Classic Chicken and Dumplings with Herb Butter

Classic Chicken and Dumplings with Herb Butter

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Chicken and Dumplings is a quintessential Southern comfort dish. This hearty recipe combines tender chicken and pillowy dumplings in a warm, flavorful broth. It was a meal designed for simplicity but packed with the essence of home. Today, we’re giving this classic a modern lift with herb butter enhanced by a Microplane zester for bright, fresh notes.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large pot, sear the chicken in 2 tablespoons of butter until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Create the Broth: Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  4. Prepare the Dumplings: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in milk until a dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering broth, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Make the Herb Butter: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in the finely chopped thyme. Using a Microplane zester, zest a lemon directly into the herb butter. Stir to combine.
  6. Finish the Dish: Serve chicken and dumplings with a drizzle of herb butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

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