Cooking With Brenda Gantt Chicken And Dumplings

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Introduction

Brenda Gantt’s chicken and dumplings is a dish deeply rooted in Southern culinary tradition, celebrated for its comforting warmth and rich flavors. This classic recipe, popularized by Brenda Gantt’s approachable cooking style, offers a taste of home-style goodness that has resonated with cooks across generations. Its popularity stems from its simplicity, use of readily available ingredients, and the satisfying, hearty meal it provides. Chicken and dumplings is often prepared for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a comforting weeknight dinner, embodying a sense of nostalgia and connection.

Ingredients

The core ingredients for cooking with Brenda Gantt chicken and dumplings are:

• Chicken: Approximately 3-4 pounds, bone-in, skin-on pieces (such as thighs and drumsticks) for maximum flavor. A whole chicken can also be used.
• All-Purpose Flour: For the dumplings, usually about 2-3 cups.
• Baking Powder: 1-2 teaspoons for light and fluffy dumplings.
• Salt: To taste, for seasoning the chicken and dumplings.
• Black Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken and dumplings.
• Shortening or Lard: 1/4 cup, for cutting into the flour mixture to create flaky dumplings. Butter can be substituted, but shortening or lard yields a more traditional texture.
• Milk or Buttermilk: Approximately 1 cup, for binding the dumpling dough. Buttermilk adds a slight tang.
• Chicken Broth: 8-10 cups, preferably homemade or low-sodium store-bought.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped, for flavoring the chicken broth.
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped, for flavoring the chicken broth.
• Carrots: 2 medium, chopped, for flavoring the chicken broth.
• Optional Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, or bay leaf to enhance the broth’s flavor.

Substitutions: For a healthier option, skinless chicken can be used. Gluten-free flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour in the dumplings, but may require slight adjustments to the liquid content. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian version, although the flavor will be different.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is essential for flavorful chicken and dumplings.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Broth Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken pieces, chopped onion, celery, carrots, and optional herbs. Cover with chicken broth.
3. Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Cut in the shortening or lard using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the milk or buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in tough dumplings.

Tips for efficiency and better flavor: Sauting the onion, celery, and carrots in the pot before adding the chicken and broth will deepen their flavor. For a richer broth, consider using chicken bones or a rotisserie chicken carcass in addition to the chicken pieces.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for delicious chicken and dumplings:

1. Cook the Chicken: Bring the chicken broth mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds from the bone.
2. Remove the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vegetables and herbs, resulting in a clearer broth. Return the strained broth to the pot.
3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
4. Cook the Dumplings: Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot.
5. Simmer the Dumplings: Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center. Do not lift the lid during the first 15 minutes to ensure the dumplings cook properly.
6. Add the Chicken Back: Gently stir the shredded chicken back into the pot with the dumplings and broth. Heat through.

Recommended times and temperatures: The chicken should be simmered until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C). The dumplings should be cooked until they are firm and cooked through, with no doughy center. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the size of the dumplings.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and dumplings is a complete meal in itself, but can be enhanced with simple accompaniments:

• Traditional Accompaniments: Coleslaw, green beans, or mashed potatoes are classic Southern side dishes that pair well with chicken and dumplings.
• Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of hot sauce can add a pop of color and flavor.
• Plating Ideas: Serve the chicken and dumplings in a deep bowl or on a rimmed plate to contain the broth. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and a drizzle of cream (optional).

Tips and Common Mistakes

Enhance your chicken and dumplings and avoid common pitfalls with these tips:

• Tip: Use cold milk or buttermilk when making the dumpling dough to prevent the gluten from developing too much, resulting in tender dumplings.
• Tip: Do not overmix the dumpling dough, as this will make the dumplings tough. Mix only until just combined.
• Tip: To prevent the dumplings from sticking together, drop them into the simmering broth one at a time.
• Common Mistake: Overcooking the dumplings can make them gummy. Cook them until they are just cooked through.
• Common Mistake: Adding too much liquid to the dumpling dough can result in flat, soggy dumplings.
• Common Mistake: Lifting the lid too frequently while the dumplings are cooking can cause them to deflate.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Cooking with Brenda Gantt chicken and dumplings offers a satisfying culinary experience, bringing the comforting flavors of Southern home cooking to your table. Its rich broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings create a meal that is both hearty and nostalgic. This dish is highly adaptable, allowing for personal touches and variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, mastering this recipe will undoubtedly impress your family and friends. Now, it’s your turn to create this classic comfort food at home and share the joy of cooking with Brenda Gantt chicken and dumplings. Discover more delectable recipes and cooking inspiration at foodrecipestory.com.