Savory Herb Chicken and Dumplings with Caramelized Onions

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Welcome to a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl: Savory Herb Chicken and Dumplings with Caramelized Onions. This recipe combines tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a rich broth, all enhanced by the deep flavor of caramelized onions. It’s a dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings.

Ingredients for Savory Herb Chicken and Dumplings with Caramelized Onions

The star of the show is the chicken thighs. They remain tender and juicy, unlike chicken breasts that can dry out. Next, we have the onion, which gets caramelized to a sweet perfection, adding a rich, deep flavor to the broth. The garlic is minced for a subtle pungency that complements the sweetness of the onions. Our chicken broth forms the base of the stew, providing a savory backdrop for all the ingredients.

For the dumplings, all-purpose flour is used as the base, while baking powder and baking soda help them rise and become fluffy. The buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderness to the dumplings. We melt some unsalted butter for richness and flavor. Fresh thyme and parsley give the dish a fresh, herby lift. Olive oil is used to caramelize the onions, and a bit of salt, black pepper, and paprika season everything perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • For perfectly caramelized onions, patience is key. Keep the heat at medium and stir occasionally.
  • Use a spoon to drop the dumpling dough into the stew to avoid sticking.
  • Check the dumplings by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few of the cooked potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish warm with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a great contrast to the rich, savory flavors. For an added touch, sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind they might not be as tender. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can substitute with 1/3 cup milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The stew can be made in advance, but prepare the dumplings just before serving for the best texture.

Savory Herb Chicken and Dumplings with Caramelized Onions Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for a caramelized, golden brown color, which takes about 15 minutes. Once you have that sweet, rich base, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an extra 2 minutes to let the flavors mingle.

Now, stir in your chicken thighs. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cook until they’re browned on all sides; this adds a lovely depth to the dish. Next, pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

While the chicken simmers, prepare your dumplings. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, and chopped herbs. Stir until a dough forms — it should be sticky, yet manageable. Drop spoonfuls of this dough onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot and let them cook for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed and cooked through.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's a hearty, one-pot meal that satisfies everyone.
  • Caramelized onions add a depth of flavor you’ll crave.
  • The dumplings are soft, pillowy, and soak up all the savory goodness.
  • Fresh herbs bring a burst of freshness to a comforting classic.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Stir in chicken thighs, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes.
5. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix in buttermilk, melted butter, and chopped herbs until a dough forms.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering stew, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
7. Garnish with additional fresh herbs before serving.

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