Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Comforting Chicken and Dumpling Soup: A Hug in a Bowl

 Chicken and Dumpling Soup is the epitome of cozy comfort, a steaming bowl of warmth that wraps you in its embrace. This classic dish combines tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings bathed in a rich broth. Whether you’re seeking solace on a chilly evening or a comforting meal to soothe your soul, Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a timeless favorite that offers a taste of home. Join us as we explore this heartwarming recipe and create a dish that’s like a comforting hug in a bowl.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Prepare the Soup:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf, and season with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
5. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add the cooked chicken to the simmering soup and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.

Prepare the Dumplings: 7. While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

8. Gradually add the milk and melted unsalted butter to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.

Add Dumplings to the Soup: 9. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. You can use a tablespoon or an ice cream scoop for this.

10. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 10-15 minutes. They will puff up and become light and fluffy.

Serve and Garnish: 11. Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it.

12. Ladle the Chicken and Dumpling Soup into bowls, ensuring that each serving includes dumplings, chicken, and vegetables.
13. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Enjoy the Comfort: 14. Serve your Chicken and Dumpling Soup piping hot and savor the comforting embrace of each spoonful.

Cook’s Notes:

• You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for this recipe, making it a great way to repurpose leftovers.
• Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less milk to the dumpling dough. A slightly thicker dough will yield denser dumplings, while a thinner dough will result in lighter, fluffier dumplings.
• Don’t overmix the dumpling dough; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in tender dumplings.
• Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables, such as peas, corn, or green beans.

 Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a timeless classic that brings comfort and warmth to your table. With its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings swimming in a rich broth, it’s a dish that nourishes both body and soul. So, immerse yourself in the comforting embrace of this heartwarming recipe, and let it remind you of the simple joys and cherished moments that a bowl of soup can bring.