Chicken and Dumplings

[Cliff Bartlett]

This is how I spent my entire day yesterday. Quite a bit of work but well worth it in the end. Chicken and Dumplings, all done on my Performer. Quite a few steps to this cook so it's pic heavy, but what else is new.

The rub of the day. Bayou Dirt.

Decided to go with my roto for this cook. Could have smoked it but I liked the idea of doing this entire cook on the Performer. Applied a pretty good layer of rub on and under the skin.

A little over an hour.

Ready to pull.

When it cooled I removed the skin and set it aside. Picked the meat and put in the fridge. Boiled the bones and skin in my large Dutch Oven for an hour.

Strained the stock, removing the bones, carcass bits and the skin. Put the stock in a smaller Dutch Oven. Threw in some chopped onion and a couple of bay leaves. Let it simmer for another hour.

Set the stock aside and got started on the sauce in the large Dutch oven. Whisked together some flour and butter and cooked for 4 minutes.

Whisked in some white wine, my stock, more Bayou Dirt and some freshly chopped thyme. Continued cooking until it thickened.

 

[Cliff Bartlett]

Added chopped carrots, celery and onion. Let it go another 15 minutes.

Added the chicken meat, heavy cream and peas.

I'd made the dumplings earlier in the day and placed them in the fridge. Flour, herbs/onion tops, baking powder, salt, butter and milk. Very easy. No pic's of this step. Placed my dumplings on top of the sauce mixture and let simmer for an additional 15 minutes.

Alll done.

My plate.

Man, I forgot to show my wife's special dessert she made for my cook. I'm lower than whale stuff.

I was extremely satisfied with this cook. It was absolutely delicious. Best chicken and dumplings we've ever had. Wonderful flavors and a tiny bit of kick from the rub, The faux Santa Maria grate used with my Vortex was ideal for this cook. I can raise the heat level instantly by raising or lowering the grate. I had a lot of fun but didn't have any trouble falling asleep that evening. Thanks for looking everyone.

 

[Rich G]

Oh, wow, Cliff! This one is a cook for the record books for sure! Thanks for taking us through it step by step, and for your (always) great photos and descriptions! I think if I try this and make it half as good as it looks, I'll be a very happy man!

We need a bowing emoji.....not worthy, sir!

R

 

[Clint]

You're definitely not a lazy chef!

 

[russ olin]

Looks really guud Cliff. Nicely done.

 

[ChuckO]

You're definitely not a lazy chef!

Amen, Cliff sets the bar high around here. Killer Cook Cliff!

 

[James N]

Everything looks great Cliff... That cake steals the show...Man it's been years since I had chicken and dumplings and now I really want some.

 

[JimK]

Wow! Great looking meal (and dessert). I love Todd's Dirt. Haven't seen the bayou version, but will keep an eye out.

 

[Bob Correll]

I made C & D's the other day, mine were pale, very pale, by comparison.
Killer looking cake too!

 

[Robert-R]

You are a grillaholic, sir. Love the chicken & dumplings. & the cake.

Thanks for documenting the cook.

 

[Timothy F. Lewis]

One more example of excellent documentation!
Looks great Cliff.

 

[Rich Dahl]

Okay I quit no way I could even approach that cook. Absolutely killer Cliff, you are an amazing Chef.

 

[Pat G]

Cliff, you take cooking to the next level.

 

[Barb D]

Cliff you are one amazing chef, your cooks are over the top. I enjoy them so much and please tell your wife she did a fantastic job on that cake.

 

[Dustin Dorsey]

That looks unbelievable. I'll take a bowl of that!

 

[Mark B]

That dish has comfort food written all over it. The cake is fab too.

 

[Cliff Bartlett]

Thank you EVERYONE for the mighty fine comments. I passed along your comments towards my wife's cake to her. She says thank you too.

Wow! Great looking meal (and dessert). I love Todd's Dirt. Haven't seen the bayou version, but will keep an eye out.

I had to order it through Todd's website Jim. I knew I wouldn't be finding it anywhere out here.