This Rustic Barnyard Chicken Stew with Dumplings is the perfect combination of tender, slow-simmered chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings floating in a rich, savory broth. Made with bone-in, skin-on chicken for maximum flavor, this dish is packed with comforting goodness in every bite.
Simple, wholesome ingredients like carrots, potatoes, green beans, and corn come together to create a filling, well-balanced meal that warms you from the inside out. The homemade dumplings add the perfect finishing touch, making this a one-pot classic that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or just craving a taste of rustic, down-home cooking, this stew is guaranteed to bring warmth and nostalgia to your table.
Serve it piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and enjoy a meal that tastes like it came straight from the farmhouse kitchen!
There's nothing quite like a bowl of Rustic Barnyard Chicken Stew with Dumplings to bring warmth and comfort to the table. This hearty dish is a true homestyle classic, featuring tender, skin-on chicken, a medley of fresh vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a taste of old-fashioned country cooking, this one-pot meal is simple to make yet deeply satisfying. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just craving a taste of home, this stew is sure to hit the spot!
Add some oil to a pan over medium high heat. Place the chicken in and season on the upside. Allow it to fry for about 4 minutes. Flip the chicken over and season it on the other side. Allow it to fry for another 3 minutes. Remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
In the same pan, add in more oil. Place in the onion and garlic. Stir and saute until fragrant. Add in the celery, carrots, corn, and potatoes. Stir until combined. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, thyme, and paprika. Stir once again until the seasoning covers the veggies. Stir and fry for about 3 or 4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken back into the stew mixture. Give it a stir and bring to a soft boil. Place a lid on, lower the heat to medium low, and allow to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes turning the chicken occassionally.
After about 20 minutes, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken.
Add the chicken back into the stew and pour in the heavy cream. Mix again and bring to a simmer or soft boil. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, form the dumpling mixture into balls and add it to the stew. Spoon some of the sauce over the top. Place a lid on and allow it to cook for about 10 or 15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
Spoon the stew onto a plate or into a bowl. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Enjoy your rustic barnyard chicken stew with dumplings!
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional values are a within reason estimate and my vary depending on several factors.
🔹 Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Cooking the chicken with the skin and bones adds richness to the broth. If you prefer a leaner option, you can remove the skin after cooking or use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
🔹 Homemade vs. Store-Bought Broth
For the best flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. If using store-bought, opt for a low-sodium version to control the salt content.
🔹 Dumpling Texture Tips
For light and fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough. Stir just until combined, and let them steam on top of the stew rather than submerging them completely.
🔹 Vegetable Variations
Feel free to customize with other hearty vegetables like parsnips, peas, mushrooms, or celery. Root vegetables hold up well in the long simmer.
🔹 Thickening the Stew
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can:
✅ Mash some of the potatoes into the broth.
✅ Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in before adding dumplings.
🔹 Make-Ahead & Storage
🔹 Serving Suggestions
Pair this stew with crusty bread or a side of buttered biscuits for an extra comforting meal. A light salad on the side balances out the richness.