Chicken and Dumplings
A hearty and flavorful dish with tender chicken and soft dumplings.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Chicken and Dumplings evolved from simple, hearty peasant food traditions of various European countries. The dish was brought to America by settlers, primarily from England and Scotland, who adapted it using readily available ingredients. The concept of cooking meat in a broth and thickening it with dough dates back centuries.
Chicken and Dumplings is deeply rooted in American comfort food culture, often associated with home-style cooking, family gatherings, and Southern traditions.
Comfort Food Staple
It's a dish often associated with warmth, nostalgia, and feelings of being cared for. It is frequently served during colder months or when seeking solace.
Southern Cuisine
Chicken and Dumplings is a quintessential dish in Southern American cuisine, with variations and regional preferences widely celebrated.
Family Traditions
Many families have their own unique recipe, passed down through generations, often with slight variations in ingredients or dumpling style.
Potlucks and Gatherings
Chicken and Dumplings is a popular dish to bring to potlucks, family reunions, and church suppers due to its ability to feed a crowd.
Chicken and Dumplings boasts a comforting and savory flavor profile, primarily driven by the richness of chicken broth and the tender, slightly chewy texture of the dumplings.
The dominant flavor is that of chicken, enhanced by vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, which contribute a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the broth. Herbs like thyme, parsley, and bay leaf add complexity. The dumplings themselves often have a mild, doughy flavor that absorbs the savory broth, sometimes with a hint of baking powder or butter depending on the recipe.
Rich Broth is Key
Use a high-quality chicken broth, or even better, make your own from scratch using a whole chicken or chicken bones for a richer flavor.
Don't Overcook the Dumplings
Overcooking can lead to tough or mushy dumplings. Cook them just until they are cooked through and slightly puffed up.
Vary Dumpling Styles
Experiment with different dumpling styles. Drop dumplings are easier and quicker, while rolled dumplings provide a chewier texture. Some recipes even use biscuit dough.
Thicken the Broth
If the broth is too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) before adding the dumplings.
Vegetable additions
Add a bay leaf or two, celery and carrots to the broth as it simmers to greatly enrich flavor.
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