Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings

Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings was a specialty of my Grandmother Bernice (better known as Mamaw Bernice to her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many others. The aroma coming from her kitchen would make my mouth water. I made sure I was close by when that pot of Chicken and Dumplings came off the stove.

The memory of the tender homemade dumplings made me pull this chicken recipe out of the box and revive it. Why I ever let it get buried is a mystery. With autumn approaching, this easy recipe will be a welcome sight simmering on your stove.

1 whole chicken, (4 lbs.)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 1/2 tsp. alt, divided
3/4 tsp. black pepper, divided
1 tsp. sodium free chicken bouillon granules
3 c. self-rising flour
1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/3 c. shortening
2 tsp. bacon drippings (or 2 tsp. butter plus 1/4 tsp. salt)
1 c. milk
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley

1. Bring chicken, enough water to cover chicken, garlic powder, thyme, 1 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper to a boil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Remove chicken from pan, reserving the broth
2. Cool chicken for 30 minutes; skin, bone and cut into chucks or shred. Skim fat from broth. Add chicken, bouillon and remaining salt and pepper to broth. Return to simmer.
3. Combine flour and poultry seasonings in a bowl. cut in shortening and bacon drippings with a pastry blender until crumbly. Stir in milk. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll to 1/8" thickness. Cut into 1" pieces (I usually cuts mine a little bigger).
4. Drop dumplings into the simmering broth stirring gently. Add a few at a time. Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring often. Garnish if desired.

You now have a hearty, stick to your ribs meal of Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings. Enjoy!

Chicken and Dumplings is just one chicken recipe you will want to try...click here to check out more.

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