Cheddar and Chive Dumplings for a Flavorful Chicken Stew

These cheddar and chive dumplings are the perfect addition to a hearty chicken stew. The savory, cheesy dumplings soak up the stew’s rich flavors, creating a comforting dish that’s ideal for cool days.

Ingredients for the Dumplings

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Ingredients for the Chicken Stew

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups (1 L) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Make the Chicken Stew

1. Cook the Chicken
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
   • In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
   • Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Simmer the Stew
   • Add chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, bay leaf, and the cooked chicken back into the pot.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Prepare the Dumplings

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the Cheddar and Chives
   • Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients
   • Add milk and melted butter to the dry mixture. Stir until just combined; the batter will be thick and sticky.

Cook the Dumplings

1. Drop the Dumplings
   • Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling batter onto the simmering stew. Space them evenly, as they will expand.
2. Cover and Cook
   • Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid while cooking, as this ensures the dumplings cook through and become fluffy.

Serve

1. Remove Bay Leaf
   • Discard the bay leaf from the stew.
2. Garnish and Enjoy
   • Serve the stew with dumplings in bowls, garnished with additional chives if desired.

Tips

• Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor, or swap for another cheese like Gruyère.
• Add extra vegetables like peas or mushrooms to the stew for more variety.
• For a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the broth before adding the dumplings.

Enjoy this warm, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!