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Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew And Dumplings

Hairy Bikers Chicken Stew And Dumplings

Chicken Stew and Dumplings is a classic British dish featuring slow-cooked chicken, vegetables, and a rich gravy topped with light and fluffy dumplings. The Hairy Bikers’ version is packed with hearty ingredients and traditional flavors, making it a comforting and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stew:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery sticks, chopped
  • 2 parsnips, diced
  • 1 liter chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

  • 150g self-raising flour
  • 75g suet (vegetable or beef)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Cold water, as needed

Instructions

  1. Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and parsnips to the dish. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the Stock and Herbs: Stir in the tomato purée, bay leaves, and thyme. Pour in the chicken stock and mix well. Return the browned chicken pieces to the casserole.
  4. Simmer the Stew: Cover with a lid and simmer gently over low heat for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally.
  5. Make the Dumplings: In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, suet, parsley (if using), and a pinch of salt. Gradually add cold water, stirring until the mixture forms a soft dough. Divide into small balls (about the size of a walnut).
  6. Add the Dumplings: Remove the lid from the stew and place the dumplings on top of the stew, evenly spaced. Cover again and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bay leaves and serve the stew hot, with the dumplings on top. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.