Disgustingly Good Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe

Is there anything better than a big bowl of comfort on a chilly day? I’m talking about chicken dumpling soup, of course! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and honestly, it’s one of my all-time favorites.

Growing up, my grandma used to make the *best* chicken dumpling soup. I swear, it could cure any bad mood. The smell alone would fill the whole house, and I knew something amazing was coming. The best part? It’s way easier to make than you might think! Seriously, this is hearty, stick-to-your-ribs goodness without a ton of fuss. Trust me, you’re gonna love how simple and satisfying this recipe is!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Dumpling Soup

Quick and Easy Comfort Food

Seriously, who has time for complicated recipes? This chicken dumpling soup comes together surprisingly fast. You’ll have a warm, comforting meal on the table in under an hour – perfect for busy weeknights!

Hearty and Filling

This isn’t some wimpy soup that leaves you hungry an hour later. Nope! This chicken dumpling soup is packed with chicken, veggies, and those amazing dumplings. It’s a real stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal.

Perfect for a Cozy Night In

Picture this: fuzzy socks, a crackling fire (or a good Netflix show!), and a steaming bowl of chicken dumpling soup. Could a night get any cozier? I don’t think so!

Customizable Chicken Dumpling Soup

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Want more veggies? Throw ’em in! Prefer different herbs? Go for it! This recipe is super flexible, so you can make it exactly how *you* like it.

Ingredients for Chicken Dumpling Soup

Soup Base Ingredients

Okay, so here’s what you’ll need for that amazing soup base. We’re talking 3 tablespoons of butter (yes, real butter!), about 1/2 a large onion chopped up, 3 stalks of celery also chopped, and 2 large carrots sliced into 1/4 inch rounds. Gotta have 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced, 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh parsley and thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. For the liquid, you’ll want 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth – trust me, the ‘low sodium’ part helps control the saltiness. Don’t forget 2 bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste!

Chicken and Vegetable Ingredients

For the good stuff, you’re gonna need about 2 cups of cooked chicken cut into small cubes. Rotisserie chicken works great here! And if you’re feeling it, toss in a cup of frozen peas. Totally optional, but I love the little pop of sweetness they add!

Dumpling Ingredients

Alright, dumpling time! Grab 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar (just a touch!), and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. You’ll also need 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of milk – I usually use 2% or whole, whatever I have on hand!

How to Make Chicken Dumpling Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Dumpling Soup Base

Okay, first things first, let’s get that soup base going! Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven (or a big pot) over medium heat. Toss in that chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook it all until those veggies soften up – should take about 7-8 minutes. You want them tender, not browned!

Now, lower the heat to low. Add your minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Cook this for just a minute, stirring constantly. It’ll smell amazing, trust me! Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring like crazy. This is how we make a roux, which helps thicken the soup. Stir in the chicken stock and bay leaves, then let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are nice and soft.

Simmering the Chicken Dumpling Soup

Alright, carrots soft? Great! Now, fish out those bay leaves – we don’t want anyone accidentally eating those! Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Don’t be shy!

Adding Chicken and Peas to the Chicken Dumpling Soup

Time for the chicken and peas! Add the cubed cooked chicken and frozen peas (if you’re using them) to the soup. Let it all simmer for about 5 minutes, just to heat everything through. Easy peasy!

Making the Chicken Dumplings

While the soup’s simmering, let’s whip up those dumplings. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Now, cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter (or your fingers!) until it looks all crumbly. Add the milk and stir it just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix it! Seriously, that’s key.

Cooking the Chicken Dumplings in the Soup

Okay, here comes the fun part! Drop spoonfuls of that dumpling dough right into the simmering soup. Try to space them out a bit. Once they’re all in there, cover the pot tightly and cook for 15 minutes. Now, this is *super* important: **DO NOT REMOVE THE LID!** I know it’s tempting, but trust me, you’ll end up with flat, sad dumplings. Just let them do their thing. After 15 minutes, they should be puffy and cooked through. Garnish with some fresh parsley or thyme, and you’re good to go!

Tips for the Best Chicken Dumpling Soup

Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough: don’t overmix that dumpling dough! If you do, you’ll end up with tough, chewy dumplings, and nobody wants that. Just mix it until everything comes together, and then leave it alone. Lumps are okay!

Simmer, Don’t Boil

When you’re cooking those dumplings in the soup, make sure it’s just a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. A crazy boil will make the dumplings fall apart and get all weird. Low and slow is the way to go for tender, fluffy dumplings.

Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste

Taste, taste, taste! Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to get the flavor just right. Every broth is different, so you might need a little extra something to make it perfect for *you*! I usually add a pinch of extra thyme, but that’s just me!

Chicken Dumpling Soup Variations

Add Different Vegetables

Wanna mix things up? Go for it! This chicken dumpling soup is super forgiving. Try adding diced potatoes for extra heartiness, or maybe some green beans or corn for a touch of sweetness. Seriously, throw in whatever veggies you love!

Use Different Herbs

Parsley and thyme are classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Rosemary adds a cozy, woodsy flavor, while sage brings a bit of earthiness. Just a teaspoon or two can make a big difference!

Spicy Chicken Dumpling Soup

Feeling a little fiery? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering. It’ll give it a nice little kick! Start with just a pinch, though – you can always add more later. Wow, that’s good!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Dumpling Soup

Crusty Bread

Oh man, a slice of crusty bread is *essential* with this soup! Seriously, you gotta have something to soak up all that delicious broth. My favorite is a good sourdough or a rustic Italian loaf.

Side Salad

Want to make it a complete meal? A simple side salad is the perfect complement to this hearty soup. I usually just toss together some greens with a light vinaigrette. Keeps things fresh and balanced!

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Dumpling Soup

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just let the soup cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days, easy!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready for round two, you can reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or, if you’re in a hurry, microwave it for a couple of minutes until it’s nice and hot. Careful, it splatters!

Freezing Instructions

Want to save some for later? Chicken dumpling soup freezes really well! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container (leave a little room at the top, since liquids expand when frozen). It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Dumpling Soup

Can I use pre-made dumplings for Chicken Dumpling Soup?

Okay, so you’re short on time? I get it! You *can* use pre-made dumplings, but honestly, homemade ones are so much better. If you go the store-bought route, look for the refrigerated kind, not the frozen ones. They tend to cook up a little softer. Just follow the package directions, and toss ’em in during the last 15 minutes of simmering!

Can I make Chicken Dumpling Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Slow cookers are amazing, right? To adapt this chicken dumpling soup recipe, just toss everything *except* the dumplings into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4. Then, about 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, drop those dumplings in, turn the heat to high, and let them cook (covered!) until they’re puffy and cooked through. Keep an eye on them!

How do I prevent my Chicken Dumplings from being gummy?

Gummy dumplings? No thanks! The key is to not overmix the dough, like I said before! And make sure your soup is at a *simmer*, not a crazy boil. Also, resist the urge to peek while they’re cooking. Opening the lid lets out steam, which can mess with the texture. Trust the process!

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Dumpling Soup?

Heck yeah! Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver. It saves you so much time, and it’s already cooked and seasoned. Just shred it up and toss it in during the last few minutes of simmering. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Chicken Dumpling Soup

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist or anything, so I can’t give you super-precise nutritional info for this chicken dumpling soup. It really depends on the exact ingredients you use and the brands you choose, ya know?

But, just to give you a general idea, a serving of this soup is probably around 350-450 calories. It’s got a good amount of protein from the chicken, some carbs from the dumplings and veggies, and some fat from the butter. If you’re watching your sodium, definitely use low-sodium broth! And hey, if you’re really curious, you can always plug the ingredients into a nutrition calculator online. Just remember, these are all estimates, so take ’em with a grain of salt (ha!).

Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Dumpling Soup!

Alright, you did it! Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy that amazing chicken dumpling soup you just made. Seriously, take a picture and share it with me! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy slurping!

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