The Incredible Taste of Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is a Southern dish that has been around for generations. It is a comfort food that is characterized by a creamy broth with dumplings that are similar to noodles. There is so much potential for delicious variations on this dish. The one thing that all iterations of the dish have in common are the delicious vegetables.
The Vegetables
Vegetables add a fresh flavor to this savory comfort meal, and there are several staples that no chicken and dumplings dish would be complete without:
- Carrots – Carrots add a sweetness and crunchiness to the dish. they also are an excellent source of Vitamin A.
- Celery – Celery gives the dish a subtle crunch and flavor. It is also excellent for digestion.
- Onions – Onions have a mild flavor and add a hint of saltiness to the dish.
- Garlic – Garlic provides a depth of flavor and pairs well with the other vegetables.
With these ingredients, you can create a savory base that pairs perfectly with the chicken and noodles.
The Chicken
No chicken and dumplings is complete without the chicken. It can be cooked in a variety of ways. The most popular methods include baking, poaching, and frying. The key is to ensure that the chicken remains juicy and tender. After it is cooked, the chicken can then be added to the soup or stew.
The Dumplings
The dumplings can be made with a variety of different flours. The most common is all-purpose flour, but other options include semolina or rice flour. The dumplings can be boiled, or fried, depending on the desired flavor and texture.
Putting it All Together
Once all of the components are prepped, it is time to put it all together. The vegetables and chicken should be added to a pot and cooked on a low/medium heat for 20-30 minutes. The broth should be constantly stirred to ensure that no burning occurs.
After the vegetables have cooked, the dumplings can be added. They should be dropped in 1 tablespoon at a time, and stirred continuously until they begin to thicken. Once all of the dumplings have been added, the soup should cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Enjoy!
At this point, the chicken and dumplings are ready to be served. A dash of salt and pepper will add an additional layer of flavor. Enjoy!