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    Home » Recipes » Meat and Poultry

    Published: Apr 4, 2019 · Modified: Oct 23, 2024 by joskitchenlarder · 20 Comments. · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings

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    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings & asparagus

     This Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings is packed full of veg & uses delicious and seasonal wild garlic pesto. Wholesome, tasty, full of flavour!

    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings plated up

    This hearty chicken stew with most delicious cheesy dumplings is no diet food! It is, however, super wholesome and packed full of veg and with lovely wild garlic pesto giving it that fresh, spring flavour. This stew is worth every single calorie , I promise you that!

    This recipe is relatively quick as stews go due to the use of chicken thighs and also uses one pot only which is a bonus. You will need to make your food processor or a bowl dirty in order to make dumplings but that's it.

    Wild Garlic Season!

    If you've been following my blog you know that I have been a little bit besotted with wild garlic and have been enjoying it in many different recipes. You might want to check them out:

    Wild Garlic Hummus

    Wild Garlic & Walnut Pesto

    Roast Chicken with Wild Garlic Pesto & Shallots 

    Wild Garlic Pesto Baked Salmon with Gnocchi

    Wild Garlic Soup

    Vegan Cheese Scones (with Wild Garlic)

    Wild Garlic Butter

    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings in a pot

    What if I don't have wild garlic pesto? Can I still make this chicken stew?

    This Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings uses my wild garlic and walnut pesto but feel free to use any pesto that you've got available as I am aware that wild garlic might be a bit difficult to come by. However, I would definitely stick to green type of pesto as opposed to red (roasted pepper) one as it's got more of a Spring/Summer feel to it. When taking my step-by-step photos to update this recipe I have used regular basil pesto.

    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings - Serving Suggestions!

    As it's a one pot dish packed full of veg, this lovely stew doesn't really need anything to go with it but serving it with a side of seasonal veggies like purple sprouting broccoli or season's first asparagus will not go amiss. Any green veg, in fact, will work here beautifully, including the leafy ones like spinach or kale!

    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings on a plate with asparagus

    Do I need to make dumplings?

    Of course you don't! You can make this lovely chicken stew without them and save yourself on some calories but I would encourage you to try the dumplings as they really are super delicious and make this simple chicken stew a proper comfort food dish!

    Storing, freezing and other tips when making Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings

    You can make your dumplings in advance and pop them either on a large plate or in a container sprinkled with some flour. Make sure you cover them well to prevent them from drying and pop in the fridge until you are ready to use them. I would suggest to take them out of the fridge approx. 30 minutes before they go in your stew so they have a chance to come to room temperature and cook nice and even.

    This stew reheats really well if you have any leftovers. Once cooled, simply pop your leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the hob/stovetop.

    This chicken stew can be frozen in freezer safe container for up to 6 months. If you'd like to freeze it I would recommend to do it without dumplings and prepare fresh ones once you've defrosted your stew as frozen dumplings lose their lovely fluffy texture. Defrost your stew in the fridge overnight and reheat on the hob/stovetop with freshly made dumplings as per recipe below.

    You might want to consider making your own chicken stock to use here. It really couldn't be easier and you can have a nice stash in your freezer to take out and use whenever you need. Check out my guide on How To Make Chicken Stock in Instant Pot (with instructions for hob/stovetop users too)!

    How to make Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings - Step-By-Step

    • Heat a glug of oil in a heavy duty casserole dish with the lid and sautée chicken thighs seasoned with some salt and pepper for approx. 5 min until they start to brown. Take them out of the dish with slotted spoon and set aside.

    raw chicken pieces in a pan

    chicken pieces in a pan

    • Melt butter in the same dish and sautée prepared onions and leeks until they start to soften approx. 5 min. Add remaining vegetables and bay leaf and sautée for another 5 min.

    pan fried leek in a pan

    Vegetables for chicken stew in a pan

    • Sprinkle over the flour, pour in stock and give it all a good stir. Add chicken pieces making sure they are immersed in the liquid, bring everything to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 min. whilst you prepare your dumplings.
    Vegetables in a pan, flour being sprinkled over
    Vegetables in a pan, stock being added
    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew - chicken being added
    • For dumplings mix flour and butter in the food processor or by hand until they resemble breadcrumbs.

    flour & butter in food processor

    flour & butter mixed into crumbs in food processor

    • Mix in grated cheese and season with some salt and pepper.

    bowl with flour and cheese

    • Slowly pour in icy cold water and keep mixing your dough only until it comes together (you don't want to overmix it).

    water being added to bowl with flour and cheese

    dough for dumplings

    • Divide the dough into 12 equal size balls and set aside until needed.

    12 dumplings

    • After 15 minutes of simmering, add pesto and frozen peas to your casserole and mix well.

    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with peas and pesto added

    • Place dumplings on top, cover tightly with a lid and simmer for approx. 20-25 min until cooked.

    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with raw dumplings on top

    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings in a pan

    📋 Recipe

    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings plated up
    Print Pin
    5 from 8 votes

    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings

    This Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings is packed full of veg & uses delicious and seasonal wild garlic pesto. Wholesome, tasty, full of flavour!
    Course Chicken Dish, Main Course
    Cuisine American, British
    Keyword chicken casserole, chicken stew, One-pan, Pesto, wild garlic
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 55 minutes minutes
    Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 829kcal
    Author Jo Allison
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary

    Chicken Casserole

    • 6 skinless & boneless chicken thighs cut into small chunks
    • 1 onion finely chopped
    • 2 leeks cleaned, halved and thinly sliced
    • 2 celery stalks cut into small chunks
    • 3 carrots cut into small chunks
    • 6 small(ish) potatoes (roughly 400g) cut into small chunks
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 30 g unsalted butter
    • 1 heaped Tbsp plain flour
    • 100 g frozen peas
    • 600 ml chicken stock from cube is fine
    • 1 small jar wild garlic pesto (125 ml / ½ cup) or regular pesto
    • fresh parsley for garnish
    • salt, pepper, oil

    Cheesy Dumplings

    • 250 g self-raising flour
    • 125 g unsalted butter cold and cubed
    • 100 g mature cheddar grated
    • 100 ml ice cold water

    Instructions

    • Prepare all the vegetables as per instructions above.
    • Heat a glug of oil in a heavy duty casserole dish with the lid and sautée chicken thighs seasoned with some salt and pepper for approx. 5 min until they start to brown. Take them out of the dish with slotted spoon and set aside.
    • Melt butter in the same dish and sautée prepared onions and leeks until they start to soften approx. 5 min. Add remaining vegetables and bay leaf and sautée for another 5 min.
    • Sprinkle over the flour, pour in stock and give it all a good stir. Add chicken pieces making sure they are immersed in the liquid, bring everything to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 min. whilst you prepare your dumplings.
    • For dumplings mix flour and butter in the food processor or by hand until they resemble breadcrumbs. Mix in grated cheese and season with some salt and pepper. Slowly pour in icy cold water and keep mixing your dough only until it comes together (you don't want to overmix it). Divide the dough into 12 equal size balls and set aside until needed.
    • After 15 minutes of simmering, add pesto and frozen peas to your casserole and mix well. Place dumplings on top, cover tightly with a lid and simmer for approx. 20-25 min until cooked. 
    • Serve sprinkled with fresh parsley and roasted asparagus or any other seasonal veg. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Nutritional information is approximate and should be treated as a guideline only.
    • If you don't have wild garlic pesto you can use any green pesto you've got on hand, store bought one is fine too. 
    • Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. 
    • Chicken stew can be frozen without dumplings for up to 6 months. Dumplings are best prepared fresh after defrosting.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings
    Amount Per Serving (0 g)
    Calories 829 Calories from Fat 369
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 41g63%
    Saturated Fat 19g95%
    Cholesterol 185mg62%
    Sodium 596mg25%
    Potassium 1537mg44%
    Carbohydrates 73g24%
    Fiber 9g36%
    Sugar 6g7%
    Protein 41g82%
    Vitamin A 6975IU140%
    Vitamin C 37.9mg46%
    Calcium 278mg28%
    Iron 9.6mg53%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Tag me @Joskitchenlarder or use hashtag #joskitchenlarder!

    Update Notes: This post was originally published on 22 May 2018 and republished in March 2019 with some step-by-step photo, updated recipe card and some useful info.

    Some more comfort food recipes you might enjoy!

    One Pot Leftover Ham & Pea Pasta

    Family Favourite Easy Fish Pie

    Brussels sprouts, Bacon & Chestnuts Macaroni Cheese

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    Have you tried my Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post, I love reading them!

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    Pin Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings For Later!

    Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings & asparagus

    I’m linking my Wild Garlic Chicken Stew with Cheesy Dumplings with the following pages:

    Cook Blog Share with Everyday Healthy Recipes

    Cook Once Eat Twice hosted by Corina at Searching for Spice

    Fiesta Friday hosted by Angie

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 8 votes

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    1. Cat | Curly's Cooking says

      April 07, 2019 at 7:37 pm

      5 stars
      I need to find some wild garlic to try! This looks like such a fresh and tasty stew for this time of year.

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        April 08, 2019 at 7:34 pm

        Thanks Cat! It really is such a delicious spring stew!

        Reply
    2. Annissa says

      April 05, 2019 at 5:09 pm

      5 stars
      This casserole looks so rich and creamy. Sounds like a great comfort food!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        April 05, 2019 at 7:33 pm

        Thank you! ?

        Reply
    3. Lisa | Garlic & Zest says

      April 05, 2019 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      I've never had the pleasure of working with wild garlic -- I never see it in our markets here in South Florida. I need to find a source for it, because this looks like such a warm, hearty dish. It's gonna be a family fave for sure!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        April 05, 2019 at 12:51 pm

        Thank you Lisa! 🙂 Wild garlic is quite popular in the UK in the early Spring. It's a great thing to go forage for although I get mine in my weekly organic veg box. It's much milder in flavour than regular garlic although still packs a pungent punch 🙂 Pesto made with it goes so lovely here!

        Reply
    4. Kelly Anthony says

      April 05, 2019 at 11:45 am

      5 stars
      Cheesy dumplings, yes please. I also love how you added pesto. I have some pesto in the fridge that needs to be used so I'm adding this to our menu for next week. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        April 05, 2019 at 12:05 pm

        Thanks! Pesto really comes through in this stew! I hope you like it!

        Reply
    5. Shinta Simon says

      April 05, 2019 at 11:35 am

      5 stars
      This casserole is everything I imagined for this weather we are having right now! It looks delicious as well. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        April 05, 2019 at 12:04 pm

        Thank you! 🙂 Comforting stew is always nice when weather doesn't want to play ball. Where is Spring!? 🙂

        Reply
    6. Natalie says

      April 05, 2019 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      This casserole looks so comforting and delicious! Can't wait to try this recipe soon!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        April 05, 2019 at 12:02 pm

        Thank you Natalie! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Antonia @ Zoale says

      May 26, 2018 at 2:24 am

      Wow, this looks amazing! And, cheesy dumplings..yum! Thank you for sharing at Fiesta Friday!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        May 27, 2018 at 7:31 pm

        Thank you! 🙂 Cheesy dumplings are always the most desirable part of the stew 🙂 Pleasure to link up! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says

      May 26, 2018 at 12:46 am

      5 stars
      Chicken and dumplings is one of my all-time favorite comfort food dishes! The fact that you've recreated it here using seasonal ingredients has practically rocked me to my core. I can practically TASTE this!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        May 27, 2018 at 7:28 pm

        Thanks Michelle 🙂 I cannot simply switch to salads only come Spring/Summer, there's got to be some room for comfort food in our house even if slightly adapted to suit the season. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Jenny Walters says

      May 25, 2018 at 4:59 pm

      Oh Jo this is fabulous!Dumplings are lush enough never mind the damn cheese!!!Im definitely coming to live next door ???

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        May 27, 2018 at 7:24 pm

        Ha ha ha no problem 🙂 Cheesy dumplings are my guilty pleasure but worth dietary sin every time! lol 🙂 x

        Reply
    10. Corina Blum says

      May 23, 2018 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      I am just loving all your wild garlic recipes this year Jo, even though I still haven't come across any yet! This sounds absolutely delicious and it's always a bonus when to create a meal that the kids all love too. Thanks so much for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice x

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        May 23, 2018 at 1:16 pm

        Aw, thanks Corina! 🙂 I think this one might be the last one unless I manage to get fresh supply of wild garlic which I am so hoping for! 🙂 x

        Reply

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