Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Wrap yourself in a blanket of warmth with our soul-soothing Chicken and Dumpling Soup recipe. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting pick-me-up, this hearty soup is brimming with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings. Follow along as we guide you through each step of creating this comforting classic in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 large carrots, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 1/2 tablespoon flour
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup frozen peas

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk (2% or whole)

Instructions

Making the Soup:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, poultry seasoning, and flour. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine. Add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas, and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Making the Dumplings:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually stir in the milk until a soft dough forms.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup, spacing them evenly.
5. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 10-12 minutes, until they are cooked through and fluffy.

Cook Notes and Variations

• For added flavor, you can use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the soup according to your preferences. You can add diced potatoes, parsnips, or even mushrooms.
• For a creamier soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
• Garnish the soup with fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Keto Versions and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version:

• Replace the flour in the soup with a low-carb alternative like almond flour or coconut flour.
• Omit the sugar in the dumplings or use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol.
• Substitute the milk in the dumplings with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.

Low-Carb Version:

• Use cauliflower florets instead of dumplings to keep the carb count low. Simply add the cauliflower to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking until tender.
• Opt for low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach in place of carrots and peas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken adds a wonderful flavor to the soup and makes it even easier to prepare.

2. Can I make the soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop before adding the dumplings.

3. Can I freeze the soup?

While the soup can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it without the dumplings. Freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat it on the stovetop before adding fresh dumplings.

4. How can I thicken the soup without using flour?

You can thicken the soup by pureeing a portion of the vegetables or by adding a small amount of xanthan gum or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent.

Warm your heart and soul with a steaming bowl of our comforting Chicken and Dumpling Soup. Whether you’re seeking solace on a cold winter’s day or simply craving a taste of home, this timeless recipe is sure to hit the spot. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and pillowy dumplings, it’s a comforting embrace in every spoonful. So gather your ingredients, follow our easy-to-follow instructions, and savor the cozy goodness of this classic dish. Here’s to warm kitchens, full bellies, and moments shared with loved ones.

With this detailed guide, you’re equipped to create a soul-satisfying pot of Chicken and Dumpling Soup that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Enjoy the process of cooking and relish the comforting flavors of this timeless dish. Cheers to comfort food at its finest!