Classic Comfort Food: Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Celebrate the nostalgia of grandma's kitchen with this timeless recipe for old-fashioned chicken and dumplings. Tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings make this dish the ultimate comfort food. It's perfect for cozy family dinners or warming up on a chilly evening. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can recreate this classic dish that will surely become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot, add the chicken pieces, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and chicken broth.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Set aside.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring, until a soft dough forms.
7. Return the pot to medium heat and bring the broth back to a simmer.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth.
9. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
10. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
12. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

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