Waste-nothing chicken & dumpling stew

 

Waste-nothing chicken & dumpling stewWhy You’ll Love This Recipe

• Zero-waste friendly: Uses leftover chicken, veggie scraps, and broth

• Nutritious & balanced: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and fiber

• Comforting yet light: Warm, filling, but not heavy

• Perfect for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day

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Ingredients (Flexible & Forgiving)

For the Stew:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (roasted, poached, or leftover bones picked clean)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped (or onion ends)

• 2 carrots, sliced (peels optional)

• 2 celery stalks, chopped (use leafy tops too)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade preferred)

• 1 cup leftover vegetables (peas, corn, green beans, or spinach)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

• ½ cup milk or unsweetened plant milk

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How to Make It

1. Build the flavor base:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.

2. Simmer the stew:
   Pour in chicken broth, add herbs, pepper, and chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer for 10–15 minutes. Stir in leftover vegetables.

3. Prepare the dumplings:
   In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in oil and milk until just combined—don’t overmix.

4. Add dumplings:
   Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.

5. Season & serve:
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with fresh herbs if available.

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Healthy Cooking Tips

• Use bone broth from leftover chicken carcasses for extra nutrients

• Swap half the flour with oat flour for added fiber

• Add leafy greens at the end for extra vitamins

• Control sodium by using low-salt broth and herbs

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Why Waste-Nothing Cooking Matters

Reducing food waste isn’t just good for your budget—it’s better for your health and the planet. By repurposing leftovers, you’re creating wholesome meals while cutting down on unnecessary waste.