Appalachian Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe for Appalachian Chicken and Dumplings was sent in by Luci M from Paradise Florida. Visit our group on Facebook here.

Lucy says:
This recipe is from my Aunt Hazel in Shelby Gap, Kentucky. I had to follow her around her kitchen with a pad and pencil to get this. It is really delicious. She told me, “Now don’t go letting anybody see you put that food coloring in. They’ll think it’s not fittin’ to eat, but it gives it a real rich color”. Whenever I make this I feel like she’s looking over my shoulder making sure I do it right.

Appalachian Chicken & Dumplings

One 4-6 lb. Baking Hen
2 cans Chicken Broth
1 Onion
1-2 ribs celery
2-3 carrots
2-3 drops Yellow food coloring
½ teaspoon. Poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon. Lawrey’s seasoning salt
½ teaspoon. Black Pepper

One thing that makes a big difference in Appalachian chicken and dumplings is to buy a baking hen instead of a fryer. Then gently boil it in chicken broth to cover. This gives a wonderfully flavorful broth.

This is a great Dutch oven to make this meal in. This one is a great value too! Don’t forget that Appalachian Cooks will make a percentage of your purchase if you order through this link Here

Cook until meat is almost falling off the bones 1-1 1/2 hrs. Coarsely chop 1 onion, 2 ribs celery and 2-3 carrots. Sauté in a little butter and set aside. Remove chicken from broth to cool. Add onions, carrots and celery to broth. When cool enough to handle, pull chicken off bones and return meat to broth. Add 2-3 drops of yellow food coloring-not more- this makes it look really rich. I then add 1/2-tsp. poultry seasoning, Lawrey’s seasoning salt & pepper to taste.

Appalachian Cooks know all the secrets when it comes to making chicken and dumplings.

Make the Dumplings

¼-1/2 cup chicken broth (dip this out of the pot)
1 ¾ cup self-rising flour (can use Bisquick)
Mix together and then take a teaspoon or tablespoon (depending on the size dumplings you want) and gently drop on top of boiling broth and I cover with a lid to let them steam, about 10-15 minutes or so-then uncover and make sure they are done, and leave lid off and cook about 5 minutes to firm up a bit.

We hope you enjoy this recipe for Appalachian chicken and dumplings. This is a good wholesome meal that any family would enjoy eating.

Mary Stage