Spicy Cajun Chicken and Dumplings

1.Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon), smoked paprika (1 teaspoon), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), onion powder (1 teaspoon), and cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon). Rub the spices into the chicken well.

2.In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (1 tablespoon) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

3.In the same pot, add the chopped onion (1 large), celery, and carrots (2). Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

4.Add the minced garlic (4 cloves) and cook for another minute until fragrant.

5.Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth (6 cups). Add the bay leaves (2). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

6.While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder (1 tablespoon), and salt (½ teaspoon). Stir in the buttermilk (½ cup) and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix.

7.Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken meat, discarding the bones and skin, and return the shredded chicken to the pot.

8.Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.

9.Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt (½ teaspoon) and pepper to taste.

10.Serve the Spicy Cajun Chicken and Dumplings hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.