Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe

Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a classic comfort food that combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich broth. This soothing dish is perfect for chilly days and makes a wonderful family meal.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup celery, sliced
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp butter

Directions

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and celery, then simmer until the vegetables are tender.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter to form a dough.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup and cook for about 10 minutes, until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
4. Add the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves approximately 6 people. The total prep and cooking time is about 30-35 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Herbs: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley added during cooking.
• Dumplings: Experiment with different types of dumplings, such as biscuit dough or herb-infused varieties.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit more broth if needed to restore moisture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use raw chicken?
   Yes, you can add raw chicken directly to the broth; just make sure to cook it through before adding dumplings.
2. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
   You can use vegetable broth as a substitute for a lighter version.
3. Can I make the dumplings in advance?
   Dumplings are best made fresh, but you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours.
4. How can I make this soup creamier?
   Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dumplings gluten-free.
6. Can I freeze this soup?
   It’s not recommended to freeze the dumplings, as they may become mushy when thawed. You can freeze the soup without dumplings and add fresh dumplings when reheating.
7. What can I add for extra flavor?
   Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or a bay leaf to the broth for enhanced flavor.
8. Do I need to pre-cook the vegetables?
   No, the carrots and celery will cook in the broth, so there’s no need to pre-cook them.
9. How do I know when the dumplings are done?
   The dumplings are done when they have risen to the surface and are fluffy.
10. Can I use other proteins?
    Yes, shredded turkey or even tofu can be used instead of chicken for a different twist.

Conclusion

Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Easy to prepare and full of wholesome goodness, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful recipe that brings family and friends together around the table!

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