Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Make the Dumplings

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Pour in the milk and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
4. If using fresh parsley, fold it into the dough for added flavor and color.

Step 3: Add the Dumplings to the Soup

1. Remove the bay leaf from the soup and stir in the milk or heavy cream.
2. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Be sure to space them out so they don’t stick together.
3. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook through properly.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a generous portion of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Use rotisserie chicken: It’s a time-saving shortcut that adds a lot of flavor to the soup.
• Don’t overmix the dumpling dough: This ensures your dumplings stay light and fluffy.
• Add extra vegetables: Feel free to throw in peas, corn, or green beans for added color and nutrition.
• Thicken the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup before adding the dumplings.