How to Make a Hearty Chicken and Dumpling Stew
There’s something magical about a big pot of warm, hearty chicken and dumpling stew, especially on a chilly day. The combination of tender chicken, rich broth, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings is the perfect comfort food to calm your hunger and soothe your soul. The best part? It’s simpler to make than you might think! If you’ve never tried making this dish before, don’t worry—we’re going to break it down step by step in plain English.
Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s gather the ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need:
For the stew:
– 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (olive oil or vegetable oil works fine)
– 1 pound (about 2 cups) of chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks of celery, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 6 cups of chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 teaspoons of dried thyme (or 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme)
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup of frozen peas (optional)
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (for thickening)
For the dumplings:
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
Once you’ve gathered everything, it’s time to cook!
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on them to season. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s lightly browned. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet—it will finish cooking in the stew later. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Using the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. If the pot looks dry, add another drizzle of oil. Stir everything together and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. The onion will turn translucent, and the garlic will smell amazing!
Step 3: Build the Stew Base
Return the cooked chicken to the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth to create the base of the stew. Add the dried thyme and bay leaf to give it extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This gives the chicken time to fully cook and the flavors to blend nicely.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew
After simmering, it’s time to thicken the stew a little. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of water to make a smooth paste (this is called a slurry). Slowly stir the slurry into the pot. This will make the stew creamy without being too heavy. If you want to add frozen peas, now’s the time to stir them in. Let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes while you prepare the dumplings.
Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough
Making dumplings is super easy! In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until the mixture forms a soft dough. Don’t overmix—just stir until combined.
Step 6: Add the Dumplings
With the stew bubbling on low heat, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the stew. Aim to space them out evenly so they don’t stick together. Don’t worry if they sink at first—they’ll puff up beautifully as they cook. Once all the dumplings are in, cover the pot and let it cook for 15 minutes. The steam trapped in the pot will cook the dumplings, making them light and fluffy.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
After 15 minutes, uncover the pot and check if the dumplings are ready. They should be firm and cooked through. To test, poke one with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re done!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your hearty chicken and dumpling stew is ready to serve! Scoop the stew and dumplings into bowls and enjoy the comforting flavors. If you want to add a garnish, chopped parsley goes wonderfully on top.
Tips for Success
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavor: While chicken breasts work, thighs are juicier and hold up better in stews.
- Don’t peek while the dumplings cook: The steam is what makes the dumplings rise, so resist the urge to lift the lid until the cooking time is up.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: After simmering, taste your stew and add extra salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Final Thoughts
Making chicken and dumpling stew doesn’t have to be complicated. With some basic ingredients, a little patience, and a love for comfort food, you can prepare a delicious, homemade meal for your family. Whether it’s for a weekday dinner or a cozy gathering with loved ones, this dish is sure to warm hearts and bellies. So go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be a stew-making expert in no time!
