FAQ:
1. What ingredients are needed to make Chicken and Dumplings?
Answer: To make Chicken and Dumplings, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Stew:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Chicken broth or stock
- Carrots, sliced
- Celery, sliced
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Butter or oil for sautéing
- Flour (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh or dried herbs (such as thyme, parsley, and bay leaf)
For the Dumplings:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
- Butter, melted or oil
2. How do you make the chicken stew portion of the dish?
Answer: To make the chicken stew:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter or oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add the chicken pieces, salt, pepper, and herbs. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the stew has thickened, about 20-25 minutes.
3. How do you make the dumplings for Chicken and Dumplings?
Answer: To make the dumplings:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix.
- The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
4. What is the process for adding dumplings to the chicken stew?
Answer: To add dumplings to the chicken stew:
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering stew. The dumplings should sit on top of the stew.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is needed to cook the dumplings properly.
- After 15-20 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness. They should be puffed up and cooked through.
5. How should Chicken and Dumplings be served?
Answer: Chicken and Dumplings should be served hot, directly from the pot. Ladle portions of the stew into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings. For added flavor, you can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of additional herbs. This hearty dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.