Backyard Chicken and Dumplings – Boudreaux's Backyard

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• Boudreaux's Backyard Fire and Smoke Creole Seasoning, to taste
• Olive oil, for coating
• 2 quarts chicken stock
• 4 strips thick bacon, cubed
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 quart heavy cream
• Boudreaux's Backyard Lil’ Bit Better Creole Seasoning, to taste
• Boudreaux's Backyard Low & Slow Simmer Seasoning, to taste
• Thyme, to taste
• Oregano, to taste
• Chives, chopped for garnish
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup milk
• Hot pepper relish, optional