Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that has been a staple in many households for generations. The key to a delicious and satisfying chicken and dumplings is cooking the chicken from scratch. In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to cook chicken for chicken and dumplings from scratch.
Choosing the Right Chicken
When it comes to cooking chicken for chicken and dumplings, the type of chicken you use can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are a few options you can consider:
Whole Chicken vs. Chicken Pieces
You can use either a whole chicken or chicken pieces, such as legs, thighs, and wings, to make chicken and dumplings. If you’re using a whole chicken, you’ll need to cut it into smaller pieces before cooking. Chicken pieces, on the other hand, are already cut into smaller portions, making them easier to cook.
Benefits of Using a Whole Chicken
Using a whole chicken can be beneficial in several ways:
- It’s often cheaper than buying chicken pieces.
- You can use the carcass to make a delicious chicken broth.
- The meat is often more tender and flavorful.
Benefits of Using Chicken Pieces
Using chicken pieces, on the other hand, has its own advantages:
- They’re easier to cook and require less preparation time.
- You can choose the specific cuts of meat you want to use.
- They’re often more convenient to store and transport.
Preparing the Chicken
Once you’ve chosen the type of chicken you want to use, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Removing the Giblets and Neck
If you’re using a whole chicken, you’ll need to remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. The giblets are the internal organs of the chicken, including the heart, liver, and gizzards. You can use these to make a delicious chicken broth or discard them.
Rinsing the Chicken
Rinse the chicken under cold running water to remove any impurities or debris. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Seasoning the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also add some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to the pot for added flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
Now that the chicken is prepared, it’s time to cook it. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Boiling the Chicken
Boiling is a great way to cook chicken for chicken and dumplings. It’s easy, convenient, and helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the chicken. Here’s how to boil the chicken:
- Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the chicken.
- Add some salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the chicken to the pot and cook until it’s tender and falls apart easily.
Roasting the Chicken
Roasting is another great way to cook chicken for chicken and dumplings. It helps to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and adds a nice crispy texture to the skin. Here’s how to roast the chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
- Roast the chicken until it’s tender and falls apart easily.
Shredding the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to shred it. You can use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the chicken.
Making the Dumplings
Now that the chicken is shredded, it’s time to make the dumplings. Here’s a simple recipe you can follow:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup shortening or butter
- 3/4 cup warm water
Mixing the Dumpling Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the shortening or butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the warm water to the bowl, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together.
Rolling Out the Dumpling Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Cutting Out the Dumplings
Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the dumplings. You can also use a knife to cut the dumplings into strips or squares.
Cooking the Dumplings
Once the dumplings are cut out, it’s time to cook them. Here’s how:
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the dumplings to the pot and cook until they’re tender and float to the surface.
Serving the Chicken and Dumplings
Once the chicken and dumplings are cooked, it’s time to serve them. Here are a few ways you can serve them:
- Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with chopped herbs and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Serve the chicken and dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
- Serve the chicken and dumplings with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
In conclusion, cooking chicken for chicken and dumplings from scratch is a simple and rewarding process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What is the best type of chicken to use for chicken and dumplings?
The best type of chicken to use for chicken and dumplings is a whole chicken or chicken pieces with bones and skin, such as legs, thighs, and wings. This type of chicken will provide the most flavor and tender meat for your dish. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, but the cooking time will be shorter and the flavor may not be as rich.
When choosing a whole chicken, look for one that is around 3-4 pounds. This size will provide enough meat for 4-6 servings of chicken and dumplings. If you prefer to use chicken pieces, you can use 2-3 pounds of legs, thighs, and wings. Make sure to remove any giblets and neck from the cavity of the whole chicken before cooking.
How do I prepare the chicken for cooking?
To prepare the chicken for cooking, start by rinsing it under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets and neck from the cavity of the whole chicken. If using chicken pieces, remove any excess fat and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your desired herbs and spices. You can also marinate the chicken in your favorite seasonings and herbs for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
Next, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a couple of tablespoons of oil. Sear the chicken until it is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step will help to lock in the juices and flavor of the chicken. After searing the chicken, remove it from the pot and set it aside until you are ready to add it to the pot with the vegetables and broth.
What vegetables should I use for chicken and dumplings?
The classic vegetables used for chicken and dumplings are carrots, celery, and onions. These vegetables will add a depth of flavor and texture to your dish. You can also use other vegetables such as diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and chopped potatoes. Make sure to chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
When sautéing the vegetables, use a large pot or Dutch oven and add a couple of tablespoons of oil. Cook the vegetables over medium heat until they are tender and lightly browned, about 10-12 minutes. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot with the vegetables and pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
How do I make the dumplings from scratch?
To make the dumplings from scratch, you will need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening or butter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add warm water to the mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable. Divide the dough into small pieces, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it slightly into a disk shape. When the chicken and broth are hot and bubbly, add the dumplings to the pot, covering them with a lid. Cook the dumplings for 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.
How long does it take to cook chicken and dumplings from scratch?
The cooking time for chicken and dumplings from scratch will depend on the method you use and the size of your chicken. If you are using a whole chicken, it will take about 1-2 hours to cook. If you are using chicken pieces, it will take about 30-45 minutes to cook. The dumplings will take about 10-15 minutes to cook.
To ensure that your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. You can also check the chicken by cutting into the thickest part of the breast or thigh. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked through.
Can I make chicken and dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can make chicken and dumplings ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and vegetables a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, reheat the chicken and vegetables and add the dumplings to the pot. Cook the dumplings for 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.
You can also make the dumplings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply roll out the dough and cut it into small pieces. Place the dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate or freeze them until you are ready to use them.
How do I serve chicken and dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. You can serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or crackers. If you want to make it a more filling meal, you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
When serving chicken and dumplings, make sure to scoop up some of the juicy broth with each spoonful. You can also serve the chicken and dumplings with a dollop of butter or a sprinkle of grated cheese. This will add extra flavor and richness to the dish.