Chicken and dumpling soup

Instructions for Making Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables Start by heating the olive oil (or butter) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Broth Next, add the chicken (either diced or shredded) to the pot, and cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly. Then, pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through, and the vegetables are tender. Taste the broth and add salt and pepper to your preference.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings While the soup is simmering, it’s time to make the dumplings. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, and egg. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy. If you’d like, you can stir in a tablespoon of chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor.

Step 4: Add Dumplings to Soup Once the soup is ready, use a spoon to scoop dollops of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Place the dumplings on top of the broth, making sure they don’t touch each other. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to steam for about 15 minutes, or until they have risen and are fully cooked. You can check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick into the center of a dumpling – if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Once the dumplings are cooked, serve the soup hot, making sure each bowl gets a generous amount of both chicken and dumplings. Ladle some of the rich, flavorful broth over the soup, and enjoy the comforting, satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations for Chicken and Dumpling Soup

• For extra richness: Add a splash of cream or half-and-half to the broth to make the soup extra creamy. You can stir it in at the end of the cooking process for a luxurious texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup near the end of the cooking process.
• Frozen vegetables: You can use frozen carrots, peas, or corn if you don’t have fresh vegetables on hand. Just add them to the soup in the last few minutes of simmering.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like sage, parsley, or bay leaves to add your own signature twist to the soup. Fresh herbs always work best, but dried herbs can also be used in moderation.
• Gluten-free dumplings: For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with a gluten-free flour blend or even almond flour for a grain-free option. Be sure to adjust the amount of liquid if needed.

Why Chicken and Dumpling Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food

Chicken and dumpling soup isn’t just delicious—it’s the perfect comfort food for several reasons.

1. Nutrient-Packed: With lean chicken, vegetables, and herbs, this soup provides a good balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Hearty and Filling: The fluffy dumplings give this soup substance, making it more filling than a traditional broth-based soup.
3. Soothing: The combination of warm broth, tender chicken, and soft dumplings makes it a soothing meal, especially when you’re feeling under the weather or need some emotional comfort.
4. Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add extra vegetables or tweak the seasonings to your taste, this soup is highly customizable to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a timeless dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken and vegetables with the soft, fluffy texture of dumplings. It’s a dish that will not only fill your stomach but warm your soul on a cold day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a meal to enjoy on your own, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

So, next time you’re craving comfort, head to the kitchen and whip up a pot of Chicken and Dumpling Soup—it’s the perfect remedy for both hunger and chilly weather!