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When the days grow colder and evenings stretch longer, few dishes can evoke the warmth and comfort quite like a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings. This beloved classic has warmed hearts and bellies for generations, emerging as a quintessential comfort food across many cultures. Its appeal lies not just in its rich flavors and satisfying textures, but also in the memories it conjures of family gatherings and shared meals, where love is served alongside every spoonful.

Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings

Warm up your chilly evenings with a bowl of Cozy Comfort Chicken & Dumplings, an age-old classic that brings families together. This hearty dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich broth, complemented by fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this recipe is adaptable for various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the love and warmth of a homemade meal. Gather around the table and create lasting memories with every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, sliced into thin rounds

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt (for dumplings)

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup milk (or buttermilk)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sear the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot (keeping the flavor from the chicken), add the finely chopped onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring until fragrant.

      Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Return the seared chicken to the pot, ensuring it's submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and allow to cook for about 20 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and fork-tender.

        Make the Dumpling Dough: While the chicken is simmering, prepare the dumpling dough. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the milk until well combined. Gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined; the dough will be slightly sticky.

          Shred the Chicken: After 20 minutes of simmering, carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the pot.

            Drop in Dumplings: With the broth now bubbling gently, take spoonfuls of the dumpling dough and drop them onto the surface of the simmering broth. Avoid stirring to ensure the dumplings stay intact. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the dumplings for 15-20 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are cooked through.

              Season and Serve: Taste the hearty broth with chicken and dumplings, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Ladle generous portions into bowls, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm to enjoy!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 4-6 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: For an inviting touch, consider serving in rustic bowls. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top of each serving can add a beautiful sheen.