There’s nothing like a warm bowl of Chicken & Dumpling Soup to hug your soul on a chilly day. This classic dish is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken, savory broth, and pillowy dumplings that melt in your mouth. It’s a winner because it’s hearty enough to fill you up but light enough to keep you coming back for seconds (no guilt included!). Let’s dive into how you can whip this up in your own kitchen.
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What You’ll Need: The Shopping List
(Serves 4–6)
For the Broth:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs add more flavor!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups (1.4L) low-sodium chicken broth (try Swanson or Pacific Foods)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (King Arthur or Gold Medal work great)
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole milk for extra fluffiness)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, but adds freshness)
Garnish (Optional):
- Extra parsley or thyme
- Cracked black pepper
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Prep Work: Get Everything Ready
- Chop Veggies: Dice the onion, slice carrots, chop celery, and mince garlic. Keep ’em in separate piles.
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Mix Dumpling Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Let’s Cook! Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Build the Broth (25 minutes):
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and thyme; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in broth, add the bay leaf, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add chicken, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken cooks through.
2. Shred the Chicken:
- Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the pot. Discard the bay leaf. Taste broth—add salt/pepper as needed.
3. Make the Dumplings (10 minutes):
- In a small bowl, mix milk and melted butter. Pour into the flour mixture. Stir just until combined (overmixing = tough dumplings!). Fold in parsley.
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls into the simmering broth. Don’t stir! Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Resist peeking—steam cooks the dumplings!
Secret Tip: For extra fluffy dumplings, let the dough rest 5 minutes before dropping into the broth.
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Serving Suggestions
Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure everyone gets plenty of broth, chicken, veggies, and dumplings. Garnish with parsley and pepper. Serve with:
- Crusty bread for dipping
- A simple green salad with lemon dressing
- Roasted veggies for a cozy feast
Pro Tips to Level Up Your Soup
- Flavor Boosters: Add a splash of white wine to the broth or a Parmesan rind while simmering.
- Veggie Swap: Toss in peas, corn, or spinach during the last 5 minutes.
- Dietary Tweaks: Use gluten-free flour for dumplings or almond milk for dairy-free.
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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 1.5 cups):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Note: Nutrition varies based on ingredients used.
FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Skip cooking the chicken and add 2 cups shredded rotisserie meat when you’d normally return it to the pot.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove (microwaving can make dumplings gummy).
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Broth and chicken freeze well, but dumplings lose their texture. Freeze the base, then make fresh dumplings later.
Q: Why are my dumplings dense?
A: Overmixing or lifting the lid too soon! Handle the dough gently and keep that lid on.
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Wrap-Up & Fun Fact
Chicken & Dumpling Soup is like a warm hug from Grandma—simple, comforting, and timeless. Fun fact: The dish dates back to the 1800s, when resourceful cooks stretched meals by adding dough to soups. Whether you’re craving nostalgia or a fuss-free dinner, this recipe’s got your back. Now go grab that spoon and dig in! 🥄✨
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Final Thought: Cooking is about joy, not perfection. If your dumplings are lopsided or your broth’s a bit salty, own it—it’ll still taste like love.
