The Best Chicken & Dumplings

3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 broiler/fryer chicken (about 3 pounds), cut up

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 medium carrots, chopped

2 celery ribs, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

6 cups chicken stock

1/2 cup white wine or apple cider

2 teaspoons sugar

2 bay leaves

5 whole peppercorns

DUMPLINGS:

1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup 2% milk

1 tablespoon butter, melted

SOUP:

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme

Additional salt and pepper to taste