Grandma’s Secret: The Ultimate Old Fashioned Chicken and Slick Dumplings Recipe

Chicken and dumplings. It’s a dish that evokes warmth, comfort, and memories of family gatherings around a table laden with delicious food. But not just *any* chicken and dumplings; we’re talking about the *old fashioned* kind. The kind your grandmother or great-grandmother might have made, with tender chicken, a rich, flavorful broth, and those melt-in-your-mouth *slick* dumplings. These aren’t the fluffy, biscuit-like dumplings; these are the thin, almost noodle-like, slippery dumplings that soak up all that amazing chicken flavor. If you’ve been searching for *that* recipe, the one that tastes just like you remember, look no further. This is it. Get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will transport you back to simpler times.

## Why This Recipe Works

Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about why this recipe stands out. It’s not just a collection of ingredients; it’s a method, a technique, and a touch of love that brings it all together. Here’s what makes it special:

* **Flavorful Broth:** The foundation of any great chicken and dumplings is the broth. This recipe prioritizes building a rich, deep flavor by using a whole chicken and simmering it with aromatic vegetables.
* **Tender Chicken:** Slow cooking the chicken ensures it’s incredibly tender and falls off the bone, adding even more flavor to the broth.
* **Slick Dumplings Perfection:** The key to perfect slick dumplings is the dough. It needs to be just the right consistency – not too sticky, not too dry – to create those thin, delicate dumplings that cook perfectly in the broth.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. This recipe relies on pantry staples and fresh produce for a classic, comforting flavor.
* **Step-by-Step Instructions:** Clear, concise instructions make this recipe easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to create this old fashioned chicken and slick dumplings masterpiece:

### For the Chicken and Broth:

* **1 Whole Chicken (3-4 pounds):** A whole chicken provides the best flavor for the broth. You can use a smaller chicken, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **1 Large Onion, chopped:** Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the broth.
* **2 Carrots, chopped:** Contributes sweetness and color to the broth.
* **2 Celery Stalks, chopped:** Adds a savory note to the broth.
* **4 Cloves Garlic, minced:** Provides a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **8 Cups Chicken Broth (or water):** The base of the liquid. If using water, you may need to add extra seasoning.
* **2 Bay Leaves:** Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the broth.
* **1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme:** Enhances the savory notes of the chicken and vegetables.
* **1/2 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary:** Adds a warm, slightly piney flavor.
* **Salt and Black Pepper to taste:** Essential for seasoning.
* **2 Tablespoons Olive Oil:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **Optional: Chicken bouillon cubes** To boost the chicken flavor.

### For the Slick Dumplings:

* **2 Cups All-Purpose Flour:** The base of the dumpling dough. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
* **1 Teaspoon Baking Powder:** Helps the dumplings rise slightly and become tender.
* **1/2 Teaspoon Salt:** Enhances the flavor of the dumplings.
* **1 Cup Milk (or chicken broth):** Provides moisture and helps bind the dough. You can use chicken broth for an even richer flavor.
* **4 Tablespoons Melted Butter (or vegetable shortening):** Adds richness and tenderness to the dumplings.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create the most delicious old fashioned chicken and slick dumplings you’ve ever tasted:

### Part 1: Preparing the Chicken and Broth

1. **Prep the Chicken:** Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity (if any) and rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. **Brown the Chicken (Optional):** For extra flavor, you can brown the chicken before adding the broth. Remove the vegetables from the pot and set them aside. Add the chicken to the pot and brown it on all sides. This will add depth of flavor to the broth, but it’s not essential.
4. **Add the Broth and Seasonings:** Return the vegetables to the pot. Add the chicken broth (or water), bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. **Simmer the Chicken:** Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the meat is falling off the bone. Check the chicken periodically and add more liquid if needed to keep it submerged.
6. **Remove the Chicken:** Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Reserve the broth in the pot.
7. **Shred the Chicken:** Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. You can shred it into large or small pieces, depending on your preference.
8. **Strain the Broth (Optional):** For a smoother broth, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vegetables and herbs. This is optional, but it can improve the texture of the final dish.
9. **Return the Broth to the Pot:** Pour the strained broth (or the unstrained broth, if you prefer) back into the pot.

### Part 2: Making the Slick Dumplings

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, combine the milk (or chicken broth) and melted butter (or vegetable shortening). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
3. **Mix the Dough:** Stir the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this will make the dumplings tough. The dough should be slightly sticky, but not overly wet.
4. **Roll Out the Dough:** Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to flatten the dough.
5. **Cut the Dumplings:** Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips or squares. The size and shape of the dumplings are up to you. Traditionally, slick dumplings are cut into long, thin strips, but you can also make them into squares or triangles.

### Part 3: Cooking the Dumplings and Assembling the Dish

1. **Bring the Broth to a Simmer:** Bring the broth in the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. **Add the Dumplings:** Carefully drop the dumplings one at a time into the simmering broth. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot. You may need to cook the dumplings in batches.
3. **Cook the Dumplings:** Cook the dumplings for 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The dumplings will plump up and become slightly translucent as they cook.
4. **Add the Shredded Chicken:** Once the dumplings are cooked, add the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
5. **Simmer Briefly:** Simmer the chicken and dumplings together for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the chicken and dumplings and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your liking.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired. Enjoy!

## Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken and Slick Dumplings

* **Use a Good Quality Chicken:** The flavor of the chicken will directly impact the flavor of the broth. Choose a high-quality chicken for the best results. A free-range or organic chicken will generally have more flavor.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** When cooking the dumplings, make sure not to overcrowd the pot. This will lower the temperature of the broth and prevent the dumplings from cooking properly. Cook them in batches if necessary.
* **Don’t Overcook the Dumplings:** Overcooked dumplings can be tough and gummy. Cook them just until they are cooked through and tender. They should be slightly translucent and plump.
* **Adjust the Broth Consistency:** If the broth is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and adding it to the simmering broth. Stir until the broth thickens. If the broth is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the chicken and dumplings, such as peas, green beans, or corn. Add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
* **Make it Spicy:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth.
* **Use Leftover Chicken:** If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use it in this recipe. Just skip the first part of the recipe and start with the broth.
* **Make it Ahead:** The chicken and broth can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings are best made fresh, but you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Turkey and Dumplings:** Substitute turkey for chicken for a delicious Thanksgiving-inspired dish.
* **Vegetarian Dumplings:** Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, and celery.
* **Gluten-Free Dumplings:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings.
* **Drop Dumplings:** If you prefer a more rustic dumpling, you can drop spoonfuls of the dough directly into the simmering broth instead of rolling and cutting them.
* **Herbed Dumplings:** Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary, to the dumpling dough for extra flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken and slick dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of:

* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy chicken and dumplings.
* **Cornbread:** Cornbread is a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken and dumplings.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For an extra comforting meal, serve chicken and dumplings with mashed potatoes.

## Storing and Reheating Leftovers

* **Storing:** Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken and dumplings in a saucepan over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a little chicken broth or water if needed to thin out the broth.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use store-bought chicken broth?** Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth, but homemade broth will have a richer flavor. If using store-bought broth, consider adding chicken bouillon for a richer taste.
* **Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?** Yes, you can freeze chicken and dumplings, but the texture of the dumplings may change slightly. To freeze, let the chicken and dumplings cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Why are my dumplings tough?** Tough dumplings are usually caused by overmixing the dough. Be careful not to overmix the dough when making the dumplings.
* **Why are my dumplings gummy?** Gummy dumplings can be caused by overcooking them. Cook the dumplings just until they are cooked through and tender.
* **Can I add cream to the broth?** Yes, you can add cream to the broth for a richer, creamier flavor. Add about 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

## The Bottom Line

This old fashioned chicken and slick dumplings recipe is a true classic, passed down through generations. It’s a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. With tender chicken, a rich, flavorful broth, and those melt-in-your-mouth slick dumplings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will transport you back to simpler times. Happy cooking!