Chicken with Slippery Dumplings

Step back in time with this classic and comforting dish, Chicken with Slippery Dumplings. Often served at church dinners and reminiscent of simpler days growing up on the farm, this old-fashioned recipe has been passed down through generations. Betty Jean Boyd from Wilmington, Delaware, shares this beloved recipe that combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 stewing chicken (about 5 pounds), cut up
• 4 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 medium carrots, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules

DUMPLINGS:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Minced fresh parsley (optional)

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a Dutch oven, place the chicken, celery, and onion. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken and keep it warm. Skim the fat from the pan juices and add water to measure 3 quarts. Reserve 1½ cups for the dumplings and allow it to cool. Return the remaining broth to the Dutch oven and add the chopped carrots and chicken bouillon.
2. For the dumplings, combine the flour, salt (optional), and baking powder. Add enough reserved broth to form a stiff dough. Divide the dough into thirds, cover, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
3. Bring the broth in the Dutch oven to a simmer. Roll out each portion of dough to an ⅛-inch thickness and cut it into 2-inch squares. Drop one dumpling square at a time into the simmering broth. Cover the Dutch oven and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve the Chicken with Slippery Dumplings immediately, alongside the cooked chicken. Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley, if desired.

YIELD: 8 servings

COOKING TIME: 20 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is tender.
• Consider adding salt to the dumpling dough for added flavor, if desired.

TIPS:

• Serve this comforting dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time in the preparation process.

Chicken with Slippery Dumplings is a classic and comforting dish that evokes nostalgia for simpler days. Often served at church dinners and reminiscent of farm life, this old-fashioned recipe has stood the test of time. Betty Jean Boyd from Wilmington, Delaware, shares her cherished family recipe that combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings.

To create this comforting meal, simmer a stewing chicken with celery and onion until tender. Remove the chicken and reserve the broth. Add chopped carrots and chicken bouillon to the remaining broth. In a separate bowl, prepare the dumplings by combining flour, salt (optional), and baking powder. Use reserved broth to form a stiff dough. Divide the dough into portions, roll it out, and cut it into squares. Drop the dumpling squares into the simmering broth and cook until tender.

Serve the Chicken with Slippery Dumplings alongside the cooked chicken. Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley for added freshness and visual appeal. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad, offering a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this timeless recipe, reminiscent of down-home farm cooking and cherished community gatherings. Chicken with Slippery Dumplings is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic, homemade dishes that bring people together and create lasting memories.