How to Make Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings have always been a comforting and hearty dish that brings families and friends together. This classic American recipe has stood the test of time, offering a warm and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make old-fashioned chicken and dumplings, ensuring that you can enjoy this timeless favorite in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks of celery, chopped
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1 cup of water
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup of cold butter, diced
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 cup of buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large pot and add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once the chicken is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Skim any foam or impurities from the surface of the broth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the buttermilk to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In the same pot where you cooked the chicken, bring the broth to a boil. Drop the dumpling dough by spoonfuls into the boiling broth, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and have puffed up.
6. While the dumplings are cooking, chop the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the dumplings are done, remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the chicken pieces.
7. Transfer the chicken and dumplings to a baking dish and sprinkle with vegetable oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve the old-fashioned chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped chives if desired. Enjoy this comforting meal with a side of your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad.
Now that you know how to make old-fashioned chicken and dumplings, you can bring the warmth and tradition of this classic dish into your home. Happy cooking!
