Chicken and Dumpling Soup

A Comforting and Hearty Classic

Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a warm, nourishing dish perfect for cold days or when you need a bit of comfort. This soup combines tender chunks of chicken, soft dumplings, and a rich, flavorful broth infused with herbs and vegetables. It’s a timeless meal that brings back memories of home-cooked goodness and is easy to make with simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food at Its Best: The perfect balance of creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings.
• Easy to Make: Uses pantry staples and simple techniques.
• Customizable: Easily adapt with different vegetables, herbs, or proteins.
• Filling and Satisfying: A complete meal in one bowl, packed with protein and carbohydrates.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Soup

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 15 minutes.
6. (Optional) Stir in heavy cream for a richer, creamier broth.

Step 2: Make the Dumplings

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined (do not overmix).

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

1. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering soup using a tablespoon.
2. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
3. Check dumplings for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.

Step 4: Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a few dumplings.
2. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

• Vegetable-Packed: Add peas, green beans, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Creamy Version: Use more heavy cream or add a splash of half-and-half.
• Herb Dumplings: Mix fresh herbs like chives or parsley into the dumpling batter.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without the dumplings for up to 3 months. Reheat and add fresh dumplings when serving.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent dumplings from being too dense?

Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can make dumplings heavy. Also, let them cook covered to ensure they steam properly.

Can I use pre-made biscuit dough for the dumplings?

Yes, you can use canned biscuit dough. Cut it into small pieces and drop it into the soup to cook.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

If you want a thicker broth, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it in before adding the dumplings.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the soup ingredients on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then add the dumplings in the last hour.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works well, but you can also cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs in the broth.

How do I make the dumplings fluffier?

Use fresh baking powder and avoid packing the flour too tightly when measuring.

Can I use dairy-free alternatives?

Yes, replace butter with dairy-free margarine and use almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk.

Is there a way to make this soup lower in calories?

Use milk instead of heavy cream, skip the butter, and reduce the number of dumplings.

Can I add noodles instead of dumplings?

Yes! Egg noodles make a great alternative.

How can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare the soup base in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and add the dumplings fresh.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a cozy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic version or try some variations, this dish is bound to bring warmth and comfort to your table.

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