Last Updated on December 13, 2023
If you are looking for a delicious and comforting dish, then you should try Brenda Gantt’s chicken and dumplings recipe. This recipe is an old-fashioned classic that has been passed down for generations and is still enjoyed by many today. It is a simple and straightforward dish that is sure to please the entire family.
What is Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings?
Brenda Gantt is a former schoolteacher, chef, and social media personality. Her chicken and dumplings recipe is a classic Southern dish that has been around for generations. It is a comforting and delicious dish that is easy to make.
It consists of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings that are simmered in a flavorful broth. The dumplings are made with a biscuit dough that is dropped into the broth and cooked until fluffy and light. The result is a hearty and comforting dish that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?
This chicken and dumplings recipe is a great way to get a delicious and comforting meal on the table in no time. It is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. It is also a great way to use up leftovers, as you can easily substitute different proteins and vegetables.
This recipe is also very versatile, as you can customize it to your own taste. Finally, this dish is sure to please the entire family, making it a great choice for family dinners.
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How Does It Taste Like?
This chicken and dumplings recipe is incredibly flavorful and comforting. The chicken is tender and juicy and the vegetables add a delicious depth of flavor. The dumplings are light and fluffy, and they soak up all of the delicious flavors from the broth. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
- 8 succulent chicken thighs: The main protein source in the recipe, chicken thighs provide a juicy and flavorful base for the dish.
- 4 cloves of garlic, meticulously minced to release their aromatic essence: Garlic adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.
- 2 diced onions, finely chopped for a burst of flavor: Onions contribute a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, providing depth and complexity.
- 4 teaspoons of baking powder, ensuring a perfect rise: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, ensuring that the dish rises and achieves a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 cup of creamy butter, a luscious foundation for richness: Butter adds richness and a velvety texture to the dish, contributing to its overall flavor and mouthfeel.
- 2 cups of premium flour, finely milled for a velvety texture: Flour serves as a thickening agent, helping to create a smooth and luscious sauce for the chicken.
- 1 cup of tangy buttermilk, adding a delightful twang to the mix: Buttermilk provides acidity, moisture, and a tangy flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, a subtle touch for balanced leavening: Baking soda contributes to leavening and helps balance the acidity from the buttermilk.
- Salt & pepper, generously sprinkled to awaken the taste buds: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, while pepper adds a hint of spiciness, awakening the taste buds.
- 1 cup of indulgent heavy cream, lending a luxurious creaminess: Heavy cream adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the dish, creating a rich and indulgent sauce for the chicken.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot, place succulent chicken thighs and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer until fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot, allow it to cool, and then shred the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth:
In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and aromatic. Generously season with salt and pepper to awaken the flavors.
Step 3: Make the Roux:
Add creamy butter to the pot and let it melt. Gradually sprinkle in premium flour, stirring constantly to create a velvety roux, a key element for thickening and flavor.
Step 4: Combine Liquids:
Slowly pour in tangy buttermilk and indulgent heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a creamy consistency, creating the luscious base for the dish.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Seasoning:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, ensuring it’s well mixed with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Step 6: Prepare Dumpling Dough:
In a separate bowl, combine finely milled flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 7: Form Dumplings:
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and let them cook until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy, absorbing the delicious flavors of the dish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving has a delightful mix of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Enjoy Brenda Gantt’s Chicken and Dumplings, a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together succulent chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings for a truly satisfying meal.
Tips
• For a richer flavor, try adding a bay leaf to the broth.
• To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and use tofu or mushrooms for the protein.
• If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
• To make the dumplings lighter and fluffier, try adding an egg to the dough.
• For a little bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth.
Nutrition Information
This recipe is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 18 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein.
How to Store Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings?
This recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and dumplings in a covered dish and heat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?
• Instead of chicken, you can use other proteins such as shrimp, beef, or pork.
• Instead of carrots, you can use other vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or celery.
• Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
• Instead of dried herbs, you can use fresh herbs.
• Instead of milk, you can use buttermilk or almond milk.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Pan
- spatula, etc.
Ingredients
- 8 succulent chicken thighs
- 4 cloves of garlic meticulously minced to release their aromatic essence
- 2 diced onions finely chopped for a burst of flavor
- 4 teaspoons of baking powder ensuring a perfect rise
- 1 cup of creamy butter a luscious foundation for richness
- 2 cups of premium flour finely milled for a velvety texture
- 1 cup of tangy buttermilk adding a delightful twang to the mix
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda a subtle touch for balanced leavening
- Salt & pepper generously sprinkled to awaken the taste buds
- 1 cup of indulgent heavy cream lending a luxurious creaminess
Instructions
- In a large pot, place the succulent chicken thighs and cover them with water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot, allow it to cool, and then shred the meat.
- In the same pot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and aromatic.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to awaken the flavors.
- Add the creamy butter to the pot and let it melt.
- Gradually sprinkle in the premium flour, stirring constantly to create a velvety roux.
- Slowly pour in the tangy buttermilk and indulgent heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a creamy consistency.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, ensuring it’s well mixed with the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- In a separate bowl, combine the finely milled flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and let them cook until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, making sure each serving has a mix of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, try adding a bay leaf to the broth.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and use tofu or mushrooms for the protein.
- If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
- To make the dumplings lighter and fluffier, try adding an egg to the dough.
- For a little bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken should I use in this recipe?
You can use any type of chicken in this recipe, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. You can also use rotisserie chicken if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can use other vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or celery.
What can I do with the leftovers?
The leftovers can be served over rice or in a wrap with some lettuce and tomato. You can also add them to a soup or stew.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour in place of the all-purpose flour.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting vegetable broth for the chicken broth and using tofu or mushrooms in place of the chicken.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brenda Gantt’s chicken and dumplings recipe is a classic Southern dish that is sure to please the entire family.
It is a simple and straightforward dish that requires minimal ingredients and is great for busy weeknights. It is also very versatile, as you can customize it to your own taste. This comforting dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
