**Cozy up with Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe**
An icon of comfort food, the Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a legendary dish that blends wholesome chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth. This mouthwatering recipe unfolds a divine symphony of flavors with every spoonful, making your taste buds dance with delight!
**Why Make This Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe?**
This recipe deserves to be on your must-try list! Here’s why:
– It’s comforting: The warm, hearty soup cuddles your palate with an embracing warmth, making it a perfect dish for cold, wintry days.
– It’s nutritious: Packed with protein-rich chicken, fiber-filled vegetables, and loads of vitamins, it’s as wholesome as delicious.
– It’s easy: With just a few simple steps, you can recreate this timeless classic at home.
**How to Make Chicken & Dumplings Soup**
Wondering how to conjure up this comfort food magic? Follow the easy instructions below!
**Ingredients:**
*For the Soup:*
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
*For the Dumplings:*
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
**Directions:**
Follow these simple steps and watch this soulful soup come to life!
1. Start with the **Soup:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the diced onion, sautéing until it turns translucent.
2. Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery. Let it cook for about 5 minutes or until slightly softened.
3. Add chicken broth to the pot and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Toss in the cooked chicken, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Allow the soup to cook for 10 minutes.
5. Now, it’s time to make the **Dumplings:** Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually add milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
6. Moving on to the main event, **Adding the Dumplings to the Soup:** Drop spoonfuls of the prepared dough onto your simmering soup. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15 more minutes. Remember, no peeking. This will help the dumplings cook to fluffy perfection.
7. Once your dumplings are nicely cooked, ladle the soup into bowls.
**How to Serve Chicken & Dumplings Soup**
Serve the soup hot, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. A crunchy, toasted slice of bread on the side makes a great companion to fully enjoy this soulful dish.
**How to Store Chicken & Dumplings Soup**
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The soup will taste even better the next day as the flavors will have had more time to meld together!
**Tips to Make Chicken & Dumplings Soup**
Here are some pro tips to impress your taste buds!
– Always use a good quality chicken broth to ensure a rich and flavorful soup.
– To add more flavor, you can use sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary instead of the dried versions.
– For an even heartier meal, toss in some cooked peas or corn into your soup.
**Variations**
Swap shredded chicken for diced pieces to add more texture. Alternatively, you can use leftover turkey in place of chicken for a delightful twist.
**FAQs**
1. **Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?**
Yes! Simply form the dumplings, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container until ready to use.
2. **Is Chicken & Dumplings soup a healthy dish?**
Yes, the soup is quite nutritious! It’s packed with protein from the chicken, vitamins and fiber from the vegetables, and whole grains from the dumplings.
3. **Can Chicken & Dumplings Soup be made vegetarian?**
Absolutely! Swap the chicken with tofu or your favorite vegetables, and use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth.
Indulge in this Chicken & Dumplings Soup recipe and let the comforting flavors satiate your comfort food cravings!