Instructions:
- Toss chicken chunks lightly with flour, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in batches; do not overcrowd the pot. Remove browned chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until onions are translucent (about 6-8 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 Tbsp of flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Stir in the tomato paste.
- Pour in the white wine (if using), scraping up any brown bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let it bubble and reduce by half (about 2 minutes).
- Gradually whisk in the chicken stock until smooth. Add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return the seared chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the pot. Ensure the liquid mostly covers the contents.
- Cover the pot partially, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 45 minutes.
- Stir in the parsnips. Cover and continue simmering for another 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fork-tender and the parsnips are soft.
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the frozen peas. Cook for 2 minutes until bright green. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt/pepper).
- Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with fresh parsley.