Welcome, soup lovers and comfort food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving deep into a dish that embodies the very essence of comfort—Chicken and Dumpling Soup. A timeless staple in Southern kitchens and a much-loved recipe in my family, this soul-warming soup could easily be dubbed the epitome of “southern comfort soup.” Without further ado, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this culinary wonder.
What Makes Chicken and Dumpling Soup a Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup Alternative?
Ah, the perennial appeal of chicken in broth-based delights. Chicken and Dumpling Soup stands as an inviting alternative to the ubiquitous comforting chicken noodle soup. What sets it apart? Those pillowy dumplings, my friends. They soak up the creamy broth and deliver a unique texture that noodles can only dream of providing.
Can I Pair This Soup with Biscuits?
Absolutely, you can! In fact, this is a match made in heaven—soup and biscuits. While the dumplings already provide a doughy component, the crispness of freshly baked biscuits contrasts wonderfully, adding another layer of texture and satisfaction to your meal.
How About Using Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience?
Here’s where life gets easier for you. Opting for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, easily available at your local grocery store or even big-box stores like Walmart and Target, can save you time without skimping on flavor. This approach turns your kitchen into a haven of “overnight chicken soup” level of convenience without the overnight wait.
What if I Can Only Find Chicken Soup in a Box?
If you’re under the weather or pressed for time, chicken soup in a box might be your quick go-to. But let me reassure you, while a boxed version may offer convenience, it lacks the depth of flavor and wholesome richness that our homemade recipe delivers. It’s the difference between “get well chicken soup” and “get better soup.”
Are There Any Tips for Soup Dumplings?
When it comes to soup dumplings near me, grocery stores offer an array of options. But nothing compares to homemade. My key advice? Keep that pot lid on tight. The steam trapped inside is crucial for achieving fluffy, well-cooked dumplings.
How Does This Recipe Compare to Grandma’s Chicken Soup?
The essence of grandma’s chicken soup is imbued in this dish. The meticulous layering of flavors and the delicate balance between the chicken and dumplings captures the timeless essence of grandma’s culinary wisdom. This is, truly, a “soup of comfort.”
Can I Store Leftovers?
Certainly! Feel free to keep your extra servings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. This makes for a convenient “mom’s soup” that you can reheat and enjoy any time you need a comforting bowl of goodness.
Is This Recipe Freezable?
You bet! This is an “overnight soup” in another sense—you can freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge, and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Convenient and still delicious!
Final Thoughts: The Comfort of Soup Personified
To sum it all up, this Chicken and Dumpling Soup captures the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re looking for something to rival “Ina’s chicken soup,” wish to evoke fond memories of “mom’s chicken soup,” or simply desire a bowl of soul-warming goodness, this dish checks all the boxes.
So go ahead, dive into this comforting recipe, and discover why it’s a beloved favorite. You don’t need to visit Mom’s kitchen; with this guide, you’re fully equipped to recreate that “taste of home” right in your own space. Enjoy, my food-loving friends!
Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Ingredients
- 6 Cups Chicken Broth
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter For Dumplings
- 2 Cups Cooked Chicken Cubed
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 Large Onion Finely Chopped
- 1/2 Cup Milk 2% or Whole
- 2 Large Carrots Sliced into 1/4-inch Rounds
- 1 Cup Flour For Dumplings
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 3 Stalks Celery Finely Chopped
- 1 Cup Frozen Peas
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Flour
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Sugar
- Salt and Pepper To Taste
- 1/2 Tablespoon Dried Parsley
Instructions
Prepping the Broth and Veggies
- In a robust Dutch oven or a sturdy stockpot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots until aromatic—roughly 4-5 minutes.
- Infuse the veggie medley with garlic, dried parsley, and poultry seasoning, cooking and stirring continually for about a minute.
Roux and Broth Infusion
- Incorporate 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour into the mixture, continuing to stir.
- Gradually add the chicken broth and a single bay leaf. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for approximately 25 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Discard the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Add in the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Allow this amalgam to simmer an additional 5 minutes.
Dumpling Delights
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, baking powder, sugar, and a dash of salt.
- Employ a pastry cutter to mix in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until the texture turns crumbly.
- Pour in the milk, mixing just until a dough forms.
Cooking the Dumplings
- Drop small dollops of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup.
- Seal the pot with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring no heat escapes, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remember, no peeking!
Notes
- Employ a heavy-duty Dutch oven or stockpot with a lid that seals well for optimal results.
- Exercise caution with the bay leaf. Always remove it before consumption to prevent choking hazards.
- Resist the temptation to lift the lid during the dumpling phase. The environment within the pot must stay steamy.
- Speed up the chicken preparation by opting for pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken from your local supermarket.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- For those keen on batch cooking, this soup freezes well. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at your convenience.
