Chicken Dumpling Soup: A Cozy Classic for Chilly Days
Chicken Dumpling Soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially when temperatures drop and you’re craving something warm, hearty, and soul-satisfying. This timeless dish combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a flavorful broth that can turn any day around. Below, we’ll break down how to make this soup, answer common questions, and optimize it with a friendly blog structure to ensure your readers find this delicious recipe easily.
What are dumplings manufactured from in hen soup?
Dumplings in chicken soup are made from a simple mixture of flour, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and melted butter. When dropped into simmering broth, they puff up into fluffy, tender bites.
What is dumpling soup made of?
Dumpling soup typically consists of a rich chicken broth filled with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and topped with soft, pillowy dumplings. It can include cooked shredded chicken or other proteins, but the key components are always the broth and dumplings.
How long is chicken dumpling soup good for in the fridge?
Chicken dumpling soup can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the dumplings.
How many calories are in homemade chicken dumpling soup?
A typical serving of homemade chicken dumpling soup contains 350-400 calories, depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Why Chicken Dumpling Soup is Perfect for You?
Chicken Dumpling Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy, hearty dish that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re new to making dumplings or a seasoned pro, this recipe is an excellent way to enjoy a classic comfort dish. Perfect for cold days or whenever you’re craving something warm and fulfilling, this soup will quickly become a household favorite.
Pro tip: To boost the flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of turmeric to the broth for an extra layer of warmth and depth.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Storing in the Fridge: As mentioned, chicken dumpling soup can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and keep the dumplings from soaking up too much liquid.
- Freezing: If you plan on freezing the soup, it’s best to freeze the broth and chicken without the dumplings. Dumplings tend to get soggy when frozen and reheated. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then switch it to freezer-secure containers.
When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat on the stovetop, and then add freshly made dumplings to the simmering soup.
Reheating Tips
- On the Stove: Reheat on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the dumplings have soaked up too much broth, you may need to add a little more chicken stock or water.
- In the Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave at medium heat, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based protein like tofu, or omit the meat entirely for a delicious vegetarian dumpling soup.
- Gluten-Free Dumplings: Use gluten-free flour to make the dumplings. You can find gluten-free baking powder or use a blend specifically for making fluffy dough.
- Herb Dumplings: For extra flavor, add herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or dill into the dumpling dough. This will give a fresh, aromatic taste to the dish.
- Creamy Chicken Dumpling Soup: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or whole milk toward the end of cooking. You can also add a tablespoon of flour to the vegetables before adding the broth to thicken it.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 18g (varies depending on the use of butter and cream)
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg (depending on the broth used)
Best Time to Serve
- Cold Weather Favorite: Chicken dumpling soup is ideal for cold weather, but it’s also a fantastic remedy for colds and flu due to its hydrating broth and nutrient-dense ingredients.
- Family Dinners: It’s an excellent choice for a family meal or as a make-ahead dish for busy weekdays.
Dumpling Texture Tips
- For light and fluffy dumplings, make sure not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can make dumplings dense and chewy instead of soft and airy.
- Keep the lid on while cooking the dumplings—lifting it too often releases steam, which prevents the dumplings from rising properly.
Seasoning Tips
- Boosting Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the broth. This adds umami and richness.
- Fresh Herbs: A final sprinkle of fresh parsley, thyme, or dill can brighten up the soup just before serving, giving it a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Spices: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the broth.
Pairing Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Chicken dumpling soup pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or roasted vegetables to add balance. Garlic bread or a slice of sourdough bread on the side can also be perfect for dipping into the broth.
- Drinks: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors of the soup without overpowering the dish. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon or herbal tea would pair well.
Regional Variations
Chicken dumpling soup is made in various ways across different regions:
- American South: Dumplings are often flatter and more like thick noodles, sometimes called “slickers” or “sliders.”
- Chinese Dumpling Soup: This version often uses wonton-style dumplings filled with ground chicken or pork, served in a clear, light broth with green onions and bok choy.
- Eastern European Version: Chicken dumpling soups from Poland or Hungary might include spiced dumplings made with semolina or potato flour, served in a rich chicken broth with paprika or dill.
Serving Ideas
- Family Style: Serve the soup family-style in a large pot at the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- In Individual Bowls: Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped herbs, and serve with a piece of warm, crusty bread on the side.
- For Meal Prep: If you plan to prepare this soup ahead of time, store the soup base separately from the dumplings. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and cook fresh dumplings directly in the broth for the best texture.
Health Benefits
Chicken dumpling soup isn’t just delicious; it also packs a health punch:
- High in Protein: The chicken provides lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and immune support.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The carrots, celery, and onions provide a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants that can help combat illness.
- Hydrating: The broth helps maintain hydration and provides essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium, especially important during illness or cold weather.
- Easy on Digestion: Soups are often easier to digest than solid meals, making this dish perfect for when you need something gentle yet nourishing.
Customizing for Dietary Preferences
- Low Carb Option: To reduce the carb content, skip the dumplings and add more low-carb vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, or spinach. You could also try making almond flour dumplings.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the milk and butter in the dumplings for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil.
- Keto-Friendly: Use a keto-friendly flour like coconut or almond flour to make the dumplings, and opt for a fattier cut of chicken like thighs.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Dumpling Soup
- Make It Ahead: The soup (minus the dumplings) can be made a day in advance. This lets in the flavors to expand and accentuate overnight. The next day, simply heat the soup and cook the dumplings right before serving.
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a depth of flavor since the meat is already well-seasoned.
- Layering Flavors: Sautéing the vegetables first helps to bring out their natural sweetness and adds a caramelized layer of flavor to the soup.
- Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then add it to the soup and stir while simmering until the broth thickens slightly.
The best chicken dumpling soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion: chopped
- 2 carrots: peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks: chopped
- 3 cloves garlic: minced
- 6 cups fowl broth: low sodium
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken preferably rotisserie or boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley: optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a huge pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for approximately 5-7 mins till the veggies are softened.
- Add Garlic & Chicken Broth: Stir withinside the minced garlic, and prepare dinner dinner for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, add the thyme and bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup simmer on low heat while you prepare the dumplings.
- Make the Dumplings: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix milk, beaten egg, and melted butter. Combine the moist and dry substances till a sticky dough forms.
- Cook the Dumplings: Scoop small spoonfuls of the dough and gently drop them into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and prepare dinner dinner for approximately 15 minutes. Make sure the soup is simmering gently—boiling too hard will cause the dumplings to break apart.
- Final Touch: Once the dumplings are cooked and fluffy, remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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