Chicken and Dumplings Recipe 
There's something incredibly comforting about a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. I recently made this classic dish on a cool evening, and the aroma of the simmering broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings filling my kitchen brought a sense of nostalgia and warmth. It’s a recipe that’s both hearty and soul-soothing, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients 
For the Chicken Stew:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Procedure 
1. Prepare the Chicken Stew:
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken pieces, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, skimming off any foam, until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 30-40 minutes.
- Remove and Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin.
- Add Vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf to the pot. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Return Chicken to Pot: Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Make the Dumplings:
- Prepare Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Add Dumplings to Stew: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes. Do not uncover the pot while the dumplings are cooking, as the steam is essential for them to puff up.
3. Serve and Enjoy:
- Finish: Once the dumplings are cooked through (they should be fluffy and firm), remove the pot from heat.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken stew and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Conclusion 
I can still recall the joy on my family's faces when they took their first bite—each spoonful brimming with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. This chicken and dumplings recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, promising warmth and comfort in every bite. I hope it brings the same delight to your table as it did to mine. Enjoy!
