One of the biggest delights in our area of Southern California is that we are surrounded by ranches. So, every Wednesday morning, my kids saddle up and ride their favorite horses for a few hours. They love all the sights, sounds, and smells of the ranch.
When we get home, its lunchtime, and I’ve got five STARVING kids. I’ve learned that its best to have something warm and comforting simmering and waiting for them on the stove.
This chicken and dumplings recipe is just the warm, filling recipe that we need.
This dish is comfort food at its finest. From the simmering on the stove to the delicious smells in the kitchen, this is a pot of goodness.
My kids especially love chicken and dumplings served over these mashed potatoes. I love how it makes a big batch and there are enough for leftovers.
We sit around out table and slowly eat a bowl of this comforting dish. The kids tell me stories about their horses. “I got Ozzie to canter today.” “Stollie ate three carrots right out of my hand.” “Grace Kelly is shedding her winter coat.”
We make memories and enjoy our time together around the table. I treasure these days with my kids.
Comforting Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- For the stew:
- 12 C chicken broth homemade or store bought
- 1 C half-and-half or milk
- 4 C shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works well
- 1 t salt
- 1 t pepper
- 1/2 t poultry seasoning optional
- For the dumplings:
- 2 C flour
- 3 t baking powder
- 1 t salt
- ¼ C shortening butter, or coconut oil
- 1 C milk
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the shortening, and stir in the milk until ingredients are mixed into a wet batter.
- In a large soup pot, bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Stir in the half-and-half, shredded chicken, salt, and pepper.
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit batter on the top of the broth. There will be around 8-10 dumplings.
- Cover the pan and gently simmer for 25 minutes, until the dumplings
- are cooked through and dry on top. (Check a dumpling with a toothpick to make sure its cooked through.)
- Serve on its own as a stew or over the top of mashed potatoes (divine!)
