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Creating the perfect dumplings is an art form that can elevate your chicken and dumplings dish to a whole new level. The key to achieving the right consistency lies in the balance of moisture and dry ingredients. Here are some essential tips:

Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings

Warm up your chilly days with a bowl of Cozy Comfort Chicken & Dumplings. This hearty recipe features a savory chicken stew paired with fluffy, tender dumplings, making it the perfect family meal that evokes nostalgia and warmth. Easy to prepare, this dish takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a gourmet experience. Discover the joy of cooking from scratch and enjoy the delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen as you create this comforting classic.

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Stew:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds

2 ribs celery, diced

1 cup frozen peas

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken Stew:

    - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery; sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and the onions are translucent.

      - Add the chicken thighs to the pot, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they are lightly browned on all sides.

        - Stir in the minced garlic along with the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.

          - Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Increase the heat and bring the stew to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

            Make the Dumpling Dough:

              - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

                - In another bowl, combine the milk and melted butter, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should remain slightly sticky.

                  Combine and Cook:

                    - Once the chicken stew is done simmering, remove the bay leaf and stir in the frozen peas.

                      - Using a spoon or scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew. Ensure the dumplings are spaced apart as they will expand while cooking.

                        - Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and allow the dumplings to steam for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure they turn out light and fluffy.

                          Serve and Enjoy:

                            - After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are fully cooked; they should be fluffy and not doughy at the center. Serve the hearty chicken and dumplings in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 6 servings