CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS WITH VEGETABLES

Chicken and Dumplings with Vegetables is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pieces of chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth. This classic dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table, with every bite offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes. The vegetables add a fresh, wholesome element to the creamy chicken stew, while the dumplings soak up the savory broth, making them light and fluffy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly day, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken and vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic, thyme, parsley, and rosemary, and cook for another minute.
3. Simmer the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and return the chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas, corn, and heavy cream, and continue to simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
4. Make the dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley if using. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. The dough should be thick but still spoonable.
5. Cook the dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering chicken stew, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook evenly.
6. Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked, ladle the chicken and dumplings with vegetables into bowls and serve hot.

Chicken and Dumplings with Vegetables is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for feeding the family or warming up on a chilly night. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings, this dish is sure to become a favorite comfort food in your household.