How to Make Chicken and Dumplings with a Whole Chicken
Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Made with a whole chicken, this dish is not only delicious but also economical. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making chicken and dumplings with a whole chicken, ensuring that you end up with a flavorful and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks of celery, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, carrots, celery, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, inside and out.
3. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken in a roasting pan and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
4. Make the Dumplings: While the chicken is resting, prepare the dumpling dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Add Water: Gradually add the cold water to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Shape the Dumplings: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for a few seconds. Roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out the dumplings.
7. Cook the Dumplings: Place the dumplings on top of the chicken in the roasting pan. Drizzle the pan with the juices from the chicken and pour in the chicken broth.
8. Bake the Dumplings: Return the roasting pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Serve: Carve the chicken and serve it alongside the dumplings and the savory broth. Enjoy your homemade chicken and dumplings with a side of your favorite vegetables or a salad.
Now that you know how to make chicken and dumplings with a whole chicken, you can enjoy this comforting dish any time you want. The combination of tender chicken, flaky dumplings, and rich broth will make your taste buds dance with joy. Happy cooking!
