Introduction
Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days. This hearty meal combines tender chicken, a medley of vegetables, and fluffy dumplings all simmered together in a flavorful creamy broth. Ideal for family gatherings or a quiet night in, this recipe will warm your heart and home.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Soup:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cooked and shredded)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Dumplings:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Prep Time
Approximately 20 minutes
Cook Time
Approximately 30 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 50 minutes
Yield
Serves 6
Conclusion
This cozy chicken and dumplings soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it’s sure to become a household favorite for years to come. Serve it up hot, and enjoy the warmth it brings to your table!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Soup Base:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.Make the Dumplings:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined. The dough will be thick. If desired, fold in the fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor.Add the Chicken and Seasonings:
Stir the shredded cooked chicken into the simmering soup. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.Drop the Dumplings Into the Soup:
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Make sure they are spaced apart for even cooking. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through.Serve and Enjoy:
Once the dumplings are cooked, give the soup a gentle stir. Serve hot and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting, cozy chicken and dumplings soup!Notes
Chicken Options:
You can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version. Just shred it and add it to the pot after the broth has simmered.Dumpling Texture:
For fluffier dumplings, be sure not to overmix the dough. Stir until just combined to keep them light and airy.Make It Creamier:
For a richer, creamier soup, feel free to replace the milk with heavy cream or add a splash of cream to taste.Vegetable Variations:
Feel free to add more vegetables like peas, potatoes, or corn for a more substantial soup.Cook techniques
Sauteing
In the initial step, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil or butter to enhance their flavors and soften their texture before adding them to the soup base.Simmering
Allow the soup to simmer after adding the chicken broth, which helps meld the flavors together and results in a richer taste.Dumpling Preparation
When making the dumplings, mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before combining them gently to create a dough that remains light and fluffy.Dropping Dumplings
Spoon the dumpling dough into the soup, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking and expansion as they steam.Final Stirring
Once the dumplings are cooked, give the soup a gentle stir before serving to distribute the ingredients evenly without breaking the dumplings.FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply shred it and add it to the pot after the broth has simmered.How do I keep the dumplings from being tough?
To prevent tough dumplings, mix the dough until just combined and avoid overworking it.Can I use other vegetables in the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, potatoes, or corn to suit your taste.Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with a gluten-free flour blend.How can I make the soup creamier?
For a creamier soup, replace the milk with heavy cream or add a splash of cream to taste.Conclusion
This cozy chicken and dumplings soup is an ideal dish for chilly days, combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth. It’s a warm, comforting meal that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also bring a sense of nostalgia and homeliness to your table. Whether you’re serving it to family or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this soup is sure to be a hit.Rotisserie Chicken Soup
For an even quicker option, use shredded rotisserie chicken. Simply add it to the broth for a hassle-free version without compromising on flavor.Vegetarian Dumplings
Try making the dumplings vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and using plant-based milk. Add seasonal vegetables like mushrooms and spinach for extra flavor.Herbed Chicken & Dumplings
Enhance the herbiness of the soup by adding fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or dill to the broth. This will elevate the flavor profile significantly.Cheesy Dumplings
Incorporate shredded cheese into the dumpling mixture for a cheesy twist that adds richness and flavor to each bite.Spicy Chicken & Dumplings
For a kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the soup. This spicy version can be a delightful change for those who enjoy a little heat.Asian-Inspired Soup
Add ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil to give the soup an Asian twist. Substitute dumplings for wontons or bao buns to create a unique culinary experience.Slow Cooker Variation
Make this dish in a slow cooker by combining all the soup ingredients and cooking on low for 6-8 hours. Add the dumplings during the last hour for easy preparation.
