This Herbed Chicken and Dumplings with Carrot Medley is a comforting classic with a twist. Using fresh herbs, it elevates the traditional flavors and adds a delightful freshness. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to warm your heart and home.
The star of the show is the whole chicken, which provides a depth of flavor that you just can't get from boneless parts. The olive oil helps achieve that lovely golden sear on the chicken. Next, the onion and garlic form a savory base, while carrots and celery add sweetness and crunch. The chicken broth ties everything together, creating a rich, flavorful stew. For the dumplings, all-purpose flour and baking powder create the perfect texture, with milk and butter adding richness. Fresh parsley and dill bring a burst of herby freshness to the dish. Finally, a touch of salt and pepper enhances all these flavors.
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables. A slice of crusty bread can also be a delightful addition to soak up that flavorful broth.
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them until they turn a beautiful golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma. This usually takes around 3–4 minutes.
Next, add the sliced carrots and diced celery to the pot. Stir them around and let them cook for another 5 minutes to start softening up. You want them tender yet with a bit of bite.
Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it among the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is nicely submerged. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble away gently for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
While the stew simmers, prepare the dumpling dough. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, milk, melted butter, fresh parsley, and dill until you have a sticky dough. Avoid over-mixing to keep the dumplings light.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering stew. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes. The dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through by then. Before serving, season the whole pot with salt and pepper to taste.