Chicken and Dumplings Soup

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🍲 Chicken and Dumplings Soup

📖 Description

Chicken and Dumplings Soup is a classic comfort dish made with tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for cold days or when you need a nourishing homemade meal. This soup combines the soothing qualities of chicken soup with soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up flavor beautifully.

📝 Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 6 cups chicken broth

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works well)

  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • ½ tsp dried parsley

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half (optional, for creaminess)

For the Dumplings

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

  • ¾ cup milk

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Soup Base

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.

  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.

  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup

  1. Pour in chicken broth.

  2. Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf.

  3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Dumplings

  1. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

  2. Add melted butter and milk. Stir just until combined (do not overmix).

Step 4: Cook Dumplings

  1. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering soup.

  2. Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

  3. Remove bay leaf. Stir in milk or cream if using.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

🧂 Notes

  • Dumplings expand while cooking—leave space between them.

  • Keep soup at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.

  • Overmixing dumpling dough can make them dense.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Use bone broth for deeper flavor and more nutrients.

  • Add peas or corn for extra texture and color.

  • Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley) elevate the taste.

  • For thicker soup, mash a few dumplings into the broth.

🍽 Servings

  • Serves: 4–6 people

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 350–400 kcal

  • Protein: 25 g

  • Carbohydrates: 30 g

  • Fat: 15 g

  • Fiber: 3 g

  • Sodium: 800 mg

(Values vary based on ingredients used)

🌿 Health Benefits

  • High in Protein: Supports muscle repair and satiety.

  • Comforting & Hydrating: Ideal for colds or flu recovery.

  • Balanced Meal: Includes protein, carbs, and vegetables.

  • Gut-Friendly: Warm broth aids digestion.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free flour and baking powder for dumplings.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings Soup?
A: The soup freezes well, but dumplings may become soft. Freeze without dumplings for best texture.

Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
A: Yes. Add raw chicken breasts or thighs with the broth and cook 20–25 minutes, then shred.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make it creamy?
A: Absolutely—add heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.

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