Chicken and dumpling soup is a timeless dish that combines the heartiness of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and pillowy dumplings. This classic comfort food is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you crave a warm, satisfying meal. Below, we’ll guide you step by step to create this beloved dish while offering tips to make it your own.
Things You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- Olive oil, 2 teaspoons
- Medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- Garlic, minced, 3 cloves
- Chicken broth, 6 cups (low sodium)
- Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped, 2 cups
- Dried thyme, 1 teaspoon
- Dried parsley, 1 teaspoon
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup
- Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter, melted, 2 teaspoons
The Step-by-Step Process
Getting the Soup Ready
Caramelize the Vegetables
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, and carrots. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their aroma. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for one additional minute.
Incorporate Chicken and Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan and add the bay leaf, thyme, and parsley. Stir well to combine the flavors. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken and stir thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
Making the Dumplings
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure the ingredients are evenly combined for a well-balanced dough.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Gradually pour in the heavy cream and melted butter. Mix gently until the dough is slightly sticky. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the dumplings dense rather than light and fluffy.
Cooking the Dumplings
Shape and Drop the Dumplings
Using a spoon or a small scoop, portion out small balls of the dough. Carefully drop these dumplings into the simmering soup.
Steam to Perfection
Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 12-15 minutes. This allows them to steam and puff up to perfection. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.
Finishing Touches
Serve the Soup
Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving includes several dumplings. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting chicken and dumpling soup!
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully in this recipe, saving you time and adding depth of flavor.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley can be substituted for dried, but use about three times the amount for equivalent flavor.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the broth before adding the dumplings.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for added nutrition and color.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for the dumplings?
Yes, whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends can work, but the texture may differ slightly. Adjust liquid amounts as needed for consistency.
Can I freeze chicken and dumpling soup?
The soup base freezes well, but dumplings are best made fresh. If freezing, omit the dumplings and prepare them fresh when reheating the soup.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Milk or a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk can be used, but the dumplings may be less rich.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Prepare the soup base in a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the dumpling dough during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
This chicken and dumpling soup is a versatile, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Take your time savoring the process, and enjoy the rewards of homemade goodness!