Chicken dumpling soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings feelings of home and family. It combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a flavorful broth, making it a perfect meal for any time of the year. This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also nourishes your soul, often evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy nights.
There’s something special about this chicken dumpling soup recipe. Its inviting aroma fills your kitchen and draws people together. You can enjoy a bowl of this soup when you’re feeling under the weather, or simply on a chilly evening, and it will always deliver comfort. Each spoonful is a delightful blend of chicken, vegetables, and light dumplings, creating an experience you won’t forget. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a favorite in many households.
Ingredients about Chicken Dumpling Soup
To create the perfect chicken dumpling soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Chicken Dumpling Soup Directions
Begin your chicken dumpling soup by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once heated, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook these vegetables until they soften, which should take around 5 minutes.
Once your vegetables are tender, it’s time to introduce the star of the dish: the chicken. Place the pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into your pot. Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme and add the bay leaf. The broth will help deepen the flavors of your soup while the herbs add an aromatic touch. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken, ensuring it cooks thoroughly. When the chicken is no longer pink, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool for a moment, then shred it using two forks or chop it, depending on your preference.
While you’re shredding the chicken, it’s time to prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Next, cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring until the batter is just combined.
Once the dumpling batter is ready, return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the frozen peas. Gently drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture directly onto the simmering soup. Allow the dumplings to float on top and cover the pot. You’ll want to let them cook for an additional 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This technique ensures the dumplings steam and become fluffy.
After the time is up, remove the bay leaf and season your soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Dumpling Soup
Serving your chicken dumpling soup is one of the most enjoyable aspects of preparing this dish. Consider serving the soup in large bowls, allowing everyone to enjoy a hearty portion. You might want to accompany it with crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad also pairs beautifully and makes the meal feel complete.
To create an inviting atmosphere, consider garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a dash of black pepper for added richness. If you like a bit more zest, a touch of lemon juice enhances the soup’s flavor profile. Encourage your family and friends to enjoy it while it’s hot; the warmth and aroma of the soup will make them want to come back for seconds.
For a more rustic approach, you could serve this soup in individual bread bowls. Simply carve out the centers of small loaves and fill them with the warm chicken dumpling soup for a fun twist. Your guests will appreciate this creative touch while enjoying the comforting flavors of the dish.
Expert Tips: Chicken Dumpling Soup
To achieve the best results with your chicken dumpling soup, here are some expert tips to consider:
- Meal Prep: Prepare your vegetables and chicken in advance to cut down on cooking time during busy days. You can even cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Thickness Control: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch and cold water) to the soup just before adding the dumplings. This will thicken the broth while the dumplings cook.
- Flavor Boost: For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If time allows, simmer bones and leftover chicken scraps to create a rich stock.
- Dumpling Variety: Feel free to customize your dumplings! Add herbs or spices to the batter for additional flair. Experimenting with different flavors can inspire new favorites.
- Leftover Chicken: If you have leftovers from a roast chicken, this soup is a perfect way to use them. Just skip the step of cooking the chicken in the broth and directly add the shredded chicken into the soup.
How to Store Chicken Dumpling Soup
Storing your chicken dumpling soup properly ensures you can enjoy it later without compromising taste. After making the soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store the soup for a longer period, consider freezing it. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Keep in mind that the dumplings might become slightly softer when reheating, but they will still be delicious. You may want to add a little extra broth or water when reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
Variation of Chicken Dumpling Soup
This chicken dumpling soup is versatile, and there are plenty of ways to modify it to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you might explore:
- Healthy Twist: Substitute regular dumplings with whole wheat flour dumplings for added fiber. You can also include more greens like spinach or kale for a nutrient boost.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to give your soup a kick. The combination of heat and comfort is delightful.
- Herb and Mushroom: Incorporate mushrooms into the soup for an earthy flavor. Sauté them along with the onions for best results, and consider adding fresh thyme or dill for aromatic herbs.
- Alternative Proteins: Feel free to replace chicken with turkey for a different flavor profile. This version is perfect for post-holiday meals when you have leftover turkey.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free variation, use vegetable broth and replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can also create dumplings using a plant-based recipe for a scrumptious alternative.
FAQ
What is chicken dumpling soup made of?
Chicken dumpling soup is made from boneless chicken, vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, and a savory chicken broth. The dish features dumplings made with flour, baking powder, milk, and butter.
How long should you cook chicken dumpling soup?
You should simmer chicken dumpling soup for about 20 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly. The dumplings should then cook for an additional 15 minutes after being added to the soup.
Can you freeze chicken dumpling soup?
Yes, you can freeze chicken dumpling soup. Store it in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with chicken dumpling soup?
You can serve chicken dumpling soup with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. These accompaniments enhance the meal and complement the comforting soup.
How do I store leftover chicken dumpling soup?
Make sure to let chicken dumpling soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to three months.
Chicken Dumpling Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups frozen peas
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Dumplings
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Introduce the chicken into the pot and pour in the chicken broth.
- Add dried thyme and the bay leaf; bring the mixture to a boil.
Cooking
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pot once fully cooked and shred it.
- Prepare the dumplings by mixing flour, baking powder, and salt, then cutting in the butter.
- Pour in the milk while stirring until combined.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with frozen peas.
- Gently drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture onto the simmering soup and cover the pot.
- Cook for an additional 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Finishing Touches
- Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
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