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1
Chicken:
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2
In a large stock pot, combine broth, bay leaves, carrots, thyme, salt, pepper, onion, celery, parsley and chicken pieces.
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3
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are just slightly tender.
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4
Meanwhile, prepare dumpling dough.
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5
Dumplings:
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6
Mix flour, baking powder, herbs and salt in a medium bowl.
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7
Heat butter and milk together to simmer until butter is melted.
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8
Add to dry ingredients.
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Mix with a fork, just until dough comes together.
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10
Drop dumpling dough by rounded tablespoonfuls into chicken mixture.
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11
Cover and simmer until dumplings are cooked through and shiny on top, about 15 minutes.
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12
Gently stir in frozen peas, if desired, at this time.
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13
Adjust seasonings to taste with generous amounts of salt and freshly ground pepper.
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14
Remove dumplings, chicken and vegetables with a slotted spoon into a serving dish.
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15
Cover to keep warm; reserve broth to make gravy.
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16
Gravy:
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Heat butter over medium heat in a sauce pan.
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18
When melted, whisk in flour and thyme.
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Cook, whisking constantly, until flour turns golden, about 1 minute.
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20
Continuing to whisk constantly, gradually add sherry, then reserved chicken broth.
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21
Simmer until gravy thickens slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.
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22
Stir in cream and pepper.
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23
Adjust seasonings to taste, including salt, if necessary.
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24
Return to simmer for 1 minute.
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25
Pour gravy over dumplings, chicken and vegetables in a serving dish and serve immediately.