So I grew up in the south, and I love some Chicken and Dumplings! So I set out on a search for a chicken and dumpling recipe that was sort of like my mom made (minus the *ahem* frozen dumplings!) I found a few that I liked, but really ended up having to come up with my own! So here goes.
For the Chicken:
I used 5 chicken legs (its what I had) But you can use what ever type of chicken you like!
1 whole cut up onion
2 celery stalks (cut up)
2 Cloves of garlic minced (yes; GARLIC)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Enough water to cover the chicken and stuff :)
For the Dumplings:
3 c. flour (I used AP)
3/4 tsp Baking Soda
3/4 tsp Salt
4 1/2 tbsp Shorting (I suppose the butter kind is okay too)
3/4 to 1 c milk
Now on to the preparation!
Place your Chicken, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Salt and Pepper, and your water in a big enough pot. You want to place it on a Medium High heat to boil. Boil it for about 30 minutes. (until your chicken is done.) When your chicken is done you want to turn it off and pull it out of the stock (yes, you just made homemade chicken stock) and you want to place all of the chicken on a plate to cool. While your chicken is cooling you can move on the the Dumplings of the Chicken and Dumplings!
This part can get pretty messy! Take your three cups of flour and place it in a big bowl, along with your salt, baking powder, and shorting. You want to "Cut" this together with a pastry cutter, fork or a butter knife. You'll cut it until it looks like small peas. Once you reach this step you'll want to add your milk in 1/4 cup at a time and you'll stir it until it resembles a big ball. You may not use all of your milk. Once it reaches this step you'll want to flour your working space and prepare to roll the dumplings out. Roll them out and cut them into strips the size you like! Now that you've made a mess...time to pull the chicken from the bones.
Separate the chicken from its skin and bones, and shred it up to the size you like. Once you've finished this step you'll want to strain your stock and discard the vegetables. Replace your stock back into the pot and turn it on a medium heat. Place your chicken back into the pot and wait for it to come to a simmer. Once it is simmering, place your dumplings in one at a time (okay maybe two or three) And let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes! Wahlaa, yummy Chicken and Dumplings!!
