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When the chill of autumn settles in or when the clouds hang low on a rainy day, few dishes evoke the same sense of comfort as a steaming pot of chicken and dumplings. This Hearty Rustic Chicken and Dumplings Supper is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace served in a bowl, brimming with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth. The combination of flavors and textures creates a dish that nourishes the body and soul, making it a beloved staple in many households across the globe.

Rustic Chicken and Dumplings Supper

Warm up your autumn evenings with a Hearty Rustic Chicken and Dumplings Supper! This comforting dish features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, it’s steeped in tradition and evokes a sense of home-cooked warmth. Enjoy the process of crafting this delicious meal from scratch, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas that create lasting memories around the table.
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Stew:

1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), cut into manageable pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds

2 ribs celery, diced

4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 bay leaves

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 cup milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

    - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces skin-side down, allowing them to sear until golden brown on all sides, about 7-10 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

      Sauté the Vegetables:

        - In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the mixture for approximately 5-7 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables start to soften.

          Combine Ingredients:

            - Return the seared chicken back into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let the stew simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

              Make the Dumplings:

                - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and dried parsley. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.

                  Add the Dumplings:

                    - Once the chicken is tender, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot and allow them to cool slightly. Shred the meat off the bones, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and adjust the seasoning to taste.

                      Cook the Dumplings:

                        - Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter directly onto the simmering stew, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to steam in the stew for 15-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain steam.

                          Serve:

                            - After 15-20 minutes, the dumplings should be fluffy and fully cooked. Remove the pot from the heat. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Ladle generous portions of the hearty stew into bowls, making sure each serving includes tender dumplings.

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings

                                - Presentation Tips: Serve in rustic bowls with a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory broth and enhance the cozy feel of this hearty meal.