Classic Chicken & Dumplings

Ingredients

• 3-3 1/2 pounds chicken thighs and breasts, skin-on, bone-in, trimmed of excess fat
• 2 tsp butter or extra virgin olive oil, or a combination of both
• Salt
• 1 quart chicken stock, homemade or store-bought
• 2-3 celery stalks, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped (about 2 cups)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 cup dry sherry or vermouth (optional)
• 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional)
• 3/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
• Ground black or white pepper