Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Instructions

Chicken Stew:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and brown them in the pot. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Return the browned chicken to the pot and add the carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaf.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
5. Stir in the frozen peas and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Dumplings:

1. While the stew is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
3. Once the stew is ready, drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering broth.
4. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center.

Variation

One of the beauties of Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is their versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Herb-Infused Dumplings: Add fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives to the dumpling dough for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Creamy Chicken and Dumplings: Stir in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamier stew.
3. Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Load up on your favorite veggies for a hearty vegetable dumpling stew.
4. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a bit of heat.

Tips

• Use Bone-In Chicken: Using bone-in chicken pieces enhances the flavor of the stew. The bones add depth and richness to the broth.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When making dumplings, remember not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can result in tough dumplings.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. It’s all about achieving that perfect balance of flavors.
• Reheating: Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings taste even better the next day. The flavors have time to meld, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.

More than simply a dinner, Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a celebration of history, a throwback to a warmer era, and a hug from the kitchen. Gathering around the table to share the soft, fluffy dumplings and deep, hearty stew makes memories that will last a lifetime. This meal is sure to warm your heart and fill your house with the soothing perfume of memories, whether you follow the traditional recipe or try some creative modifications. Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is like a hug in a bowl, so try it the next time you want to take a trip back in time. It will be enjoyed for many generations to come.