Introduction
Chicken and Dumplinas is a heartwarming comfort food that blends the succulent flavors of tender chicken with the homely touch of fluffy dumplings. This classic recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing families together around the dinner table for warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Tips for this Recipe
For a perfect Chicken and Dumplings experience, ensure your chicken thighs are boneless and skinless to allow even cooking. Gentle simmering is key when preparing the dumplings to achieve that ideal soft texture without becoming soggy.
Why you will love this recipe
This timeless Chicken and Dumplings recipe delivers a nostalgic taste of home cooking with its rich flavors and hearty portions, promising to become your new family favorite. The dish is not only comfort food at its best but also versatile enough for various occasions – from Sunday dinner gatherings to unexpected guests dropping by.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
– 1 large egg, beaten to blend
– 1 1/4 cups finely grated Parmesan cheese
– 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
– 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
– 10 cups low-salt chicken broth
– 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
– 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 celery stalks, sliced crosswise into 1/4″ thick pieces
– 1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 parsnip, cut into 1/4″-thick rounds
– 1 leek, halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise into 1/4″ thickness
– 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
– Kosher salt, black pepper to taste
– Shaved Parmesan cheese for garnish
Adviced Equipment
– Stockpot with Lid: Ideal for simmering the chicken broth and cooking dumplings. A Cuisinart 6 Qt stainless steel stock pot is recommended.
– Cutting Board & Kitchen Knife: Essential for preparing ingredients like celery, carrot, parsnip, and leek. The Chef’s Choice Flexible Silicone Bamboo Cutting Board paired with a Wusthof 8-inch chef’s knife is a good choice.
– Colander or Slotted Spoon: Useful for draining the cooked chicken and vegetables from the broth.
– Dutch Oven (Large Pot): Perfect for even heat distribution, particularly in dishes like Chicken and Dumplinas. A Le Creuset 7-quart French oval enameled cast iron dutch oven is highly recommended.
– Measuring Cups: Accurate ingredient measurement ensures the best results. The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cup comes highly recommended.
– Mixing Spoon or Whisk: Ideal for mixing dough and preparing recipe components like sauces. A KitchenAid Professional 7-Speed Hand Mixer is a great addition to your kitchen.
– Rolling Pin (optional): Useful if you prefer homemade flour applications, such as making pie crusts or pastry for dumplings. An OXO Good Grips Cast Stainless Steel Rolling Pin works well.
– Dumpling Maker or Spoon: Essential for shaping and cooking the dumplings to perfection. While not necessary, they can make the process much easier.
– Immersion Blender (optional): Can be handy for pureeing ingreditations like onions if needed in your recipe. The OXO Good Grips Immersion Blender is a versatile tool worth considering.
History of the Recipe
Chicken and Dumplinas, with its roots deep-seated in Southern cuisine, has been evolving since the early 19th century. It embodies the soul of American cooking, often associated with communal dining and family traditions. The recipe showcases the simple yet sophisticated use of ingredients like chicken thighs, flour, and cheese that have become staples in kitchens across generations, symbolizing a blend of culinary heritage and comfort food.
Fun Facts about this Recipe
– The concept of dumplings is ancient, with variations found worldwide. Dumplinas represents an American twist on the traditional dish, adapting to local ingredients and preferences.
– Cheese plays a vital role in giving Chicken and Dumplinas its rich flavor profile, with Parmesan being particularly popular for adding depth.
– The use of a Dutch oven for cooking signifies the hearty nature of this dish, allowing ingredients to simmer together, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables alongside fluffy dumplinas.
– Over time, Chicken and Dumplinas has become synonymous with comfort food, often associated with winter holidays or family gatherings, bringing people together around the table.
