Classic Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Why Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a Comfort Food Classic

Chicken and dumpling soup is more than just a meal; it s a nostalgic journey back to family gatherings and cold winter nights. This hearty dish has been a staple in many households for generations, offering warmth and comfort with every spoonful. The combination of tender chicken, fresh herbs, and fluffy dumplings creates a symphony of flavors that can soothe the soul. Each bowl serves as a reminder of simpler times, where comfort was found in home-cooked meals shared with loved ones. Whether it s a chilly evening or a rainy day, there s something incredibly satisfying about enjoying this classic recipe.

Variations for Every Palate

While the classic chicken and dumpling soup recipe is beloved, there are numerous variations to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. For a healthier twist, consider using lean chicken thighs instead of breasts, which can add richer flavor and more moisture. If you re looking to spice things up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a kick. Vegetarian versions can be just as delicious, substituting chicken with hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth, while still incorporating the beloved dumplings. No matter the variation, the essence of comfort remains, making it easy to adapt this recipe to suit your needs.

Perfect Pairings

To elevate your chicken and dumpling soup experience, consider pairing it with complementary sides. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. Alternatively, warm, crusty bread or homemade biscuits can be perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth. For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness, a fruit salad or a simple dessert like apple pie can round out the meal beautifully. These pairings not only enhance the dining experience but also make your chicken and dumpling soup meal feel complete and satisfying.

Tips for the Ultimate Dumpling Texture

The secret to achieving the perfect dumpling lies in the texture of the batter. It should be soft and sticky, similar to a thick pancake batter. Avoid over-mixing the ingredients, as this can lead to dense dumplings rather than light and fluffy ones. When adding the dumplings to the soup, use two spoons or an ice cream scoop to create evenly sized portions that will cook uniformly. Also, remember to keep the lid on while cooking the dumplings; this ensures that they steam properly and rise beautifully to the surface. Following these tips will guarantee a delightful dumpling experience that complements the rich flavors of the soup.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Chicken and dumpling soup is a fantastic dish for meal prep, as it stores well and can be enjoyed for days to come. To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, be cautious as the dumplings may become overly soft if cooked again. Gently reheat the soup on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This method ensures that you can enjoy this comforting bowl of soup again without compromising its delicious texture and flavor.

Warm up with this old-fashioned chicken and dumpling soup, perfect for cold days. Filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory dumplings, this hearty dish is sure to comfort you.

Ingredients

• 1.5 liters (6 cups) water or chicken stock
• 2 chicken breasts (or equivalent legs and thighs)
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 peppercorns
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 carrot, diced
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the dumplings:
• 125ml (½ cup) buttermilk or kefir
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 100g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp dried parsley (optional)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Add the water, bay leaves, peppercorns, salt, and chicken breasts to a large soup pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, skimming off any scum that rises to the top.
2. While the chicken cooks, prepare the vegetables: peel and cut the potato, and dice the onion, celery, and carrot.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, olive oil, flour, baking soda, garlic salt, pepper, and dried parsley until you achieve a sticky batter similar to waffle batter.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and strain the broth through a fine sieve. Return the strained broth and shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Add the cubed potato and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
6. In a skillet, sauté the onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil and butter over low heat for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and herbs, cooking for another 30 seconds, then add the sautéed mixture to the soup pot.
7. Using two spoons or an ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup. The dumplings will double in size and float to the top.
8. Cover the pot and cook the dumplings for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 337 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 124mg
• Sodium: 738mg
• Potassium: 791mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 2860 IU
• Vitamin C: 10.8mg
• Calcium: 76mg
• Iron: 3.6mg