Warm, hearty, and utterly comforting, Homemade Chicken Dumpling Soup is the ultimate dish for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather. Imagine tender chunks of chicken swimming in a rich, savory broth, accompanied by vibrant mixed vegetables and fluffy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. This classic American recipe is not only easy to prepare but also yields six generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Ready to discover the secret to this soul-soothing soup? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have you coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk for dumplings
Instructions
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Cook the chicken breast if it’s not already cooked. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a large pot, pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. This will form the base of your soup.
- Add the 2 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn) to the pot. Stir well and let the vegetables cook in the simmering broth for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender.
- While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the dumpling batter. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted 1/4 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of milk. Mix well, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; the batter should be slightly lumpy but well mixed.
- Once the vegetables are tender, add the shredded chicken to the pot. Pour in 1 cup of milk and stir everything together. Allow the mixture to return to a gentle simmer.
- Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Make sure to space them out as they will expand while cooking.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is necessary for the dumplings to rise and cook properly.
- After 15-20 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness. They should be fluffy and cooked through. If they are, remove the pot from heat.
- Serve the chicken dumpling soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your comforting homemade chicken dumpling soup!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, consider cooking the chicken and chopping the vegetables ahead of time. This will streamline the cooking process and make it even quicker to whip up the soup on a busy day.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your vegetables! You can add diced potatoes, green beans, or any of your favorite veggies to make the soup your own.
- Don’t Skip the Lid: When cooking the dumplings, it’s crucial to keep the pot covered. Lifting the lid releases steam, which is essential for the dumplings to rise and become fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your dumplings are perfectly cooked, use a toothpick or fork to poke one. If it comes out clean, they’re ready to go!
- Garnish for Flavor: Enhance the presentation and flavor of your soup by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving. It adds a beautiful touch and fresh aroma to the dish.
- Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, consider freezing the soup and dumplings separately to maintain their texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg