Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew And Dumplings

Name: Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew and Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 720g chicken thigh fillets, quartered; 3 carrots, peeled and chopped; 3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped; 2 celery sticks, sliced; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1.2 liters chicken stock; 45g unsalted butter; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 50g plain flour; 240g plain flour (for dumplings); 3 tsp baking powder; 100g grated strong cheddar; ½ tsp dried parsley; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for dumplings); 180ml milk

Dive into the warmth and comfort of a classic British dish with the Hairy Bikers' Chicken Stew and Dumplings. This hearty meal, perfect for chilly evenings, combines tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich and savory broth. The recipe we'll explore offers a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.

Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew and Dumplings: A Culinary Journey

Cultural or Historical Context

The tradition of stewing chicken with vegetables dates back centuries in Britain, serving as a staple for providing warmth and nourishment during the colder months. Dumplings, added to the stew, were a means to extend the meal and add a satisfyingly starchy component. This dish is a testament to British home cooking, emphasizing comfort, heartiness, and the use of local ingredients.

Ingredients for the Chicken Stew and Dumplings

Chicken Stew:

Chicken thigh fillets (720g/1.5lbs), quartered
Carrots (3), peeled and chopped
Medium-sized potatoes (3), peeled and chopped
Celery sticks (2), sliced
Salt (½ tsp) and black pepper (½ tsp)
Dried thyme (1 tsp)
Chicken stock (1.2 liters/5 cups)
Unsalted butter (45g/3 tbsp)
Large onion, finely chopped
Plain (all-purpose) flour (50g/½ cup minus 1 tbsp)

Dumplings:

Plain (all-purpose) flour (240g/2 cups)
Baking powder (3 tsp)
Grated strong cheddar (100g/1 packed cup)
Dried parsley (½ tsp)
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp), melted
Milk (180ml/¾ cup)

To serve: freshly chopped parsley.

Preparation Instructions

Start by simmering the chicken, vegetables, and seasoning in chicken stock.
Prepare a roux with butter, flour, and onions, then combine with the broth to thicken.
For the dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, cheese, and parsley, then add melted butter and milk to form a dough. Place blobs of this mixture on top of the casserole.
Bake until the dumplings are golden and serve garnished with parsley.

Storage and Reheating

The chicken stew, minus the dumplings, can be refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat on the stove, adding a bit of stock or water to loosen, then proceed to add dumplings when ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings): Calories: 604, Carbohydrates: 64g, Protein: 36g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 5g.

FAQ about the Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew And Dumplings

Can I make the stew ahead? Yes, prepare the stew in advance and add dumplings when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the stew? Absolutely, just omit the dumplings for freezing.
Can I use different vegetables? Yes, feel free to incorporate your favorites.

In summary, the Hairy Bikers' Chicken Stew and Dumplings offers a taste of British comfort food at its best. With tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and pillowy dumplings, it's a dish that promises warmth and satisfaction. Don't forget to serve it hot, ideally with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added touch of freshness.

Original recipe by Nicky Corbishley at Kitchen Sanctuary.

For more detailed instructions and additional tips, visit Kitchen Sanctuary, Vibrant Plate, and The Kitchen Alchemist.