Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is a classic, comforting dish that many of us grew up enjoying at our grandmother’s table. This hearty meal, with its tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich gravy, brings a sense of nostalgia with every bite. For me, it evokes memories of chilly autumn evenings when the whole family would gather around the table, eager to dig into this warm and satisfying dish. The smell of the simmering chicken stock, the sight of the plump dumplings floating on top, and the taste of the creamy gravy all come together to create a meal that’s not just food, but an experience. Here’s how to bring this beloved dish to your kitchen, step by step.
Ingredients:
Chicken and Broth:
- 7 pounds cut up chicken pieces: This provides the base for our dish, with a mix of white and dark meat ensuring a rich, flavorful broth.
- 4 cups chicken stock: Enhances the depth of flavor in our broth.
- 2 onions, chopped: Adds sweetness and a savory depth to the broth.
- 3 stalks celery, chopped: Provides an aromatic base along with a slight crunch.
- 3 teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning both the broth and the dumplings.
Dumplings:
- 1 egg: Helps bind the ingredients together, giving the dumplings structure.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture to the dumpling dough, ensuring they are tender.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided: The main component of the dumplings and also used to thicken the gravy.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the dumplings their light, fluffy texture.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dumplings.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
Gravy:
- 1 cup water: Used to mix with the flour to create a slurry for thickening the gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick to the dish.
Directions:
Preparing the Chicken and Broth:
Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, place the 7 pounds of cut-up chicken pieces. Add the 4 cups of chicken stock, 2 chopped onions, 3 chopped celery stalks, and 2 teaspoons of the salt.
Simmer: Put the pot on medium-low heat. Simmer the mixture, partially covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. This simmering process allows the flavors of the chicken and vegetables to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful broth.
Preparing the Dumplings:
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 egg and 1/4 cup of milk.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Add 1 cup of flour, the remaining teaspoon of salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder to the egg and milk mixture. Mix until combined.
Add Butter: Cut 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into the flour mixture until the mixture becomes crumbly. The butter adds richness and helps to create a tender dumpling.
Add Parsley: Mix in 1 tablespoon of the chopped fresh parsley.
Form Dumplings: Drop the dumpling mixture in 6 large spoonfuls onto the top of the simmering chicken. Ensure the dumplings are evenly spaced to allow them room to expand and cook properly.
Cook Dumplings: Cover the pot and let everything simmer for another 10 minutes. This steam cooking method ensures the dumplings become fluffy and fully cooked through.
Making the Gravy:
Remove Chicken and Dumplings: Carefully remove the chicken and dumplings from the pot and place them in a large serving bowl. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
Strain Broth: Strain the stock left in the pot, pressing out any remaining liquid from the vegetables to extract as much flavor as possible. Return the strained stock to the pot.
Thicken Broth: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of water with the remaining 1/2 cup of flour to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the strained stock.
Boil: Bring the stock to a boil, stirring constantly until it thickens into a gravy. This should take a few minutes as the flour cooks and thickens the liquid.
Combine: Return the chicken and dumplings to the pot, gently combining them with the thickened gravy. This step ensures the dumplings absorb some of the flavorful gravy, making each bite even more delicious.
Serve: Garnish with the remaining tablespoon of chopped parsley and serve hot.
- Variations and Substitutions:
- Vegetables: You can add more vegetables to the broth, such as carrots or peas, for additional flavor and nutrition. These can be added at the same time as the onions and celery.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a different flavor profile to the dish. Simply add them to the pot with the other ingredients when simmering the chicken.
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, which helps to replicate the elasticity of gluten.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative to make the dumplings suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Different Proteins: While traditional chicken is used, you can substitute with turkey or even a hearty white fish for a different take on the dish. Adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure the meat is cooked through.
- Summary:
- Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace of homestyle cooking that warms both the body and soul. The tender chicken, the light and fluffy dumplings, and the rich, savory gravy create a harmony of flavors and textures that is irresistible. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also evokes fond memories of family gatherings and cherished moments around the dinner table. The versatility of the recipe allows for various adaptations to suit dietary needs or preferences, making it a timeless classic that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you crave a bit of comfort, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.