Chicken and dumpling soup—the epitome of cozy comfort food. This hearty, flavorful soup is perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a pick-me-up. This recipe goes beyond the basic, offering tips and tricks to create a truly exceptional bowl of chicken and dumplings.
What Makes This Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe Special?
This isn't your average chicken and dumpling soup recipe. We've focused on building layers of flavor, starting with a rich chicken broth and perfectly seasoned chicken. The dumplings themselves are light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, thanks to a few key techniques. We’ll also address some common questions and concerns, ensuring you achieve soup perfection.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Chicken Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 12 cups water
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For the Chicken and Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked chicken, shredded (from the broth or pre-cooked)
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Make the Broth: Place the whole chicken (or chicken pieces) and all broth ingredients in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth, reserving the broth and discarding the solids. Shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.
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Sauté Vegetables: While the broth simmers, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine and Simmer: Add the shredded chicken and the reserved chicken broth to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Make the Dumplings: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and milk and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
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Add Dumplings to Soup: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup during step 3. You can still make a simple broth from scratch using vegetable scraps or use store-bought low-sodium chicken broth for added flavor.
How do I make the dumplings lighter and fluffier?
The key to light and fluffy dumplings is to not overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough dumplings. Also, using cold milk helps to create a lighter texture.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, chicken and dumpling soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add other vegetables such as potatoes, peas, green beans, or corn. Add them along with the carrots, celery, and onions in step 2.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the dumplings during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion. Remember to adjust seasonings to your preference and enjoy the comforting warmth of homemade chicken and dumpling soup!
