Imagine a cozy evening, the aroma of a hearty chicken stew wafting through your home, promising warmth and comfort with every spoonful. This Hearty Chicken Stew with Dumplings is not just a meal; it's a delightful experience that brings family and friends together around the table. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is simple yet satisfying, making it the perfect addition to your dinner rotation. Ready to dive into a bowl of deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by chopping chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, dicing onions, slicing carrots, and cubing potatoes. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and brown chicken thighs until golden, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add carrots and potatoes, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth, ensuring vegetables and chicken are mostly covered. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.
- For dumpling preparation, mix flour, baking powder, salt in a bowl. Gradually add milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Drop dumpling dough by spoonfuls onto the simmering stew. Cover pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing dumplings to steam.
- Add frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Check seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, ensuring each serving has chicken, vegetables, and dumplings. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and chicken thighs in advance. This way, you can quickly throw everything together when you’re ready to cook.
- Browning the Chicken: Don’t skip the browning step! It adds a depth of flavor to the stew that makes it irresistible. Make sure your pot is hot enough to get that golden color.
- Simmering: Allow the stew to simmer gently; this is key to ensuring the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Avoid boiling vigorously, as it can toughen the meat.
- Dumpling Consistency: When making the dumplings, the dough should be soft but not overly sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour until you achieve the right texture.
- Steam the Dumplings: Cover the pot while the dumplings cook to ensure they steam properly. Resist the urge to lift the lid during this time, as it can disrupt the cooking process.
- Seasoning: Always taste your stew before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure every bite is flavorful. Fresh herbs like parsley can also elevate the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your stew with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal that will impress your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
