Creamy Chicken and Dumplings

### Instructions:

#### 1. Prepare the Chicken and Soup Base:
– In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
– Add the diced chicken to the pot and season with salt, pepper, thyme, sage, and paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through.
– Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

#### 2. Add the Liquid and Simmer:
– Return the chicken to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
– Stir in the heavy cream for richness and creaminess. If you’re using frozen peas, add them at this point. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until it reaches a creamy consistency and the vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

#### 3. Prepare the Dumplings:
– While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and thyme (if using).
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dumplings dense.
– If you want to add a bit of fresh flavor, stir in the chopped parsley.

#### 4. Add Dumplings to the Soup:
– Once the soup is ready and simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture directly onto the surface of the soup. You should have about 8-10 dumplings, depending on how large you make them.
– Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have puffed up. Do not lift the lid during the cooking process, as this can affect the dumplings’ texture.
– To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a dumpling; if it comes out clean, they are ready!

#### 5. Serve:
– Once the dumplings are cooked, gently stir the soup to mix everything together. Spoon the soup and dumplings into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

### Tips for Success:
– **Chicken Options:** You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but thighs will add extra richness and flavor to the soup. You could also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
– **Dumpling Texture:** Be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough. Overmixing can result in dense, heavy dumplings, so stir until just combined. The dumplings should be light and fluffy.
– **Adjust Creaminess:** If you prefer a lighter soup, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or replace it with half-and-half or milk for a less rich version.
– **Spices:** Feel free to experiment with different spices in the soup. Adding a bay leaf, rosemary, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat can elevate the flavor profile.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This **Creamy Chicken and Dumplings** recipe is the epitome of comfort food. The creamy broth is rich and flavorful, and the tender chicken provides a satisfying base for the soup. The dumplings are the star of the dish—soft, pillowy, and perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. It’s a filling meal that brings warmth to your body and a smile to your face.

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste. Want to add more vegetables? Try adding potatoes, parsnips, or corn for extra heartiness. You can even use gluten-free flour to make the dumplings gluten-free.

### Final Thoughts:
**Creamy Chicken and Dumplings** is the ultimate comfort food that brings together all the best parts of cozy, home-cooked meals. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings create a dish that’s not only delicious but also deeply comforting. It’s perfect for cold nights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a little extra comfort in your day.

So, the next time the temperature drops and you’re craving something hearty and warming, make this creamy, comforting classic. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy a bowl of **Creamy Chicken and Dumplings** and savor the warmth it brings to both your heart and your home!