Chicken and DumplingsIngredients:For the Chicken Stew:* 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts* 1 large onion, chopped* 3 carrots, sliced* 2 celery stalks, sliced* 3 cloves garlic, minced* 8 cups chicken broth* 2 tablespoons butter* 1 teaspoon salt* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper* 1 teaspoon dried thyme* 1 bay leaf* 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)For the Dumplings:* 2 cups all-purpose flour* 1 tablespoon baking powder* 1 teaspoon salt* 3 tablespoons butter, melted* 3/4 cup milkInstructions:1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.2. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.4. Add chicken, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.6. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.7. Stir in cream or flour slurry if you want a thicker, richer broth.8. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt for dumplings.9. Add melted butter and milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.10. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering stew.11. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid.12. Serve hot once dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.Prep Time: 20 minutesCook Time: 50 minutesTotal Time: 1 hour 10 minutesServings: 6 servings
