Comfort in a Bowl Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chicken and dumpling soup to warm your soul on a chilly day. This classic comfort food is a hearty, satisfying dish that combines tender pieces of chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this chicken and dumpling soup recipe has got you covered. Let’s dive right in and learn how to create this delicious meal from scratch.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
• 8 cups water
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup milk

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth

1. Rinse the chicken under cold water and remove any giblets. Place the chicken in a large soup pot.
2. Add 8 cups of water, chopped carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

1. Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board.
2. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones and skin. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring until a dough forms.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

1. Return the pot with the chicken broth to a simmer.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center.
3. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Ladle a generous portion of chicken and dumpling soup into each bowl.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.
3. Serve hot and savor the comforting flavors of homemade chicken and dumpling soup.

There you have it, a homemade chicken and dumpling soup recipe that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. This timeless comfort food is perfect for any occasion, and making it from scratch allows you to savor its rich flavors and aromas. So, the next time you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup, don’t reach for the canned stuff—give this recipe a try, and you’ll be delighted with the results. Enjoy!