost and time-saving hack.
- For ultra-fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough - a few lumps are perfectly okay!
- Make sure your broth is at a gentle simmer when adding dumplings to ensure even cooking.
- Don't peek too often when the dumplings are cooking - keep the lid on to trap steam and help them rise.
- For a richer broth, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
- If the broth is too thin, you can create a quick slurry with cornstarch and water to thicken it slightly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, though the dumplings may absorb more broth overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
