Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5-6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Perfect for cozy evenings, this dish combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich, creamy sauce. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then coat with 1/2 cup flour. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on the outside, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté carrots, celery, and onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaves, cooking for 1 minute.
- Simmer the Sauce: Return the chicken to the pot and add chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in heavy cream and peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the Dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Add buttermilk and eggs, mixing until just combined. Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of the batter into the simmering broth, spacing them apart to allow for puffing.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffy and the chicken is fully cooked.
Serve this hearty chicken and dumplings hot and enjoy the warmth of this classic dish!
