In a large dutch oven pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Pat dry and season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil, 6 boneless
Place 3 chicken thighs into the hot oil to sear, about three minutes on both sides. Make sure the thighs aren't over crowding the pot. Remove the seared thighs and place on a plate. Repeat with the rest of the chicken thighs.
Lower the heat to medium and add in the diced onion, carrot, and celery along with the herbs and a teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for 4 minutes to soften the mirepoix and gain some color. Add the minced garlic and stir together until garlic is fragrant, about a minute or two.
4 carrots, 2 stalks celery, 1 yellow onion, 2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, 3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper
Add the three tablespoons of butter into the pot and let it melt, then shake in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables and herbs.
3 tablespoon butter, 5 tablespoon flour
Pour in chicken broth ½ cup at a time, stirring well between each addition so the flour doesn't clump. After 1 ½ cups, stir in the rest of the broth.
6 cups chicken broth
Add the bay leaves and the chicken thighs back into the pot. Bring the heat to medium and simmer covered for 20 minutes.
2 bay leaves
At 20 minutes, add in the heavy cream, remove the chicken to shred or chop, and drop in the dumpling dough.
½ cup heavy cream