Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings: A Comforting Classic Recipe

Are you in the mood for a warm and hearty meal that’s reminiscent of grandma’s cooking? Look no further than Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings! This timeless dish is the epitome of comfort food, featuring tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich and creamy sauce. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or looking to impress your family and friends, this classic recipe is sure to hit the spot. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to savor the comforting flavors of homemade Chicken and Dumplings!

Introduction:

Chicken and Dumplings is a beloved dish that has been passed down through generations. Its humble origins can be traced back to traditional Southern and Appalachian cuisine, where frugal cooks made the most of simple ingredients to create satisfying meals. Today, this comforting dish remains a staple in households across the country, cherished for its heartwarming flavors and soul-soothing qualities. Whether enjoyed on a lazy Sunday afternoon or served as a comforting meal during challenging times, Chicken and Dumplings never fails to warm both the body and the soul.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5-6 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed

For the Dumplings:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the chicken pieces in the flour until evenly coated.
3. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the bay leaves, dried thyme, and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas, and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Make the Dumplings

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until well combined.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick batter forms.

Step 4: Add the Dumplings to the Pot

1. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering chicken mixture, making sure to space them out evenly.
2. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the Chicken and Dumplings into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
2. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch. Simply add the shredded chicken to the pot along with the vegetables and broth.
• Add Herbs: Feel free to add fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, parsley, or thyme to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Make it Creamier: For an even creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream or a splash of milk to the pot.
• Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn for added flavor and texture.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some modifications you can make to enjoy this recipe:

• Replace Flour with Almond Flour: Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in the dumpling batter to reduce the carb content.
• Use Cauliflower: Replace the dumplings with cauliflower florets or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Creamy Substitute: Use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream to lower the carb count of the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, Chicken and Dumplings can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings? A: While you can freeze Chicken and Dumplings, the texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the chicken mixture separately from the dumplings and combine them when reheating.

Q: Can I use store-bought dumplings instead of making them from scratch? A: Yes, you can use store-bought biscuit dough or refrigerated dumplings instead of making them from scratch. Simply cut the dough into small pieces and drop them into the simmering chicken mixture.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, or corn.

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless classic that never fails to warm the soul. With its tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is a comforting reminder of home-cooked meals and cherished family traditions. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter’s night or shared with loved ones during special occasions, Chicken and Dumplings is sure to bring comfort and joy to all who taste it. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the nostalgia, and savor the simple pleasures of this beloved recipe.