Whistlestop Cafe Chicken and Dumplings
Transport your taste buds to the heart of the South with Whistlestop Cafe Chicken and Dumplings, a soul-warming dish brimming with rustic charm and comforting flavors. Tender chunks of chicken, simmered alongside a hearty medley of carrots, celery, and onions, create a richly flavorful broth infused with thyme and a hint of bay leaf. The real star, however, is the pillowy, homemade dumplings—crafted from a simple dough of flour, baking powder, and milk—that steam to perfection right in the pot, soaking up every drop of savory goodness. Ready in just about an hour, this classic one-pot wonder is perfect for cozy dinners and lazy Sundays alike. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve piping hot for a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you're seeking comfort food or a taste of nostalgia, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.75 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening or butter
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
In a large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf. Set the shredded chicken aside.
To make the dumplings, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
Cut the shortening or butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the milk to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bring the pot of broth and vegetables back to a gentle simmer. Stir the shredded chicken into the broth.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering broth. Keep the dumplings small for even cooking.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are cooked through—they should be fluffy and no longer doughy in the center.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy the delicious comfort of Whistlestop Cafe Chicken and Dumplings!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
576 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.2 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 142 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 1646 mg | 72% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.7 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.3 g | ||
| Protein | 57.1 g | 114% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 106 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 887 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
