A bowl of chicken dumpling soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Absolutely perfect for those times when you need a little comfort, this recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Recipe Works
- The broth is simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs, creating a deeply flavorful base that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Homemade dumplings are light and fluffy, absorbing the broth’s flavors while adding a delightful texture contrast.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing taste, making this recipe both delicious and convenient.
- It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onion, cooking until they’re soft and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds the flavor base for your soup.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky. Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings.
Step 4: Add the Dumplings
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This ensures they cook through and become fluffy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has plenty of dumplings, chicken, and vegetables. Serve hot for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Tips and Tricks
For an even richer broth, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. If you’re in a pinch, adding a splash of white wine to the broth can elevate the flavors. To make the dumplings extra tender, handle the dough as little as possible. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Remember, the key to fluffy dumplings is not to peek while they’re cooking!
Recipe Variations
- Add a cup of frozen peas or corn to the soup for extra color and nutrition.
- Swap the chicken for turkey after Thanksgiving for a delicious twist.
- For a creamy version, stir in a half cup of heavy cream or coconut milk before adding the dumplings.
- Spice it up with a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Use biscuit mix for the dumplings if you’re short on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup to a simmer before adding the dumplings. This ensures the dumplings are fresh and fluffy.
Can I freeze chicken dumpling soup?
While you can freeze the soup base, it’s best to make the dumplings fresh. Frozen and reheated dumplings can become mushy. If you must freeze, consider freezing the soup and dumplings separately.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker broth, you can make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stirring it into the simmering soup before adding the dumplings.
Summary
This chicken dumpling soup recipe is the epitome of comfort food, combining a flavorful broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings in one pot. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to warm you up from the inside out.
