Cooking Instructions:

Begin by boiling the chicken in a large pot of hot water until tender, approximately 25 minutes. If using chicken breasts, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes instead.

Once cooked, reserve the broth and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

In a separate pot, combine the reserved chicken broth with chopped onions, carrots, and celery if desired. Season with salt, black pepper, and add a bay leaf or poultry seasoning for extra flavor.

Bring the mixture to a simmer.

While the broth is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and shortening or oil. Gradually add the milk or buttermilk, stirring until a dough forms.

Knead the dough a few times until smooth.

Roll out the dumpling dough to a thickness of ⅛-inch or ¼-inch. Cut into strips or squares using a knife or pizza cutter.

Once the broth is simmering, add the cooked chicken back into the pot.

Carefully drop the dumplings into the broth one at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Allow the dumplings to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they're fluffy and cooked through.

If the broth needs thickening, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Stir everything together to combine and heat through.

Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with parsley if desired, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish. Dumplings are rolled out and have a pillowy texture, distinct from noodles, and can be pinched into pieces instead of rolled out.

Extra Tips: When making chicken and dumplings, feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences.

You can also use leftover chicken to save time. If you prefer a richer broth, consider adding a splash of cream or milk before serving.

Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed for the perfect balance of flavors. Enjoy your heartwarming meal!