Herbed Drop Dumplings for a Rustic Chicken Stew

These herbed drop dumplings are light, fluffy, and infused with aromatic herbs, making them a perfect complement to a hearty chicken stew. This rustic dish is both comforting and easy to prepare.

Ingredients for Chicken Stew

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

Ingredients for Herbed Drop Dumplings

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Stew

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

Prepare the Herbed Drop Dumplings

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, parsley, and thyme.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
   • Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined. The batter should be thick but spoonable.

Cook the Dumplings

1. Drop the Dumplings
   • Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the batter onto the simmering stew. Space them evenly.
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 during this time to ensure the dumplings cook through and become fluffy.

Serve

• Remove the bay leaf from the stew. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve warm with crusty bread.

Tips

• Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne to the dumpling batter for a subtle kick.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Swap parsley and thyme for dill, chives, or rosemary to customize the flavor.

This rustic chicken stew with herbed drop dumplings is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to every bite!