Classic and Comforting Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Maria's Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless and comforting dish that will warm your soul on a chilly day. This classic recipe features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth, accompanied by fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. The combination of savory chicken, aromatic vegetables, and delightful dumplings creates a harmonious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and browned.
5. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
6. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
7. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
8. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme to the pot. Bring the broth to a simmer.
9. Return the chicken thighs to the pot and cover. Let the chicken simmer in the broth for 30 minutes, or until cooked through and tender.
10. While the chicken simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, baking powder, and salt.
11. Pour in the milk and stir until just combined. The dough should be sticky.
12. After the chicken has simmered for 30 minutes, remove the chicken thighs from the pot and shred the meat using two forks.
13. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the frozen peas. Stir to combine.
14. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through.
15. Remove the bay leaf from the pot and season the chicken and dumplings with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
16. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Interesting Facts