CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS SOUP RECIPE

Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a warm and hearty dish that features tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth. Here’s a simple recipe to enjoy:

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Soup

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the shredded or diced chicken to the pot. Simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If using frozen peas, add them in the last 5 minutes of simmering.

Step 2: Prepare the Dumplings

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

1. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough (about 1-2 tablespoons each) into the simmering soup. The dumplings will expand as they cook, so leave some space between them.
2. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings steam and cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are light, fluffy, and fully cooked through. Don’t lift the lid too early to ensure they cook properly.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
2. Serve the Chicken & Dumplings Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra thyme if desired.

Tips:

• For added richness, you can stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or milk to the soup right before adding the dumplings.
• Feel free to add more vegetables, like potatoes or green beans, for extra heartiness.

This Chicken & Dumplings Soup is comforting, filling, and perfect for chilly days! Let me know if you’d like variations or suggestions for sides.