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CHICKEN AND DUMPLING SOUP

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The Ultimate Comfort Soup: Chicken and Dumplings

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chicken and dumpling soup to warm your heart and soul. This ultimate comfort soup combines hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and homemade dumplings to create a meal that is both satisfying and nostalgic. It’s a perfect dish for chilly days, family gatherings, or whenever you need a little extra comfort. Just like grandma used to make, this soup brings the flavors of home to your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 large onion, chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup frozen peas

For the Dumplings

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk (2% or whole)

Instructions

Preparing the Soup

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter over medium heat in a Dutch oven or stockpot. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are fragrant and beginning to soften, approximately 4-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.
  2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, and poultry seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the flavors.
  3. Thicken the Soup: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine and remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Simmer: Gradually stir in the chicken stock and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Season and Add Chicken: Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked chicken and frozen peas, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Making the Dumplings

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cut in Butter: Use a pastry cutter to cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
  3. Add Milk: Pour in the milk and stir just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Drop Dumplings into Soup: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Ensure the soup is at a gentle simmer to cook the dumplings evenly.
  5. Cook Dumplings: Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows the dumplings to steam and cook through.
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Final Touches

  1. Check for Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  2. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving includes a generous portion of vegetables, chicken, and dumplings.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumpling Soup

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth make a noticeable difference in flavor.
  2. Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough: Overmixing can result in tough dumplings. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
  3. Keep the Lid On: When cooking the dumplings, keep the lid on the pot to ensure they steam properly.
  4. Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
  5. Freezing Tips: Cool the soup completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Pre-cooked Chicken?

Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save time and add great flavor to the soup.

How Can I Make the Soup Thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour when sautéing the vegetables or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) towards the end of cooking.

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or potatoes to the soup.

What If I Don’t Have Poultry Seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of dried thyme, sage, and rosemary if poultry seasoning is unavailable.

Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?

Yes, use gluten-free all-purpose flour for both the soup and the dumplings. Ensure the chicken broth is also gluten-free.

How Do I Know When the Dumplings Are Done?

The dumplings should be cooked through and no longer doughy in the center. They will be light and fluffy.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Soup?

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power to avoid overcooking the dumplings.

Enjoy this hearty and delicious chicken and dumpling soup, perfect for any occasion where comfort food is a must!

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