With Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings, you can travel back in time to the heartwarming comfort of a cherished recipe. This traditional dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a soul-warming broth. You’ll be transported to a place where time slows down and the simple pleasures of a well-cooked meal reign supreme as you savor each spoonful.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Stew:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or bone-in chicken thighs)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Aromatics and Veggie Melody: In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Simmering Symphony: Return the seared chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, and a dash of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Dumpling Preparation: While the chicken stew is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk until the dough comes together.
5. Dumpling Delight: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering chicken stew. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.
6. Thicken the Stew: In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for a couple of minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in a ladleful of the simmering broth from the stew to create a smooth paste. Then pour the roux mixture back into the stew, stirring well. Let the stew simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Seasoning and Serving: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the warm Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings into bowls, making sure to include plenty of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings in each serving.
8. Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the comforting dish to warm hearts and palates alike.
Conclusion: Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a taste of the past that nourishes the present. With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and fluffy dumplings, this dish captures the essence of cherished memories and the enduring appeal of comfort food. Share it with loved ones and experience the joy of savoring a meal that’s steeped in tradition and made with love. As you gather around the table, you’ll create new memories while paying homage to the culinary heritage that brings families together.