Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe
This comforting Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the ultimate cozy meal. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, it’s the perfect dish to warm up on chilly days.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2-3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 pounds cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
To Thicken the Soup:
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter, cold
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
1. Make the Soup Base
- In a large 8-quart pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the shredded chicken, and stir to combine.
- Season the soup with salt, pepper, bay leaves, and parsley.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer while preparing the dumplings.
2. Prepare the Dumplings
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a cheese grater, grate the cold butter into the flour mixture. Stir gently to coat the butter pieces in flour.
- Gradually pour in the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- If needed, knead the dough lightly in the bowl to bring it together.
3. Add Dumplings to the Soup
- Pull off small, 1-inch pieces of dough and gently drop them into the simmering soup.
- Once all the dumplings are in, cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. The dumplings will puff up and float to the top when fully cooked.
4. Thicken the Soup
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the soup and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens slightly (about 2-3 minutes).
Serving Tips
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freeze: Dumplings may not hold their texture well when frozen, but the soup base freezes beautifully. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then add fresh dumplings when reheating.
This recipe creates a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or as a dish to share with loved ones. Enjoy the cozy flavors and tender dumplings in every spoonful!