Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

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Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Stew:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces or 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

For the Dumplings:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 3 tbsp butter (cold and cubed)
  • 3/4 to 1 cup whole milk

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Stew

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onions until soft, then add carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes.
  3. Add chicken pieces or shredded cooked chicken.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, add salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
  5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 30–45 minutes.
  6. If using a whole chicken, remove, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
  7. Stir in the cream and peas (if using), and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, parsley, and thyme.
  2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Slowly stir in milk until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3: Add Dumplings to the Stew

  1. Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) on top of the simmering stew.
  2. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Don’t lift the lid while dumplings are cooking—they need steam to rise properly!
  4. Check dumplings for doneness (they should be fluffy and cooked through).

Method:

  • Cooking Style: One-pot stovetop method
  • Best Pot: Dutch oven or deep heavy pot with lid
  • Dumpling Tip: Make sure the stew is simmering gently—not boiling too hard, or the dumplings may fall apart.

History:

Chicken and Dumplings is a traditional Southern dish with deep roots in American comfort food. During the Great Depression, families stretched meals by adding dumplings made of basic pantry ingredients. The hearty broth and fluffy dumplings created a filling and satisfying meal from simple beginnings.

Benefits:

  • High in Protein: Chicken provides lean, muscle-building protein.
  • Vegetable Boost: Carrots, celery, peas add vitamins and fiber.
  • Homemade Goodness: No preservatives or additives.
  • Warm Comfort Food: Perfect for cold nights, sick days, or cozy gatherings.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving):

  • Calories: 430
  • Protein: 27g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
    *(Varies depending on cream and added veggies.)

Who Will Love It:

  • Grandmas, foodies, busy families, cozy souls, cold-weather warriors, nostalgia lovers, and everyone who believes food = love.

Conclusion:

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is a warm hug in a bowl—perfectly seasoned chicken stew with dreamy, fluffy dumplings floating on top. It’s rustic, filling, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re healing a cold or just craving something soul-soothing, this is the dish to turn to.

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