Bowl of Chicken Dumpling Soup with fresh herbs and vegetables

Chicken Dumpling Soup

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Introduction

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of soup. It can heal a heavy heart, soothe a weary soul, and fill your home with delightful aromas. This Chicken Dumpling Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, creating a cozy meal perfect for chilly nights or simply when you need a little comfort food in your life. Engaging with this recipe will not only fill your tummy but also warm your spirit, making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire.

Why Make This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love Chicken Dumpling Soup. For starters, it’s incredibly nourishing. The combination of chicken and vegetables provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for your family. The dumplings have a delightful texture that complements the soup’s rich broth, delivering an experience that’s pure joy in each bite.

Moreover, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can utilize whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it easier to use up odds and ends in your fridge. This also allows you to cater to your family’s taste preferences. Lastly, the process of making this soup is a great way to bring loved ones together in the kitchen. Cooking as a family creates memories that will last long after the meal is gone.

How to Make Chicken Dumpling Soup

Making Chicken Dumpling Soup is a straightforward and enjoyable experience. With a little preparation, you’ll create something truly special, perfect for any occasion. Below, I’ll guide you through the essential components from start to finish.

Ingredients:

For the soup:

  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 6 cups of chicken broth
  • 2 cups of diced carrots
  • 1 cup of diced celery
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale (optional)

For the dumplings:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 2 tablespoons of melted butter
  • 1 egg

Directions:

  1. Cook the Chicken: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the veggies are softened, typically about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and thyme, stirring for another minute until fragrant.

  2. Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Place the chicken into the pot. Reduce the heat to low and cover, letting it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

  3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool slightly, then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. If you are using spinach or kale, add it now and let it wilt.

  4. Make the Dumplings: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.

  5. Form the Dumplings: Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the dumpling mixture. Gently drop them onto the simmering soup. You can fit about 8-10 dumplings, ensuring they have space to expand.

  6. Cook the Dumplings: Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time as the steam is essential for fluffy dumplings.

  7. Final Seasoning: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow everything to simmer together just until everything is heated through.

  8. Serve: Your Chicken Dumpling Soup is ready! Serve it warm in bowls, enjoying the comforting aroma and vibrant colors.

How to Serve Chicken Dumpling Soup

Chicken Dumpling Soup is best enjoyed hot. Ladle generous portions into bowls and consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a dash of black pepper for decoration. For a more formal presentation, serve it alongside crusty bread or a simple green salad. This makes for a hearty meal that no one can resist.

How to Store Chicken Dumpling Soup

If you happen to have leftovers, storing Chicken Dumpling Soup is easy. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. If freezing, the dumplings may become a bit softer; however, the flavor will still be delightful.

Tips to Make Chicken Dumpling Soup

  1. Choose the Right Chicken: Using chicken thighs can provide a richer flavor and juiciness compared to breasts.

  2. Vegetable Options: Feel free to include other vegetables like peas, green beans, or potatoes based on your preference or what you happen to have at home.

  3. Dumpling Texture: To achieve lighter dumplings, avoid overmixing the batter once the wet ingredients are added.

  4. Make It Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

  5. Garnishing: Fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon can elevate the flavor when served.

Variation

While this Chicken Dumpling Soup is delightful on its own, you might want to try different variations. For a different twist, consider adding spices like cayenne pepper for heat or lemon zest for brightness. You could also experiment with making it creamy by stirring in a bit of heavy cream towards the end of cooking.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen chicken?
    Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Just add additional cooking time to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.

  2. What if my dumplings turn out tough?
    Avoid overworking the dough. Mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the dumplings tender and fluffy.

  3. Can I add other herbs or spices?
    Absolutely! Feel free to personalize this soup with herbs like rosemary or spices like curry powder to suit your taste.

  4. Is it okay to freeze the dumplings?
    Yes, you can freeze uncooked dumplings separately on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a container. When ready to use, add them directly to the simmering broth without thawing.

  5. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
    For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with hearty vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can use plant-based proteins that will fit seamlessly into the soup.

By engaging with this Chicken Dumpling Soup recipe, you’ll not only satisfy your hunger but also enhance your cooking skills and create an inviting atmosphere in your home. It’s one of those meals you won’t soon forget, simple yet full of flavor, warmth, and love. Enjoy the process and the smiles around your dinner table!

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Chicken Dumpling Soup

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  • Author: sarah
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None
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Description

A heartwarming Chicken Dumpling Soup made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and thyme, stirring for another minute.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add chicken, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until cooked.
  3. Remove chicken, let it cool slightly, shred it, and return to the pot. Add spinach or kale if using.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, and egg. Gradually stir wet ingredients into dry until combined.
  5. Scoop portions of dumpling mixture and drop them onto the simmering soup, ensuring space to expand.
  6. Cover and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Adjust seasoning of the soup and allow it to heat through.
  8. Serve warm in bowls with optional garnishes like fresh herbs or black pepper.

Notes

Feel free to substitute vegetables or add spices to personalize the soup.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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