How to Create Hearty Chicken and Dumpling Soup
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken and dumpling soup, especially on chilly days. This classic dish is packed with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth. The best part? You don’t have to be a chef to make it! In this blog, we’ll walk through an easy step-by-step recipe that anyone can follow. Let’s start cooking!
What Makes Chicken and Dumpling Soup Special?
Chicken and dumpling soup is a feel-good dish that brings people together. It’s hearty, filling, and ideal for feeding a crowd. The soup combines savory chicken broth, vegetables, shredded chicken, and dumplings made from simple ingredients like flour and milk. The dumplings cook directly in the soup, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Many people have memories of their grandmas or parents making this dish, which makes it all the more comforting. Luckily, you can recreate this yourself with ease!
Ingredients You Will Need
Here are the basic ingredients needed to make chicken and dumpling soup:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 large carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
That’s it! These simple ingredients will give you a rich and flavorful soup.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Follow these easy steps to create your hearty chicken and dumpling soup:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before starting the soup, take a few moments to chop your vegetables and shred your chicken. If you’re using raw chicken instead of pre-cooked, cook it in a pan first and shred it once it’s done. Prepping will make the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Let these cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften. These veggies will add incredible flavor to your soup!
Step 3: Add Broth and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir in dried thyme, the bay leaf, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. This step helps all the flavors blend together perfectly.
Step 4: Add Shredded Chicken
Now it’s time to add the shredded chicken. Stir it in and let the soup continue to simmer while you prepare the dumplings. This gives the chicken time to soak up the delicious broth.
Making the Dumplings
The dumplings are what make this soup extra special. Don’t worry—they’re simple and fun to make!
Step 5: Mix the Dumpling Dough
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in the melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms. The dough should be thick but easy to scoop. If it feels too dry, add a tiny splash of milk.
Step 6: Drop Dumplings into the Soup
Using a spoon or small scoop, drop dollops of dough into the simmering soup. Make sure to space them out so they don’t clump together. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 10–12 minutes. Don’t lift the lid during this time—this allows the steam to cook the dumplings.
Final Touches
Step 7: Check the Dumplings
After 10–12 minutes, uncover the pot and check if the dumplings are fully cooked. They should be puffed up and soft to the touch. You can cut one in half to see if it’s ready.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
Once your dumplings are cooked, give the soup a taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed. You can even sprinkle fresh parsley on top for extra color and flavor.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Your hearty chicken and dumpling soup is ready! Ladle it into bowls and serve it warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad.
Extra Tips for Success
- Don’t Overwork the Dumpling Dough: Keep the mixing to a minimum so your dumplings stay light and fluffy.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add peas, green beans, or corn for added variety.
- Store Leftovers Correctly: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Making hearty chicken and dumpling soup doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple, wholesome ingredients and easy steps, you can create a comforting dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
So, grab your ingredients and give it a try! You’ll feel like a kitchen superstar in no time. Happy cooking!
