Step #1 Sprinkle top thyme & 1/2 tsp pepper over chicken pieces.
Step #2 Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Step #3 Add chicken pieces; cook 5 mins on each side or until browned.
Step #4 Remove chicken from pan; set aside.
Step #5 Add onions to pan; saut? 5 mins or until lightly browned.
Step #6 remove this from pan; set aside.
Step #7 Add mushroom caps & 1/4 c broth to pan; cook 3 mins or until moisture evaporates, stirring constantly.
Step #8 Return chicken & onions to pan.
Step #9 Add 2-1/2 c broth, wine, & garlic; bring to a boil.
Step #10 Reduce heat, & let simmer 1 min.
Step #11 Place 1/4 c flour & 1/2 tsp salt in a small bowl.
Step #12 slowly add in the remaining chicken broth, stirring with a wire whisk until well-mixed; add to pan.
Step #13 Cover & let simmer 20 mins, stirring every once in awhile.
Step #14 mix 1 c flour & next 5 ingredients (1 c flour through 1/4 tsp pepper) in a bowl; cut in the shortening with a pastry mixer or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Step #15 Add pumpkin & buttermilk to the flour mixture, ! stirring just until moistened; set dough aside.
Step #16 Add sour cream to chicken mixture; stir well.
Step #17 Drop dough onto chicken mixture to form 6 dumplings.
Step #18 Cover and simmer 20 mins.
Step #19 remove this from heat; Sprinkle top with 1 tbsp parsley.
Step #20 NOTES : Serving size: 3 oz chicken, 3/4 c broth mixture, & 1 dumpling.