The Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is warm and tasty. It is full of creamy flavor and comfort. Brenda Gantt, a kind Southern cook, makes this dish with love. Her recipe is rich, filling, and feels like home.
The chicken is soft, and the dumplings are light and buttery. You can make it with simple things from your kitchen. It’s great for family dinners or cold days.
Once you try it, you’ll see why so many people love it. Let’s learn how to make Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings easily at home.
Why You’ll Love This Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings
You will love this recipe because it tastes homemade and cozy. The creamy broth, soft dumplings, and juicy chicken go so well together. It feels like real Southern home cooking.
It’s great for lunch or dinner with your family. You can make it fast with easy ingredients. Every spoonful is warm, rich and full of comfort.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients You Need for Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings
- 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds)
- 8 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter or shortening
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 small onion (chopped, optional)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped, optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook the Chicken
Put the whole chicken in a large pot. Add water, salt, and pepper. Boil on medium heat until soft and cooked. This takes about 30 minutes.
2. Remove and Shred the Chicken
Take the chicken out and let it cool a bit. Remove the bones and skin. Shred the meat into small pieces. Keep it aside.
3. Make the Broth
Add chopped onion and celery to the same pot if you like. Boil for 5–7 minutes to make the broth tasty. You can strain it if you want it smooth.
4. Make the Dumpling Dough
In a bowl, mix flour, salt and baking powder. Add butter or shortening. Mix with your hands until crumbly. Add milk slowly and stir until dough forms.
5. Roll and Cut the Dumplings
Sprinkle flour on the table. Roll the dough thin with a rolling pin. Cut it into small strips or squares.
6. Add Dumplings to Broth
Boil the broth lightly. Drop the dumplings one by one into the pot. Stir slowly so they don’t stick. Cook for about 10 minutes.
7. Add the Chicken Back
Put the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir and cook for 5–10 minutes more. The broth will become thick and creamy.
8. Taste and Serve
Add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, warm meal.
Tips to Make the Best Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings
- Use homemade broth for better taste.
- Roll dumplings thin so they cook fast.
- Don’t cook the dumplings too fast.
- Add butter at the end for extra creamy flavor.
- You can use leftover chicken if you want.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish in big bowls while hot. Sprinkle black pepper on top for more flavor. It tastes great with cornbread or biscuits. You can also eat it with green beans or salad. It’s a full and hearty meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keep leftovers in a closed box in the fridge. They stay good for 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove with a little water or broth. You can also heat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. Don’t freeze it, as dumplings can turn soft.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Health Benefits
This dish gives you protein for energy and strength. The warm broth helps you feel better on cold days.
The dumplings fill you up and give comfort. It’s a healthy meal made with real, fresh ingredients. It’s better than any takeout food.
Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 3 pounds
- 8 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter or shortening
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 small onion chopped, optional
- 2 celery stalks chopped, optional
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Put the whole chicken in a large pot. Add water, salt, and pepper. Boil on medium heat until soft and cooked. This takes about 30 minutes.
Remove and Shred the Chicken
- Take the chicken out and let it cool a bit. Remove the bones and skin. Shred the meat into small pieces. Keep it aside.
Make the Broth
- Add chopped onion and celery to the same pot if you like. Boil for 5–7 minutes to make the broth tasty. You can strain it if you want it smooth.
Make the Dumpling Dough
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Add butter or shortening. Mix with your hands until crumbly. Add milk slowly and stir until dough forms.
Roll and Cut the Dumplings
- Sprinkle flour on the table. Roll the dough thin with a rolling pin. Cut it into small strips or squares.
Add Dumplings to Broth
- Boil the broth lightly. Drop the dumplings one by one into the pot. Stir slowly so they don’t stick. Cook for about 10 minutes.
Add the Chicken Back
- Put the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir and cook for 5–10 minutes more. The broth will become thick and creamy.
Taste and Serve
- Add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, warm meal.
Notes
- Use homemade broth for better taste.
- Roll dumplings thin so they cook fast.
- Don’t cook the dumplings too fast.
- Add butter at the end for extra creamy flavor.
- You can use leftover chicken if you want.
FAQs about Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, you can. But whole chicken gives better flavor.
Q2: Can I use ready-made dough?
Yes, but homemade dumplings taste better.
Q3: Can I add vegetables?
Yes, carrots or peas are great in this dish.
Q4: Can I make it early?
Yes, just keep dumplings and broth separate.
Q5: Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, butter makes it richer and tastier.
Final Thoughts
The Brenda Gantt Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is full of love. It’s creamy, soft, and tastes like home. You only need simple items and little time.
The mix of chicken, dumplings and broth is perfect. It’s a great dish to share with your family. Once you make it, you’ll want to cook it again. Try it soon and enjoy real Southern comfort at home.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!