Chicken and Dumplings with Cheese

Chicken and Dumplings with Cheese

Ingredients

**For the Chicken and Sauce:**
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk or heavy cream
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**For the Dumplings:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
– 3/4 cup milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

1. **Cook the Chicken:**
– Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

2. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
– In the same pot, add the diced onion and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3. **Make the Sauce:**
– Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
– Add the milk or heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it starts to thicken.
– Return the cooked chicken to the pot. If using, add the frozen peas. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

4. **Prepare the Dumplings:**
– In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Add the milk and stir until just combined.

5. **Add the Dumplings:**
– Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering chicken mixture. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

6. **Add Cheese:**
– Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the dumplings. Cover the pot again and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes.

7. **Serve:**
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting chicken and dumplings with cheese!

This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy!