Shortcut Chicken Stew with Fluffy Dumplings - The Local Palate

Ingredients

• 1 plain or salt-and-pepper rotisserie chicken
• 4 cups store-bought chicken stock
• 4 cups cold water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium celery stalks, thinly sliced (about 1 ½ cups)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• ¼ cup butter, cut into small cubes and chilled
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• ¾ cup half-and-half
• Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional)