Experience the heartwarming flavors of Dolly Parton's Chicken & Dumplings, a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. This recipe features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth, combined with soft, homemade dumplings that soak up all the deliciousness. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to bring smiles to the table.

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Imagine enjoying succulent pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked until they fall off the bone, paired with fluffy dumplings that provide a delightful contrast in texture. The addition of onion and celery infuses the broth with aromatic flavors, creating a rich base that makes each bowl comforting and satisfying.

The preparation starts with a whole chicken, simmered until tender and juicy. The broth is then transformed into a delicious sauce that serves as the foundation for the dumplings. Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Dolly Parton's Chicken & Dumplings

Ingredients

• 1 (3-lb) chicken  
• 2½ tsp salt  
• ¾ tsp pepper  
• 1 onion, peeled and left whole  
• ¼ cup chopped celery leaves  
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading  
• ½ tsp baking soda  
• 3 Tbsp vegetable shortening  
• ¾ cup milk  

Preparation:

1. In a Dutch oven, combine the chicken and 2 teaspoons of salt with 2 quarts of water. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the pepper, onion, and celery leaves. Simmer until the chicken is tender and the meat falls away from the bone.

2. Carefully remove the chicken and onion from the pot, straining out the celery leaves and discarding them along with the onion. Set the chicken aside to cool.

3. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones, cutting it into 1-inch pieces. Discard the skin and bones. Meanwhile, increase the heat to high and bring the broth back to a boil.

4. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Gradually stir in the milk until the dough is moist. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and lightly knead for about 5 minutes.

6. Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness and cut into 1½-inch squares. Drop the dumpling pieces into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring gently.

7. Add the chicken back to the pot, stir, and cook until heated through, about 8 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Dolly PartonPhoto byWikimedia Commons

Storage Information:  

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions:  

- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.  

- Pair with warm biscuits for additional comfort.  

- For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme!