Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a hearty, rich soup made with juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and easy-to-make, pillowy herb dumplings. This simplified version of the classic chicken and dumplings is brothy and comforting, perfect for a cozy dinner. The addition of tender chicken thighs, leeks, parsnips, and aromatic herbs makes this dish full of flavor while the dumplings provide a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Soup Ingredients:

6 chicken thighs (skin-on and bone-in)
Salt and black pepper
1 tbsp ghee (or butter)
2 small leeks (white part only), finely chopped
3 small carrots, peeled and sliced
2 ribs celery, diced
1 small parsnip, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp white pepper
3 tbsp flour
8 cups chicken stock or broth
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp thyme leaves

Herb Dumplings:

1 ¾ cups self-rising flour
1 heaping tbsp finely chopped parsley
¾ cup plus 2 tbsp whole milk
2 ½ tbsp melted ghee (or butter)

Directions

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat ghee or butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear for another 3-4 minutes. Set the chicken aside.
Add leeks, carrots, celery, and parsnip to the pot and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and white pepper, then sprinkle in flour and cook for 30-45 seconds.
Slowly add chicken stock while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and return the chicken thighs to the pot. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
In a separate bowl, mix together the dumpling ingredients until a thick batter forms.
Bring the soup to a simmer again, then drop heaping spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the soup. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until the dumplings are tender.
Stir in fresh parsley and thyme leaves, then serve.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 561 kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 741mg
Cholesterol: 105mg
Potassium: 563mg

The Comforting Elements of Chicken and Dumpling Soup

The beauty of Chicken and Dumpling Soup lies in its simplicity. The dish combines tender chicken, a variety of colorful vegetables, and a flavorful broth, which creates a comforting base. This soup can be customized to your preference by adding seasonal vegetables or adjusting the level of seasoning, but the classic combination of chicken, leeks, carrots, celery, and parsnips is always a winning choice. These vegetables not only enhance the soup’s flavor but also contribute vital nutrients, such as vitamin A from carrots and parsnips, fiber from celery, and antioxidants from leeks. Together, they form the perfect foundation for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Choosing the Right Chicken for Your Soup

The choice of chicken is a crucial element in making this soup rich and flavorful. Chicken thighs, particularly bone-in and skin-on, are ideal for this recipe. Their higher fat content compared to chicken breasts helps to create a richer, more flavorful broth. When cooked, the skin adds a layer of depth to the taste, and the bones release collagen, which thickens the broth and adds a velvety texture. The resulting chicken meat is tender and juicy, making it the perfect addition to this hearty soup. If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute chicken breasts, though the broth may not be as rich.

The Role of Vegetables in the Soup

The vegetables in Chicken and Dumpling Soup are not only a way to add nutrients but also to enhance the dish’s flavor and texture. Leeks, with their mild onion-like flavor, form the aromatic base of the soup. When sautéed, leeks release a subtle sweetness that complements the other vegetables. Carrots and parsnips add both color and sweetness to the soup, while celery contributes a slight crunch and a fresh, earthy flavor. These vegetables also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate, making the soup not only delicious but also a healthy option.

Building a Flavorful Broth

The broth is a key component of this soup, and its depth of flavor is enhanced by the combination of ghee or butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. The fat from the ghee or butter adds richness, while the garlic provides a savory base that infuses the entire soup. Italian seasoning, a blend of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary, enhances the overall flavor profile, making it aromatic and comforting. The flour acts as a thickening agent, ensuring that the soup has a smooth and velvety consistency. By slowly adding the chicken stock while whisking, the broth becomes rich and flavorful without any lumps, creating a perfectly balanced soup base.

Herb Dumplings: The Perfect Addition

No chicken and dumpling soup is complete without its signature dumplings. These soft, fluffy pillows are what set this dish apart from other chicken soups. Made with self-rising flour, milk, and melted ghee or butter, the dumplings cook gently in the simmering soup, absorbing the flavors of the broth while retaining their light and airy texture. The addition of finely chopped parsley gives the dumplings a subtle herby flavor that complements the soup’s ingredients. These dumplings are easy to prepare and serve as the perfect topping to the savory soup, melting in your mouth with each bite.

The Cooking Process: Creating a Hearty Soup

The process of making Chicken and Dumpling Soup is straightforward but results in a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The chicken is first seared in the pot, creating a crispy skin that adds extra flavor to the soup. The vegetables are then sautéed, releasing their natural sugars and flavors, followed by the addition of garlic and Italian seasoning, which enhance the broth. Once the chicken stock is added and the chicken is cooked through, the meat is shredded and returned to the soup. The dumpling batter is then added in spoonfuls, and the soup is simmered until the dumplings are cooked through. This method ensures that the dumplings remain light and fluffy, while the soup absorbs all the delicious flavors from the chicken and vegetables.

Health Benefits of Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a nourishing and comforting meal that provides a wealth of health benefits. The chicken is an excellent source of protein, which is vital for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. The vegetables provide a range of vitamins and minerals, supporting immune health, skin health, and overall well-being. The broth, rich in collagen from the chicken bones, can also be beneficial for joint health and skin elasticity. Additionally, the use of ghee or butter provides healthy fats, which are necessary for brain function and energy. By using whole milk for the dumplings, you also add a source of calcium, which supports bone health.

Making the Soup Ahead of Time

Chicken and Dumpling Soup can easily be made ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prep or a comforting dish that you can enjoy throughout the week. The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, making it even more flavorful on the second or third day. If you want to prepare the soup ahead of time but don’t want the dumplings to become too soggy, you can make the soup base in advance and cook the dumplings just before serving. The soup can also be frozen for up to three months, but it’s best to freeze the soup base separately from the dumplings. When reheating, simply cook fresh dumplings to serve with the thawed soup.

Customizing Chicken and Dumpling Soup

While this recipe is already a classic, you can make adjustments to suit your tastes and dietary needs. For example, if you prefer a lighter soup, you can use less ghee or substitute it with olive oil. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add your own twist. Some people enjoy adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or using fresh thyme instead of dried. The vegetables in the soup are also flexible—add your favorites or whatever is in season to create your own personalized version of this comforting dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that offers both comfort and nutrition. Its rich, flavorful broth, combined with succulent chicken and tender vegetables, makes for a satisfying meal. The soft, fluffy herb dumplings take this soup to the next level, adding a lightness and texture that perfectly complements the hearty broth. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or preparing it ahead of time for busy days, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that can be enjoyed by the whole family, providing warmth and nourishment in every spoonful.

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