How do you make homemade chicken and dumplins?

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings: A Southern Comfort Food Classic

This recipe yields a hearty and comforting chicken and dumplings dish.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

* 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

* 1 large onion, chopped

* 2 carrots, chopped

* 2 celery stalks, chopped

* 1 tablespoon salt

* 1 teaspoon black pepper

* 8 cups chicken broth (or water)

For the Dumplings:

* 2 cups all-purpose flour

* 1 teaspoon baking powder

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1/2 cup shortening

* 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, combine the chicken pieces, onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper.

2. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring to a boil over high heat.

3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.

4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.

5. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat and set aside.

Make the Dumplings:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cut in the shortening using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring until a soft dough forms.

4. Do not overmix.

Assemble and Cook:

1. Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the broth.

2. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the boiling chicken broth, about 2 inches apart.

3. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.

4. Serve hot.

Tips and Variations:

* For richer flavor, use chicken stock instead of water.

* Add a bay leaf to the broth while simmering the chicken.

* Use a combination of dark and white meat for a more flavorful dish.

* For a lighter version, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

* You can also add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to the pot.

* For a richer dumpling texture, use a combination of butter and shortening.

* Serve with a side of your favorite Southern sides like mashed potatoes, collard greens, or cornbread.

Enjoy your homemade chicken and dumplings, a comforting and flavorful meal!