Best Chicken and Dumplings

This dish is Southern American Comfort Food down to a T. Comforting Goodness in a bowl! ‘Chicken N Dumplings, ‘ as this soup is referred to, has been around since the time of the ‘Great Depression’ preceding World War 2.
In times of need, the dumplings were added to soups and stews as a method to extend the dish and feed more mouths.
Dumplings, added to the soup or stew, are still used as a simple and economical way of extending such dishes. They have evolved independently in various cuisines around the world.

The dumplings are usually cereal-based – oats, maize, wheat, rice, etc.
Dumplings can be dropped by the spoonfuls or rolled and flattened and then cut before dropping in broth; they can also be flattened and shaped with filling before dropping.
The vegetables used can be celery, carrot, potato, corn, peas, etc, as well as varied herbs.

After trying several delicious Southern-style dishes, this is our favorite.

Best Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

For stock:

• 1 whole chicken, excluding the breasts (set away for another recipe) large pieces with skin kept on.
• for the stock:
• 3 long carrots, peeled and sliced into ½ ” pieces
• 3 ribs of celery, sliced into ½ ” pieces
• 1 large white or yellow onion, sliced
• 6 sprigs of chives or 1 Tbsp dried
• 5 large sprigs of parsley or 1 Tbsp dried
• 5 sprigs of rosemary or 1 Tbsp dried
• Fresh herbs are preferred
• 12 cups water
• 2 ½  tsp salt

For Dumplings:

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 4 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1¼ – 2¼ cups milk( use as required)
• 1 large egg

Extra:

• • 3 long carrots, peeled and sliced into ½ ” pieces
  • 3 ribs of celery, sliced into ½ ” pieces

Method:

The stock:

The dumplings:

Best Chicken and Dumplings

Try it and let us know – Best Chicken and Dumplings.