Classic Chicken and Dumplings

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Classic Chicken and Dumplings.

1. Step 1

   Start by gathering all your ingredients in one place for a smooth cooking experience.

2. Step 2

   In a large stock pot, melt some butter over medium-high heat.

3. Step 3

   Once it’s bubbling, toss in the quartered celery, chopped carrot, diced onion, mashed garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.

4. Step 4

   Stir everything together and let it cook for about five minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

5. Step 5

   Next, push the vegetable mixture to the sides of the pot and add the chicken.

6. Step 6

   Sear the chicken for about three to five minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned.

7. Step 7

   Now, pour in enough water to cover the chicken by about three inches.

8. Step 8

   Bring the pot to a boil, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom.

9. Step 9

   Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for around an hour, or until the chicken is tender and juicy.

10. Step 10

    After the chicken is cooked, use a large slotted spoon to transfer it and the carrots to a serving plate, allowing them to cool for a bit.

11. Step 11

    While they cool, ladle about a quarter cup of the cooking liquid into a bowl and let it sit for five minutes.

12. Step 12

    Mix in two tablespoons of self-rising flour, then stir this mixture back into the pot to thicken the broth.

13. Step 13

    In a separate large bowl, combine two cups of self-rising flour with cold shortening, cutting it in with two knives until the mixture resembles small pea-sized bits.

14. Step 14

    Gradually add in the chilled chicken broth until a soft dough forms.

15. Step 15

    Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently for five to six times.

16. Step 16

    Pat it down to about an inch thick, sprinkle lightly with flour, and roll it out to about an eighth of an inch thick.

17. Step 17

    Cut the dough into squares using a sharp knife.

18. Step 18

    Drop the squares into the simmering cooking liquid in batches, gently moving them to the side with each addition.

19. Step 19

    Partially cover the pot and let the dumplings simmer until they’re firm, which should take about twelve minutes.

20. Step 20

    If any dumplings stick together, just separate them gently with a spoon.

21. Step 21

    Once they’re done, remove the pot from the heat.

22. Step 22

    Bone the chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot along with the chopped carrots.

23. Step 23

    Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool for about thirty minutes before serving.

24. Step 24

    Now, gather your loved ones and enjoy the comforting goodness of your homemade chicken and dumplings!.