A comforting and hearty chicken stew topped with fluffy herb dumplings, perfect for a cozy meal.
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
Ensure the pot is hot before adding ingredients to prevent sticking.
Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor to the stew.
Stir in the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, cooking until softened.
Cut the vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
Sprinkle in the thyme, sage, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
Toast the spices briefly to release their aroma.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate browned bits into the broth.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and parsley to form a dough.
Do not overmix the dough to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the simmering stew.
Space the dumplings evenly to allow them to expand.
Cover the pot and simmer until the dumplings are cooked through.
Avoid lifting the lid to ensure the dumplings cook evenly.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.