Classic Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Introduction
Classic Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a bowl of homemade warmth. This soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings, creating a timeless meal that satisfies both the body and soul.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and set aside to cool. Skim any fat from the broth.
- Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the broth. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumpling batter by combining flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in milk and melted butter until smooth.
- Shred the cooled chicken, discarding bones and skin, then return it to the pot.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter over the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.
Description
This soup is a perfect blend of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and light, pillowy dumplings. Each bite offers a comforting, hearty taste reminiscent of home-cooked family dinners. The dumplings soak up the rich broth, creating a harmonious texture that pairs beautifully with the chicken and vegetables.
Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little butter before adding the broth.
- Don’t overmix the dumpling batter; this keeps the dumplings light and fluffy.
- Feel free to add peas or corn for added color and sweetness.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld together.
Correction
Ensure that the dumplings are cooked fully by testing with a toothpick—it should come out clean. Also, skim excess fat from the broth to keep the soup light and prevent it from being greasy.
Enjoy!
Serve your Classic Chicken and Dumpling Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad. This warm, comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or when you simply need a bowl of home-cooked love.
