Grandma's Chicken and Dumplings: Best Southern Recipe!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or whole chicken, about 3lbs)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth, low sodium
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten