| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 220 | 6g | 3g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 16g | 1.2g |
I’ve got a truly hearty meal to share with you today: Chicken and Chive Dumplings, a dish that harks back to my childhood. It’s one of those recipes that, despite being packed with flavor, has a comforting simplicity. The perfect balance between the fulfilling warmth of Southern comfort food and a touch of my Nigerian heritage’s aromatic allure, this plate of Chicken and Chive Dumplings can make any day feel like home.
A Love for Comfort Food
There is something deeply satisfying about comfort food. For me, the concept of comfort food takes me straight back to my mother’s kitchen, where she’d combine our Nigerian culinary roots with the richness of Southern cuisine. The essence of this Afro-Southern fusion can be tasted in these Chicken and Chive Dumplings. Juicy chicken, fresh chives, and aromatic spices all nestled within the pillowy comfort of a homemade dumpling. This dish encapsulates the familiar joy of comfort food, coupled with a delightful twist.
A Hearty Dish with Health Benefits
Not just incredibly tasty, these dumplings are also packed with goodness. The fibrous nature of chives, combined with their sulfur-containing compounds, can help your body to maintain a healthy digestive system (Healthline). Meanwhile, the chicken, carrots, and celery in this dish are a great source of vital nutrients, from protein to vitamins, making this a nourishing meal for any occasion.
In addition, the use of unsalted butter and low-sodium chicken broth help keep this meal heart-healthy while ensuring every bite is as flavorful as the last. As per the Dietary Guidelines by American Heart Association, reducing sodium in your diet can help manage your blood pressure (American Heart Association).
Delicious Pairings
The beauty of this Chicken and Chive Dumplings recipe is that its a versatile meal. Paired with a fresh garden salad, it’s a light summer meal that satisfies without leaving you feeling weighed down. In the colder months, serve it alongside a chunk of your favorite crusty bread for something a bit more substantial. It’s a recipe that adapts to your needs, akin to a classic Minestrone soup or hearty Chicken Noodle Soup.
My hope is that this Chicken and Chive Dumplings recipe finds a place in your heart (and your recipe collection) as it has in mine. Heritage, health, and heart – all in one dish!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, diced
- 3/4 cup of buttermilk
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh chives
- 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup of peeled and diced carrots
- 1 cup of diced celery
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground thyme
- Additional chopped chives for garnish, optional
Method
Step One
Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add the unsalted butter and mix it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles course crumbs.
Step Two
Slowly pour in the buttermilk and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead in the chopped fresh chives until they are evenly distributed in the dough. Set aside.
Step Three
In a large pot, bring the low-sodium chicken broth to a boil. Add the shredded cooked chicken, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and ground thyme. Stir to combine.
Step Four
Reduce the heat to a simmer. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and gently drop them into the simmering soup.
Step Five
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through. Ensure you do not lift the lid during this time.
Step Six
Once the dumplings are done, uncover and stir gently. If desired, sprinkle additional chopped chives over each serving for a garnish. Enjoy your Chicken and Chive Dumplings while hot!
