chicken and dumpling stew

The ultimate comfort food.

Chicken and Dumpling Stew

Stew:
1 Rotisserie Chicken (I love a little help from the store!)
2 Quarts Chicken Stock
2 large Sweet Onions, diced
3 Carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
3 Celery Ribs with leafy tops, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 bag (about 5 oz) of Frozen Peas
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
1/4 tsp. Pepper, or to taste
1/2 tsp. dried Basil
1/4 tsp. dried Thyme
1/4 tsp. Poultry Seasoning
1/2 tbsp. Mrs. Dash
2 dried Bay Leaves

Dumplings:
2 cups Pioneer Buttermilk Baking Mix
2/3 cup Whole Milk
1/2 tsp. Poultry Seasoning
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, finely chopped

Debone rotisserie chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces. Reserve the chicken bones, and discard the skin.

In a large stockpot, add reserved bones, 1 diced onion, 1 chopped celery rib, and 2 quarts chicken stock. Bring to a boil, and lower heat to simmer. Stirring occasionally, allow to simmer for at least 30 minutes. Remove from heat, and strain the chicken stock very well (I use an in-pot pasta colander).

In another large stockpot, over medium heat, add olive oil and the rest of the chopped veggies, frozen peas, and seasonings. Cook until the onions turn translucent. Add chicken and stock. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Taste for salt, and add if needed.
If desired, add more stock or water for a thinner consistency.

For the dumplings, combine ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Mix until "doughy."
Using a teaspoon, gently drop rounded spoonfuls of dough into simmering stew. Cover, and continue to simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until dumplings are tender and cooked through.

As to not break apart the dumplings, gently stir and ladle the stew into bowls.

The leftovers get yummier everyday. Adding fresh dumplings when reheated will stretch it to serve for several nights.
We make this for Christmas dinner, and jokingly call it "Hanukkah Soup," as the leftovers often stretch out for almost eight nights. :)