Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that tastes like a big hug? Then look no further than Brenda Gantt's Chicken and Dumplings! This classic Southern dish is the epitome of homemade cooking, a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and the result is a truly unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe captures the essence of Brenda Gantt’s style: simple ingredients, big flavor, and a whole lot of love. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into parts or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 8 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
Cooking the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add water, salt, pepper, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily falls off the bone.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones. Reserve the chicken broth.
Making the Dumplings:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add the buttermilk and melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Bring the reserved chicken broth to a gentle simmer.
Combining and Cooking:
- Gently drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For richer flavor, use a combination of chicken broth and water.
- Add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to the chicken broth for extra nutrients and flavor. Add them during the last 30 minutes of chicken cooking time.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the broth during the last few minutes of cooking.
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
This easy recipe for Brenda Gantt's Chicken and Dumplings is a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this heartwarming, healthy meal, perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion. It's a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and memorable dish. Share your culinary creations with us! We'd love to see your photos and hear your feedback.