Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (use rotisserie for ease!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
Instructions
Make the Soup:
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Season and Thicken:
- Stir in the thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw taste.
- Add Broth and Chicken:
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Creamy Finish:
- Stir in the heavy cream or milk. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Make the Dumplings:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined (don’t overmix!).
- Drop the Dumplings:
- Scoop small spoonfuls of the dough and drop them gently onto the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes. No peeking! The steam is key to fluffy dumplings.
Serve:
7. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure everyone gets some dumplings. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use leftover chicken or turkey—it’s a great way to clean out the fridge.
- Let the dumplings steam without lifting the lid. Patience, my friend!
DON’T:
- Overmix the dumpling dough. You want them light and fluffy, not hockey pucks.
- Skip the cream—it’s not optional if you want that luscious texture.
Pro Tips:
- For an herby twist, mix chopped parsley or chives into the dumpling dough.
- Add a handful of peas or green beans for extra veggies.
This Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, savory broth loaded with tender chicken and pillowy dumplings. It’s like a grandma-approved hug for your soul. 🐔🥕🍲
