Homestyle Comfort: Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction:

Step into the warmth of grandma’s kitchen with Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings—a classic Southern comfort dish that soothes the soul and satisfies the heart. This timeless recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich broth, adorned with fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth. With every spoonful, you’ll be transported back to a simpler time, cherishing the flavors and memories that this dish evokes. So, let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some valuable tips to create a heartwarming bowl of Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings that will become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces (or use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for convenience)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Browning the Chicken

• In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
• Brown the chicken in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauteing the Vegetables

• In the same pot, add diced onions, celery, and carrots. Saute for about 5 minutes until they become tender.
• Stir in the minced garlic and saute for an additional minute.

Step 3: Simmering the Chicken Stew

• Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot with the sauteed vegetables.
• Pour in the chicken broth and add bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried sage.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone.

Step 4: Making the Dumplings

• While the chicken stew is simmering, prepare the dumplings.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the whole milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Adding the Dumplings to the Stew

• Once the chicken is tender, remove the bay leaves from the pot.
• Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering stew, making sure to leave some space between the dumplings.
• Cover the pot again and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

• Ladle the Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving has a mix of chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.
• Serve the warm and comforting dish immediately, savoring the traditional flavors and homestyle goodness.

Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings:

1. For a shortcut, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken and pre-made dumplings instead of cooking the chicken and making the dumplings from scratch.
2. Customize the dumplings by adding a dash of ground black pepper or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the batter.
3. To ensure fluffy dumplings, avoid stirring the batter too much when combining the wet and dry ingredients.
4. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1/4 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of water and add it to the simmering stew.
5. For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the chicken stew just before adding the dumplings.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings—a timeless comfort dish that brings cherished memories to your table. Follow the step-by-step instructions, incorporate the valuable tips, and savor every spoonful of this classic Southern recipe. Whether shared with family or served as a comforting solo meal, Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings will warm your soul and delight your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your Dutch oven, and get ready to enjoy the love and tradition that this comforting dish brings.