Here’s a classic recipe for chicken and dumplings:
✓ Ingredients:
For the Chicken Stew:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Dumplings:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 4 tablespoons butter, melted
✓ Instructions:
For the Chicken Stew:
1. **Cook the Chicken:** In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Vegetables:** In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. **Add Broth and Seasonings:** Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. **Shred the Chicken:** While the broth is heating, shred the cooked chicken breasts using two forks.
5. **Combine and Simmer:** Once the broth is boiling, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
### For the Dumplings:
1. **Prepare the Dumpling Batter:** In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and milk, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick.
2. **Cook the Dumplings:** Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook properly.
3. **Serve:** Once the dumplings are cooked through (they should be firm and fluffy), remove the pot from heat. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting chicken and dumplings!