Chicken and Herbed Cornmeal Dumplings Recipe
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Fresh herbs and yellow cornmeal give these soft and tender dumplings extra flavor and texture. The recipe calls for tarragon and parsley but you can also use thyme, rosemary, or even sage. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, use half the amount of dried herbs that are called for in the recipe. A rotisserie chicken makes this recipe come together in less than an hour. It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken or even turkey. You will need about 3 cups of coarsely shredded meat. You’ll want to pull out your Dutch oven for this dish. It’s the best pot to use because it has a lid and can go from the stovetop to the oven.
How to Make It
Step 1
Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of the flour; cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes. Add broth, bay leaf, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt; bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in chicken. Remove Dutch oven from heat.
Step 2
Whisk together cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and remaining 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Cut remaining 2 tablespoons butter into flour mixture with a pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk, parsley, and tarragon, stirring just until dough is moistened.
Step 3
Heat Dutch oven over medium. Drop dumpling dough by tablespoonfuls 1/2 to 1 inch apart into chicken mixture. Cover and cook until dumplings are done and dry to the touch, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve immediately.
