Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients:

**For the Soup:**
– **2 tablespoons butter**
– **1 onion**, diced
– **2 carrots**, sliced
– **2 celery stalks**, sliced
– **3 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1/2 teaspoon dried thyme**
– **1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary**
– **4 cups chicken broth**
– **2 cups cooked chicken**, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
– **1 cup frozen peas**
– **1 cup sliced mushrooms** (optional)
– **Salt and pepper to taste**
– **1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk** (optional for extra creaminess)

**For the Dumplings:**
– **1 cup all-purpose flour**
– **2 teaspoons baking powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**
– **2 tablespoons butter**, melted
– **1/2 cup milk**
– **1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley** (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Make the Soup Base:**
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
– Stir in the garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
– Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
– If using, add the frozen peas and mushrooms. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

2. **Prepare the Dumplings:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
– Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
– If using, fold in the chopped parsley.

3. **Cook the Dumplings:**
– Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering soup, spacing them out evenly.
– Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is needed to cook the dumplings.
– The dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through when done.

4. **Finish the Soup:**
– If you want a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

5. **Serve:**
– Ladle the soup and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

This chicken and dumplings recipe is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for warming up on a cool day. Enjoy the creamy, savory flavors and the fluffy dumplings in every bite!