Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Stew (Medium Intensity):
   • In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
   • Sprinkle flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
   • Add the bay leaf and dried thyme.
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
2. Prepare the Dumplings (Low Intensity):
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the milk and melted butter, stirring just until combined. The dough should be sticky.
3. Form Dumplings (Low Intensity):
   • Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering chicken stew, making sure they are evenly distributed.
4. Cook Dumplings (Low Intensity):
   • Cover the pot and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes, allowing the dumplings to cook and expand. Do not uncover the pot during this time.
5. Check and Adjust Seasoning (Low Intensity):
   • Remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if necessary.
6. Serve (Low Intensity):
   • Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving has a mix of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.
   • Enjoy your hearty Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings! (Low Intensity)

Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used. Adjust quantities to fit your dietary preferences and restrictions.