Comforting Chicken and Dumplings Soup

$For this dish, you need some key ingredients. They bring flavor and comfort to the soup. Here’s what you will need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon 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 milk - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and tasty soup that warms the soul. You might already have some pantry staples at home. These ingredients help to create the base of the soup. You will need: - Olive oil for sautéing - Dried thyme for flavor - Black pepper for a little kick - Baking powder for fluffy dumplings - All-purpose flour for the dumpling dough - Salt to enhance all the flavors Make sure you have these basics on hand before you start cooking. Feel free to get creative! You can add some optional ingredients for extra flavor. Here are a few ideas: - Fresh herbs like dill or rosemary for added freshness - Corn for sweetness - Potatoes for heartiness - Other veggies like green beans or bell peppers for color and crunch These additions can make your Chicken and Dumplings Soup even more special. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté these for 5 to 7 minutes. This makes the veggies soft and tasty. Then, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Once you smell the garlic, it’s time to move on. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Season with salt as you like. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This builds a rich and flavorful soup base. While the soup simmers, it’s time to make the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Then, stir in 1/4 cup of milk until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix; it should be a bit lumpy but hold together. This dough will create soft and fluffy dumplings. Once the soup has simmered for 10 minutes, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup. Make sure to space them out a bit. Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This step is crucial for fluffy dumplings. After 15 minutes, gently stir in 1 cup of frozen peas. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peas are warm and the dumplings are done. If needed, adjust the seasoning one last time. Finally, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the soup hot, garnished with more parsley. Enjoy! To make the best dumplings, handle the dough gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Use a light touch when stirring in the milk. Aim for a thick but soft dough. If it's too dry, add a splash more milk. When you drop them in the soup, they should float on top. This helps them steam well. Remember, do not lift the lid while they cook. This keeps the steam in for fluffy dumplings. Using fresh herbs can boost the taste of your soup. I love adding thyme, but feel free to try basil or dill. A little black pepper adds warmth, while salt brings all the flavors together. If you want extra flavor, add garlic powder or onion powder when making the dumplings. These small touches make a big difference. One common mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste your soup before serving. If it seems bland, add salt or pepper until it shines. Another mistake is cooking the dumplings too long. If you cook them too long, they can become soggy. Stick to the 15 minutes for the best results. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the pot with dumplings. Give them space to rise and cook evenly. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor profile of your soup, making it taste more vibrant and aromatic. Don’t Overmix Dumplings: When preparing the dumpling dough, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings. Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency before serving. Meal Prep Friendly: This soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Just add a splash of broth when reheating to restore its creamy texture. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the soup by adding vegetables. Carrots and celery are classic. You can also add potatoes for heartiness. Try green beans or corn for a pop of color. Spinach or kale adds nutrition and flavor. Just remember to chop them small so they cook well. If you want to switch proteins, use turkey instead of chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great too. For a lighter option, try tofu or chickpeas. These give a nice texture and soak up flavors. Just add them during the simmer stage for the best taste. Make this recipe your own by adding global flavors. For a Mexican twist, use cumin and chili powder. Add some diced jalapeños for heat. If you prefer Asian flavors, add soy sauce and ginger. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the soup. Get creative and let your taste guide you! To store leftover chicken and dumplings soup, let it cool first. Place the soup in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you can track how long it has been stored. When you are ready to enjoy your soup again, reheating is easy. Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir it gently as it warms. If the soup is too thick, add a little chicken broth or water. Heat until it is hot all the way through. If you want to save your soup for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the containers tightly. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred the meat and add it to the soup. This option makes the dish quick and easy. Dumplings need about 15 minutes to cook. Keep the pot covered while they steam. Avoid lifting the lid to ensure they cook well. They will become fluffy and tender when done. Yes, you can make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This swap works well for dumplings. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free for safe eating. Serve the soup with crusty bread or biscuits. These pair well and add a nice crunch. A simple side salad also complements the meal nicely. Enjoy your soup with a side that balances flavors! This blog post covered how to make tasty chicken and dumplings soup. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips for perfect dumplings. You can explore fun variations and learn how to store leftovers well. Remember, you can add your favorite veggies or protein for a new twist. Enjoy making this warm, filling dish. With practice, you’ll impress everyone with your soup skills! Happy cooking!$

Comforting Chicken and Dumplings Soup

A hearty and comforting soup filled with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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, chopped
2 number carrots, diced
2 number celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 teaspoon dried thyme
0.5 teaspoon 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 milk
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and season with salt to taste. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the dumpling dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk until just combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam on top of the soup for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
After 15 minutes, gently stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes until the peas are heated through and dumplings are cooked.
Adjust seasoning if necessary, and gently fold in fresh parsley for an added flavor.

Notes

Serve hot in deep bowls and enjoy with crusty bread.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, dumplings, soup