Comforting Chicken and Dumplings Soup

$For a hearty chicken and dumplings soup, you need the following: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 medium carrots, diced into small pieces - 2 celery stalks, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium) - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 cup frozen peas - Salt, to taste - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt (for dumplings) - 1/4 cup whole milk - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using fresh and quality ingredients makes a big difference. Choose bright, fresh vegetables. Look for chicken that is free-range or organic if you can. Low-sodium broth helps control salt in your dish. Fresh herbs like parsley add a burst of flavor. Feel free to add your twist! Try adding: - Corn for sweetness - Green beans for crunch - A splash of lemon juice for brightness - Herbs like rosemary or dill for more flavor You can also swap the chicken for turkey or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. Each change will give a new taste while keeping it cozy. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them softened and the onion to be clear. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes. Keep stirring until the garlic smells good but does not brown. Next, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring this mix to a gentle boil. Stir in 2 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Add salt carefully, since the broth might be salty already. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to mix the flavors well. While your soup simmers, make the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Slowly pour in 1/4 cup of whole milk while stirring. Mix just until you have a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix, or your dumplings could turn tough. To cook the dumplings, use a spoon to drop dollops of your dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam on top of the soup for about 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time. This step is key for fluffy dumplings! After 15 minutes, gently stir in 1 cup of frozen peas. Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes to warm the peas and finish cooking the dumplings. Finally, taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed. Just before serving, mix in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for added flavor. To make your chicken and dumplings soup taste great, start with a good broth. I prefer low-sodium chicken broth. It lets you control the salt. Add fresh herbs like thyme and parsley. They bring in fresh flavors. Sauté your veggies well before adding broth. This step builds a rich base. For a deeper flavor, add a touch of garlic. Mince it finely and cook until fragrant. If your dumplings are dense, check your mixing method. Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings. Mix just until combined for a soft texture. If they sink in the soup, make sure your broth is simmering. You want them to steam properly. If your soup is too salty, add a bit more water or milk. This can balance the flavor. Stir in frozen peas last to keep them bright and fresh. For perfect chicken and dumplings, keep the soup at a gentle simmer. High heat can break down the dumplings. When you drop the dumpling dough, do it gently. Use a spoon to avoid splashing. Cover the pot while cooking the dumplings. This keeps the steam in and helps them rise. Lastly, taste the soup before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed for a well-balanced dish. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl! Pro Tips Use Low-Sodium Broth: Opting for low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of your soup, ensuring it’s flavorful without being overpowering. Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough: To achieve light and fluffy dumplings, mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings. Keep the Lid On: While the dumplings are cooking, avoid lifting the lid. This keeps the steam inside, which is essential for cooking the dumplings properly. Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Adding fresh parsley just before serving enhances the flavor and visual appeal of the soup, making it look even more inviting. {{image_4}} You can boost the nutrition of your Chicken and Dumplings Soup by adding more veggies. Some great choices include: - Green beans: Cut into small pieces. - Corn: Adds sweetness and color. - Spinach: Toss in fresh leaves at the end. - Zucchini: Chop into small cubes. Adding these veggies not only makes the soup healthier but also adds more flavor and texture. You can mix and match based on what you like or have on hand. If you want to spice things up, consider adding heat to your soup. Here are some ideas: - Cayenne pepper: Start with a pinch and adjust to taste. - Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle in during cooking. - Hot sauce: A few dashes can add nice heat. These options bring warmth to the dish. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste, and enjoy the kick! For a gluten-free option, you can easily swap out the all-purpose flour. Here are some alternatives: - Almond flour: Use the same amount. - Rice flour: This works well for dumplings. - Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum. Whichever flour you choose, follow the same dumpling steps. Your soup will still taste amazing and be safe for those avoiding gluten. To keep your Chicken and Dumplings Soup fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won’t lose track of how long it’s been there. When you are ready to enjoy your soup, pour it into a pot. Heat it on medium until it warms through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This will help bring back the soup's creamy texture. You can freeze this soup too! Place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat on the stove as mentioned above. To keep the dumplings fluffy, it’s best to freeze only the soup base. Prepare fresh dumplings when you're ready to serve. Yes, you can use raw chicken. Start by cooking it first in the pot. Sauté the raw pieces in olive oil until they brown. Then, add the onion, carrots, and celery. This adds great flavor to the soup. Cook the chicken through before adding broth and other ingredients. Just make sure the chicken reaches a safe temperature. You can use vegetable broth or water with seasoning. Both options work well. If you prefer a richer flavor, try using a mix of water and bouillon cubes. You can also make broth from scratch using bones or scraps. This adds depth to your soup. Remember to adjust the seasoning if you use low-sodium broth. To make fluffier dumplings, use the right amount of baking powder. This helps them rise. Mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can make them tough. Also, ensure your milk is fresh and at room temperature. This helps with moisture. When you drop the dumpling mixture, avoid pressing it down in the soup. They need room to puff up while cooking. In this article, we explored the key ingredients for chicken and dumplings soup and how to choose the best ones. I shared step-by-step instructions for making the soup and dumplings, along with tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. We also looked at fun variations, proper storage, and answered common questions. Enjoy making this warm dish. It’s easy, tasty, and perfect for any meal. Happy cooking!$

Comforting Chicken and Dumplings Soup

A hearty and soothing chicken soup with fluffy dumplings, perfect for chilly days.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, diced into small pieces
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup frozen peas
to taste salt
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
0.25 cup whole milk
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Stir in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and black pepper. Season with a pinch of salt, being cautious as the broth may already be salty. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
While the soup simmers, prepare the dumpling dough: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring, until just combined into a soft dough; avoid overmixing.
Using a spoon, carefully drop dollops of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam above the soup for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook properly.
After 15 minutes, gently stir in the frozen peas and allow the soup to cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the peas are warmed through and the dumplings are fluffy and cooked.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary. Just before serving, fold in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken soup, comfort food, dumplings