Pin It A hearty, comforting stew featuring tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a subtle nutty warmth—perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings.
This cozy chicken and dumplings recipe has been a family favorite for years, warming us up on cold nights and bringing everyone to the table.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 2 lbs (900 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion: 1 large diced
- Carrots: 3 peeled and sliced
- Celery stalks: 3 sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Chicken broth: 8 cups (2 L) low-sodium
- Shelled walnuts: 1/2 cup (60 g) finely chopped
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Dried sage: 1 tsp
- Bay leaves: 2
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped for garnish
- Flour: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 3/4 tsp
- Ground walnuts: 1/4 cup (30 g)
- Fresh chives: 2 tbsp chopped optional
- Buttermilk: 3/4 cup (180 ml)
- Milk: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp (45 g) melted
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté until lightly browned on all sides about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In the same pot add onion carrots and celery. Cook for 6–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3:
- Add the chicken back to the pot with chicken broth walnuts thyme sage bay leaves nutmeg salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Step 4:
- While the stew simmers prepare the dumplings In a large bowl whisk together flour baking powder baking soda salt and ground walnuts. Add chives if using.
- Step 5:
- In a separate bowl mix buttermilk milk and melted butter. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined do not overmix.
- Step 6:
- Remove bay leaves from the stew. Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop drop heaping tablespoons of dumpling dough onto the simmering stew. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 18–20 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
- Step 7:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.
Pin It Sharing this nut-warm chicken and dumplings brings joy to family dinners and cozy memories.
Notes
Make it dairy-free by using plant-based milk and oil in the dumplings. Excellent with a crisp Chardonnay or a nutty amber ale.
Required Tools
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot Mixing bowls Whisk Ladle Spoon or ice cream scoop
Allergen Information
Contains Tree nuts (walnuts) dairy gluten (wheat). May contain traces of other allergens depending on ingredient brands always check labels if unsure.
Pin It This comforting stew is ready to bring warm flavors and family smiles to your table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute walnuts for another nut?
Yes, pecans or hazelnuts work well as alternatives and provide a similar nutty depth to the dish.
- → What’s the best way to ensure fluffy dumplings?
Mix the dumpling dough gently to avoid overworking and cook them covered to trap steam which helps them puff up nicely.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and oil substitutes in the dumpling dough instead of butter and dairy milk.
- → Should I toast the walnuts before adding them?
Toasting enhances the walnuts' flavor and adds a richer nutty aroma but is optional based on your taste preference.
- → What herbs complement the chicken stew best?
Thyme, sage, and bay leaves are ideal for adding depth and warmth to the stew without overpowering its delicate flavors.