Introduction to Chicken and Dumpling Soup
The comfort of homemade soup
There's something undeniably comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, especially on a chilly day. The delightful aroma of simmering chicken, fresh herbs, and vibrant veggies fills your kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace even before you take your first spoonful. When we think of comfort food, we often picture wholesome meals that remind us of home, and that’s exactly what Chicken and Dumpling Soup delivers. It’s a dish that seems to carry echoes of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent around the dinner table.
Why chicken and dumpling soup is a great choice
So, why choose chicken and dumpling soup? Well, aside from being utterly delicious, it’s remarkably simple to whip up. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and light, fluffy dumplings creates a satisfying meal that ticks all the boxes for a fulfilling dish. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe—feel free to sneak in whatever veggies you have on hand! Not only is it delicious and nourishing, but it also provides an opportunity for creativity in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and a little love, you can make a nourishing meal that delights the senses. And who doesn't want to cozy up with a bowl of comfort like this? For an easily accessible recipe, check out The Cozy Apron.
Ingredients for Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Essential Ingredients for the Soup
To create a rich and comforting Chicken and Dumpling Soup, you'll need a few key ingredients that bring robust flavor and texture:
- 6 chicken thighs (skin-on and bone-in for maximum flavor)
- Salt and black pepper (to season the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon ghee (or butter) (for sautéing)
- 2 small leeks, cleaned and chopped
- 3 small carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 small parsnip, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 3 tablespoons flour (to thicken the soup)
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth (for a savory base)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley and 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (for freshness)
Must-Have Ingredients for the Herb Dumplings
Don't forget to prepare the delightful herb dumplings that float atop the soup, creating that classic comfort dish feel:
- 1 ¾ cup self-rising flour (the base for your dumplings)
- 1 (heaping) tablespoon finely chopped parsley (adds a burst of flavor)
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk (for a moist texture)
- 2 ½ tablespoons melted ghee (or butter) (for richness)
These ingredients come together to form a dish that’s both homely and satisfying. For more tips on enhancing your Chicken and Dumpling Soup, check out The Cozy Apron.
Step-by-step Preparation of Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Gather all ingredients
Before you dive into creating your delicious Chicken and Dumpling Soup, it’s essential to have everything ready. Gather the following key ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs (skin-on and bone-in)
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ghee (or butter)
- 2 small leeks (finely chopped)
- 3 small carrots (sliced)
- 2 ribs celery (diced)
- 1 small parsnip (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (pressed)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 8 cups chicken stock
- Fresh parsley and thyme
For the dumplings, make sure you have:
- 1 ¾ cup self-rising flour
- 1 heaping tablespoon parsley
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 ½ tablespoons melted ghee
With everything in sight and organized, you’re setting yourself up for success!
Sear the chicken thighs
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat and add the ghee. Once melted and hot, carefully place the chicken, skin-side down, in the pot. Sear for about 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for 3 to 4 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. If there's excess fat in the pot, ladle a bit out, leaving about four tablespoons.
Sauté the vegetables
Now, into the same pot, add the chopped leeks, sliced carrots, diced celery, and parsnip. Sauté for a couple of minutes—this will enhance the flavors and aroma. Toss in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and white pepper, giving it a good stir. Now, doesn’t that smell inviting?
Create the soup base
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies and stir for about 30 seconds. This helps thicken your soup. Gradually pour in the chicken stock while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring this mixture to a vigorous simmer, then add your seared chicken thighs back into the pot. Cover and gently simmer for 20 minutes.
Shred the chicken and prepare dumpling batter
After 20 minutes, turn off the heat, remove the chicken thighs, and place them on a cutting board. Let them cool slightly, then shred the meat, discarding skin and bones. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
Prepare your dumpling batter by mixing all the ingredients in a bowl just until you have a thick consistency.
Drop the dumplings and cook
Bring the soup back to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Using a spoon or a 1½ tablespoon scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Cover tightly and allow the dumplings to cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes until they puff up beautifully.
Final touches and serving
To wrap things up, stir in fresh parsley and thyme to your Chicken and Dumpling Soup for that additional aromatic kick. Ladle into bowls and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of goodness.
Creating this soup isn’t just about eating; it’s an experience! So gather your friends or loved ones, and share in the warmth of this delightful dish.
Variations on Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Add Extra Veggies for a Hearty Twist
Want to elevate your Chicken and Dumpling Soup? Consider adding extra veggies! Ingredients like kale, spinach, or even sweet potatoes bring both nutrition and flavor to the pot. Just toss them in during the simmering stage, allowing them to soften and meld with the rich broth. Not only does this create a heartier meal, but it also enhances the colorful appeal of your dish.
Try Different Herbs for Unique Flavors
Herbs can drastically change the taste profile of your Chicken and Dumpling Soup. While the recipe calls for parsley and thyme, feel free to experiment! Dill or tarragon can lend a fresh, aromatic touch, while rosemary offers a robust earthiness. Play around with combinations, and don't hesitate to share your favorite flavor twists with friends—after all, cooking is all about discovery!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Prepping Tips for a Smoother Cooking Process
To make your Chicken and Dumpling Soup experience seamless, prep all your ingredients ahead. Chop your vegetables and measure your spices in advance. This not only saves time but also allows you to focus on the cooking process itself. Try to have all the essentials within reach! If you’re new to cooking, consider using a slow cooker for extra convenience—just toss in the ingredients and let them do the work.
How to Store Leftovers Safely
Leftover Chicken and Dumpling Soup can be a delightful treat! Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags—this makes reheating easy on busy weeknights. Remember, do not freeze the dumplings alone, as they may become mushy. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Enjoy your comforting leftovers!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Perfect pairings with bread or biscuits
To elevate your Chicken and Dumpling Soup, consider serving it alongside some warm, crusty bread or freshly baked biscuits. Try a herbed focaccia or a classic sourdough for an irresistible combination that will soak up all that hearty goodness. A simple garlic bread can also complement the flavors beautifully!
Creative ways to serve your soup
Explore various serving options to make your meal feel special. For a cozy dinner, use rustic bowls and garnish with extra herbs for a pop of color. Alternatively, consider ladling the Chicken and Dumpling Soup into bread bowls for a fun twist. This unique presentation not only looks impressive but adds an extra layer of flavor! You might even pair it with a refreshing side salad drizzled with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
For more delicious ideas, check out The Cozy Apron.
Time Breakdown for Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Preparation Time
Getting everything ready for your Chicken and Dumpling Soup will take about 20 minutes. Trust me, it’s worth every minute as you chop your veggies and season your chicken—this step sets the flavor foundation for your cozy meal.
Cooking Time
Once your ingredients are prepped, the actual cooking takes around 45 minutes. You'll be sautéing, simmering, and letting those delightful dumplings puff up, filling your kitchen with delicious aromas!
Total Time
In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxing weekend meal. Enjoy the process, and don’t be shy to invite your friends over; this Chicken and Dumpling Soup is made for sharing! For more tips on meal prep, check out these helpful insights.
Nutritional Facts for Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Calories per serving
Each serving of Chicken and Dumpling Soup has about 561 calories. This makes it a satisfying meal, perfect for chilly days or when you need comfort food.
Protein per serving
A hearty helping of this soup offers a whopping 47 grams of protein, thanks to the chicken. It’s an excellent choice for maintaining muscle mass and feeling full longer.
Sodium content
With approximately 800 milligrams of sodium per serving, this soup can be a part of a balanced diet, but keep in mind to watch your sodium intake throughout the day. Consider using low-sodium chicken broth if you’re watching your salt consumption.
If you're looking for more details on the nutritional benefits of your favorite ingredients, check out Healthline for insights on protein-rich foods or USDA for a full nutrient breakdown!
FAQs about Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare Chicken and Dumpling Soup ahead of time. Store the soup (without dumplings) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat gently on the stove, and cook fresh dumplings just before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have certain ingredients?
No worries if you’re short on some ingredients! Here are a few substitutions you can try:
- Chicken thighs: Use chicken breasts or even rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
- Self-rising flour: Combine all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder per cup for a similar effect.
- Ghee or butter: Olive oil works well in a pinch!
For more ingredient ideas, check out Food Substitutions for a wider range of options.
How can I make my dumplings fluffier?
For fluffier dumplings, be mindful of your mixing technique. Mix the dough gently and avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to dense dumplings. Additionally, allow your dumplings to steam covered in a bit of broth—it’s the steam that does the magic! Consider adding a little more baking powder, too!
Conclusion on Chicken and Dumpling Soup
In closing, Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table, especially during chilly evenings. With its tender dumplings and savory broth, it’s a family favorite that’s also easy to prepare. Give this hearty recipe a try and savor each delicious spoonful!
Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Equipment
- large soup pot
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs (skin-on and bone-in)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ghee (or butter)
- 2 small leeks (white part only), cleaned, quartered and finely chopped
- 3 small carrots, peeled and sliced into circles
- 2 ribs celery, diced small
- 1 small parsnip, peeled and diced small
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon white pepper
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
Herb Dumplings Ingredients
- 1.75 cups self-rising flour
- 1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 0.75 cups whole milk
- 2.5 tablespoons melted ghee (or butter)
Instructions
Preparation Instructions
- Gather and prep all of your soup ingredients according to the ingredient list above.
- Place chicken thighs on a large plate and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat and add ghee.
- Once melted and pot is hot, add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 to 6 minutes until golden-brown. Flip and sear for 3 to 4 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
- Add leeks, carrots, celery, and parsnip to the pot and sauté for a couple of minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and white pepper, and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle flour evenly over the veggies and stir to incorporate for about 30 to 45 seconds. Slowly pour in the chicken stock while whisking.
- Bring soup base to a vigorous simmer, add chicken thighs back in, cover and reduce heat to gently simmer for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and carefully remove chicken thighs. Place them onto a cutting board to cool.
- Once slightly cooled, remove skin and bones from thighs and shred the meat. Add meat back into the soup pot.
- Prepare all herb dumpling ingredients according to the ingredient list.
- In a large bowl, gently mix all dumpling ingredients just until a thick batter forms.
- Place soup back onto medium-high heat and bring to a vigorous simmer. Drop dumpling batter into simmering soup.
- Cover and cook dumplings in the simmering soup for about 20 minutes until tender.
- Gently stir in chopped parsley and fresh thyme leaves, ladle up, and enjoy.
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