How to Make Chicken Stew and Dumplings
Chicken stew and dumplings are a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. This dish combines the rich flavors of a savory stew with the flaky, tender texture of homemade dumplings. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, mastering the art of making chicken stew and dumplings is a valuable skill. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating this delightful meal, from selecting the right ingredients to following the perfect recipe.
Ingredients
To make chicken stew and dumplings, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup of frozen peas
– 1 cup of frozen corn
– 2 cups of chicken broth
– 1 cup of water
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 2 tablespoons of cold butter, diced
– 1/2 cup of buttermilk
Instructions
1. Begin by preparing the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are tender and slightly golden.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Stir in the frozen peas and corn, and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.
6. While the stew is simmering, prepare the dumplings: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Add the buttermilk to the flour mixture, and stir until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more buttermilk; if it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
8. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into small, bite-sized pieces, and drop them into the simmering stew.
9. Cook the dumplings for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through. The stew will thicken as the dumplings absorb the liquid.
10. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. Serve the chicken stew and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Now that you have learned how to make chicken stew and dumplings, you can enjoy this delicious meal any time you want. It’s a perfect dish for cold weather, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Happy cooking!
