1. Cook the Chicken:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Discard the bay leaves. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
2. Make the Dumplings:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dumplings tough. If desired, fold in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Form the Dumplings:
- Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the simmering chicken and broth mixture. The dumplings will expand as they cook, so leave some space between each one.
3. Cook the Dumplings:
- Cook:
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook in the simmering broth for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as the steam helps cook the dumplings evenly.
4. Serve the Dish:
- Check for Doneness:
- To check if the dumplings are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one; it should come out clean. The dumplings should be soft and fluffy.
- Serve:
- Ladle the chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good portion of broth. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Choice: Use bone-in chicken for a richer broth, but boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used for convenience.
- Thickening the Broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can whisk 2 tablespoons of flour into a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the broth before adding the dumplings.
- Dumpling Variations: For extra flavor, you can add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill directly to the dumpling dough.
Conclusion
Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings makes it a perfect meal for chilly days or whenever you need a satisfying, home-cooked dinner. This classic recipe is sure to become a family favorite, offering all the coziness and nourishment you crave in a single bowl. Enjoy every hearty bite!