Easy Chicken & Dumplings Soup – Cozy Comfort Food
# Easy Chicken & Dumplings Soup – Cozy Comfort Food
## A Bowl of Comfort: Chicken & Dumplings Soup
When the air turns crisp, nothing beats a steaming bowl of **Chicken & Dumplings Soup**. This classic comfort dish marries tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy, flavorful broth. The warmth and depth of flavor make it the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening.
Despite its restaurant-quality richness, this recipe is incredibly simple to make at home. Using fresh, wholesome ingredients, you’ll create a dish that captures the nostalgia and heartwarming flavors of traditional Southern cooking. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers pure comfort in every bite.
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## Quick Recipe Highlights
– **Flavor Profile**: Savory and rich with a creamy, garlicky broth enhanced by thyme and rosemary.
– **Texture**: Tender chicken, soft vegetables, and light, pillowy dumplings.
– **Aroma**: Earthy and fragrant with hints of onion, garlic, and warm herbs.
– **Visual Appeal**: A golden, creamy broth speckled with bright orange carrots and vibrant green herbs.
– **Skill Level Needed**: Beginner-friendly with simple chopping and simmering steps.
– **Special Equipment**: Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
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## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
### 1. **Pure Comfort in a Bowl**
This **Chicken & Dumplings Soup** is the epitome of comfort food. Every spoonful delivers cozy, home-cooked flavors that transport you back to childhood dinners.
### 2. **Easy to Make Yet Feels Gourmet**
Despite its rich depth of flavor, this soup comes together with basic ingredients and minimal effort. No complicated techniques—just sauté, simmer, and drop in the dumplings.
### 3. **Great for Meal Prep & Leftovers**
This soup keeps well in the fridge, and the flavors deepen overnight. Make a double batch and enjoy cozy, stress-free meals throughout the week.
### 4. **Customizable & Versatile**
Swap chicken thighs for breast meat, add extra veggies, or experiment with different herb combinations. This dish is a canvas for your personal touch.
### 5. **Budget-Friendly but Restaurant-Worthy**
Using everyday pantry staples and affordable ingredients, this soup proves that homemade meals can be both **cost-effective and utterly satisfying**.
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## Ingredient Deep Dive
### **Chicken Thighs**
– Provide a rich, juicy texture that withstands slow simmering without drying out.
– Can be substituted with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
### **Flour & Baking Powder (for the Dumplings)**
– The key to easy, soft, and pillowy dumplings.
– Using baking powder ensures they rise properly without becoming dense.
### **Herbs (Thyme & Rosemary)**
– Enhance the broth with earthy, fragrant flavors.
– Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried for a bolder taste.
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## Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. **Overmixing the Dumpling Batter** – Leads to dense, tough dumplings instead of light and fluffy ones.
2. **Skipping the Flour Step** – Coating vegetables with flour ensures proper thickness and consistency in the broth.
3. **Cooking at Too High Heat** – Dumplings need gentle simmering to cook through without disintegrating.
4. **Not Covering the Pot While Dumplings Cook** – Traps steam inside, helping them cook evenly.
5. **Removing Chicken Too Early** – Ensure thighs are fully cooked and tender before shredding.
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## The Recipe
### **Easy Chicken & Dumplings Soup**
**Serves:** 6
**Prep Time:** 15 mins
**Cook Time:** 45 mins
**Total Time:** 60 mins
### **Kitchen Equipment Needed**
– Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
– Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
– Wooden spoon for stirring
– Measuring cups and spoons
### **Ingredients**
#### **For the Soup**
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 medium carrots, sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
#### **For the Dumplings**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 cup milk
### **Directions**
1. **Sauté Aromatics**: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing **until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes**.
2. **Cook Vegetables & Spices**: Stir in carrots and celery. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another **5 minutes** until vegetables begin to soften.
3. **Create the Broth**: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to combine. Gradually pour in **chicken broth**, stirring continuously.
4. **Simmer the Chicken**: Add chicken thighs, bring the soup to a simmer, cover, and cook **for 25-30 minutes**.
5. **Shred the Chicken**: Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, then return it to the pot. Stir in **heavy cream**.
6. **Make the Dumpling Dough**: Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and parsley in a medium bowl. Add milk and stir until combined (do not overmix).
7. **Cook the Dumplings**: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering soup, **cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes** until fluffy.
8. **Serve & Enjoy**: Taste for seasoning adjustments and garnish with extra parsley. Serve warm!
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## Storage & Leftovers
– **Refrigeration**: Store in an airtight container for up to **3 days**.
– **Freezing**: Freeze without dumplings for up to **3 months**.
– **Reheating**: Gently warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
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## Join the Conversation!
Have you tried this **Chicken & Dumplings Soup**? Let us know in the comments below or tag us on **Instagram @yourhandle**! 🍲
