The Perfect Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort cascades through this hearty chicken stew and dumplings, promising warmth on chilly evenings.

Savory aromas drift from the pot, beckoning hungry souls.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among soft, pillowy dumplings that melt in your mouth.

Fragrant herbs dance through the rich broth, creating layers of complex flavor.

Each spoonful connects you to generations of home cooking traditions.

Rustic and satisfying, this dish whispers stories of kitchen love and nourishment.

You’ll want to pull up a chair and savor every comforting bite.

What You’ll Need For Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew And Dumplings

• Chicken: Tender meat that provides the hearty base for this comforting stew.

• Onion, Carrot, Celery: Classic trio of vegetables that create a flavorful and nutritious foundation for the stew.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the overall dish.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet green vegetables that bring color and brightness to the final stew.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish that adds a pop of color and light flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for the stew.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy texture to the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the stew and create a smooth, consistent sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dumpling dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dumplings.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the dumpling ingredients.

• Dried Thyme: Brings an earthy, herbaceous flavor to the stew.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How To Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew And Dumplings

Step 1: Sizzle Golden Chicken

Heat a large skillet and cook chicken pieces until they turn a beautiful golden brown on all sides. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate, letting those delicious flavors develop.

Step 2: Dance Vegetables in Butter

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and start to release their aromatic magic.

Step 3: Create Creamy Stew Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Dried thyme
• Rosemary

Add the browned chicken back into the skillet and let everything mingle together.

Step 4: Craft Fluffy Dumpling Dough

Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and herbs. Gently mix in milk until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

Step 5: Steam Dreamy Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly onto the simmering stew. Cover the skillet and let them steam for 15 minutes until they puff up and become light and airy.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Flair

Stir in sweet green peas and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve this comforting masterpiece piping hot and enjoy the warm, hearty goodness.

Pro Tips For Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew And Dumplings

• Choose Dark Meat for Richness: Opt for chicken thighs or drumsticks to add more flavor and prevent dryness compared to chicken breasts.
• Dry Chicken Before Browning: Pat chicken pieces with paper towels to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
• Rest Dumplings Briefly: Allow dumpling dough to sit for 5 minutes before dropping into stew to help them become lighter and fluffier.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust broth amount to create your preferred stew thickness – less liquid for a heartier dish, more for a soupier texture.
• Fresh Herbs Make Magic: Use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of dried herbs to elevate the overall taste and aroma of the chicken stew.

Ways To Mix Up Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew And Dumplings

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu or hearty mushrooms like portobello, maintaining the same cooking technique for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Stew: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour for thickening, and use gluten-free dumplings made from almond or chickpea flour.
• Spicy Southwest Rendition: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and paprika to the stew, and incorporate cornmeal into dumpling mixture for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Protein Pot: Substitute traditional dumplings with cauliflower florets or zucchini rounds, using chicken thighs for extra richness and keeping the creamy broth base.

Best Pairings With Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew And Dumplings

• Perfectly Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich, creamy stew with its bright acidity and refreshing notes.
• Complement with Crusty Artisan Bread: Rustic sourdough or a hearty French baguette provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up the flavorful, velvety sauce.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: A light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette balances the hearty stew's warmth and offers a crisp contrast.
• Enhance with Roasted Root Vegetables: A side of caramelized carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes adds depth and earthy sweetness to complement the chicken stew's comfort.

How To Store Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew And Dumplings

• Store leftover stew in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Dumplings may become slightly soggy when thawed.
• Place stew in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of broth if stew seems dry.
• Warm stew in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little chicken broth to restore moisture. Gently stir to prevent breaking down dumpling texture.

Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew And Dumplings FAQ Section

• What are dumplings made of?

Dumplings are a simple mixture of flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and butter, creating a soft, fluffy bread-like topping that steams directly on top of the stew.

• Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with turkey, pork, or beef depending on your preference and what you have available in your kitchen.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The stew is creamy and mild, with tender chicken and soft dumplings that most children enjoy, making it a perfect family meal that’s comforting and easy to eat.

Why Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew And Dumplings Is So Comforting

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Dive into a hearty meal that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming dish perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Cooking: This recipe requires minimal culinary skills, making it ideal for novice cooks wanting to impress with a delicious, homemade meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables, adjust herbs, or modify protein to match your taste preferences, creating a versatile recipe that adapts to your kitchen style.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a single-pot cooking method that saves time and reduces dishwashing, perfect for busy households seeking convenient meal solutions.

Chicken Stew And Dumplings Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken stew and dumplings bring comfort straight from grandma’s Southern kitchen, melding tender chicken with pillowy herbed dumplings. Savory flavors meld perfectly, promising a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1.5 pounds chicken, chopped

Vegetables:

• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas

Stew Base and Seasonings:

• 4 cups stock
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cream
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1/4 cup parsley

Dumpling Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in a hot skillet until golden brown, creating a rich caramelized exterior, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, melt butter and gently sauté chopped vegetables until they become translucent and slightly softened, releasing their aromatic flavors.
3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to create a roux that will thicken the stew and provide a silky texture.
4. Gradually pour in broth and cream, whisking to prevent lumps, then add herbs and return the browned chicken to the skillet.
5. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
6. While the stew simmers, prepare dumpling dough by mixing ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
7. Using a spoon, carefully drop dollops of dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew, ensuring even distribution.
8. Cover the skillet and steam the dumplings for 15 minutes, maintaining a consistent low heat to ensure they cook through.
9. Fold in fresh peas during the last few minutes of cooking to preserve their bright color and crisp texture.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the stew piping hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting meal.

Notes

• Enhance chicken flavor by seasoning with salt and pepper before browning for deeper, more robust taste.
• Create lighter dumplings by using buttermilk instead of regular milk, which adds tanginess and tender texture.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond or rice flour in both stew and dumplings.
• Prep vegetables in advance and store in refrigerator to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 386 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg