Chicken Dumpling Soup
Comforting and delicious this Chicken Dumpling Soup recipe is a family favorite. I follow a simple recipe that makes the soup flavorful and the dumplings melt in your mouth.
Whether it is cold outside or not soup is a definite go to for me. I always seem to need a little bit extra with my soup to make it a hearty meal. Garlic bread or crackers was often my go to as additions to make the soup stretch farther.
Enter these easy dumplings, and the delicious addition they are to this soup. They are light and fluffy and really make this soup become a complete meal.
They are so easy to whip up and add to a soup that it really is a no brainer.
The History And Origins Of Chicken Dumpling Soup
Chicken dumpling soup has a rich history that can be traced back to various cultures around the world. In fact, dumplings have been a staple in many cuisines for centuries. From Chinese wonton soup to European chicken and dumplings, this dish has evolved and adapted to different culinary traditions.
The origins of chicken dumpling soup are believed to be in Europe, where it was a popular dish among peasants. It was a simple and economical way to use leftover chicken and create a hearty and satisfying meal. Over time, the recipe spread to other parts of the world, each region adding its own unique twist to it.
How do you make Chicken Dumpling Soup?
For this recipe the focus has to first be on the main recipe of the chicken soup.
I live a pretty busy life and try to find meals that are quick and easy to make, for me this is one of those meals. I follow the recipe for my Easy Chicken Noodle Soup and prepare as much as I can ahead of time.
When making chicken dumpling soup I dice the onions and celery then sauté them in butter until they are translucent.
I will used canned or frozen carrots and chicken broth to make the cooking process faster. But if you prefer fresh carrots and chicken stock that you have on hand those are great options as well.
When it comes to the noodles I prefer egg noodles, the shape and size add a little extra to this dish. If you want to keep things simple then this is the way to go. I promise you that by doing this you will not scrimp on taste.
How do you make dumplings?
Chicken dumpling soup is a two part recipe. It is wise to view the soup and the dumplings as two separate recipes that are brought together. The end result a delicious Chicken Dumpling Soup.
After focusing on making a flavor filled soup then the process of making the dumplings can begin.
I use a BIsquick in order to make my dumplings. Bisquick is the perfect mix of flour and baking powder and makes the dumplings light and airy.
Using Bisquick to make the dumplings keeps this a simple part of the dish to throw together. The Dumpling recipe that I follow is 2 cups of Bisquick mixed with 2/3 cup milk.
I typically add 1/2 tsp of dried parsley to add color to the dumplings. I will mix it with the dry Bisquick mixture prior to adding the milk.
Once the soup is hot and ready to eat then you are ready to add your dumplings.
Tips And Tricks For Perfecting Your Chicken Dumpling Soup
Making chicken dumpling soup may seem intimidating, but with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve a delicious and comforting bowl every time.
– Use bone-in chicken: Using bone-in chicken pieces adds flavor and richness to the soup. The bones also release gelatin, which gives the broth a silky texture.
– Don’t overmix the dumpling dough: Overmixing the dough can result in tough dumplings. Mix the ingredients until they just come together.
– Drop the dumplings gently: When adding the dumplings to the simmering soup, drop them gently to avoid overcrowding. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
– Season in layers: Season the soup and broth as you go. This will help build layers of flavor and ensure that every spoonful is delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I add to chicken soup for more flavor?
Seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika can bring some extra flavor to soup. Taste the soup between seasonings to make sure that they are not over powering.
Is chicken noodle soup actually healthy?
Chicken is packed full of protein and zinc which is a great immunity supplement. Chicken Dumpling Soup is packed full of sautéed vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery which are full of fiber and vitamins. All of these things are good things to have in your diet.
What are dumplings made of in chicken soup?
For this recipe Bisquick is used. It is a quick bread flour that contains a leavening agent to help the dough rise. It just makes these dumplings easy to but together.
What is the secret to good dumplings?
When mixing the dough do not over mix it. Just mix until you no longer have dry flour.
The dough is meant to be sticky. That means the mix is not too dry which helps to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
Do you cook dumplings with lid on or off?
The answer to this question is a simple yes, to both.
Once dumplings are dropped into the soup leave them for ten minutes. And I mean it, really leave them. Do not touch them or move them. If you do then they risk falling apart.
After they have sat in the soup cooking for 10 minutes it is time to cover them. Cover them for ten minutes to steam. This completes the cooking process by allowing them to rise and cook all of the way through.
Do not remove the lid during steaming as the dumplings need to absorb the moisture. If Bisquick Dumplings are not cooked all of the way through they will become a doughy mess. And nobody wants to be enjoying a soup and take a bite of dough. It is just not worth it. So be a patient cook and leave the lid on to let them steam.
Tips And Tricks For Perfecting Your Chicken Dumpling Soup
While the classic chicken dumpling soup is a delight on its own, there are endless possibilities for variations and additions. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- – Creamy chicken dumpling soup: Add a splash of cream or milk to the soup for a richer and creamier texture.
- – Spicy chicken dumpling soup: Add some heat to your soup by incorporating spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- – Herb-infused chicken dumpling soup: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or dill to give your soup a fragrant and aromatic twist.
- This recipe can be made all in one pot. Use a Dutch Oven or a Stock Pot with a lid. The lid is imperative when it comes to making sure the dumplings cook perfectly.
- Make sure that the soup is at a boil before adding the dumpling mixture. This will cook the dumplings quickly from the bottom and keep them from falling apart. Then reduce down to a simmer.
- Cook the dumplings for 10 minutes without the lid on at a simmer. Then place the lid on and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Do not lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking. The steaming of the dumplings for the last 10 minutes is crucial to cook them all the way through.
- To make the dumplings uniform use a large cookie scoop to measure the dumpling dough out and drop them into the soup. And pro-tip, spray the scoop with Pam Cooking Spray ahead of time to help prevent the dumpling dough from sticking to the scoop.
Can I make Chicken Dumpling Soup ahead of time?
My main tip for making chicken dumpling soup ahead of time is to go ahead and make the soup portion of this recipe then store or freeze.
This chicken dumpling soup can store in the refrigerator for 3 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just heat up the soup and then walk through the process of making the dumplings.
Occasionally when chicken soup is reheated it needs more water or broth added to it. Do not be afraid to do that. Especially if you are adding the dumplings as they absorb the liquid while cooking.
Other Recipes To Try
Here are some more recipes to check out.
Chicken Dumpling Soup
Equipment
- 1 Sauté Pan
- 1 Dutch Oven or 6 Quart Stock Pan
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken Soup Ingredients
- 2 tbsp tbsp Butter or Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Diced Onion
- 1 Cup Chopped Celery
- 1 Cup Chopped Carrots
- 6 Cups Chicken Broth
- 4 Chicken Breast or Pre-cooked Rotisserie Chicken
- 1 1/2 Cup Egg Noodles
- 1 Minced Garlic Clove
- 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried Parsley
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Bisquick Dumplings
- 2 Cups Bisquick
- 2/3 Cup Milk
- 1/2 tsp Dried Parsley
Instructions
Chicken Noodle Soup
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces. If using a whole chicken, cut it into pieces and remove any excess fat. If using precooked chicken breasts cut into cubes. Gather your herbs and spices, and measure out the noodles.
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. This step helps to develop the flavor of the soup.
- Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pot and add enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 1 hour. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful broth.
- After the soup has simmered, remove the chicken pieces from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- At this point, you can add the noodles to the pot and cook until they are tender, following the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
- Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add salt, pepper, or any additional spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve your homemade chicken noodle soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy the comforting and delicious flavors!
Adding Dumplings to the soup
- While your chicken soup is cook begin preparing the dumpling mix. Measure out two even cups of Bisquick and place into a mixing bowl. If you choose to add the 1/2 tsp of dried parsley mix it into the Bisquick prior to adding the milk.
- Into a boiling pot of soup drop by spoon golf ball size portions of the Bisquick mixture.
- Lower heat to simmer and allow to cook for 10 minutes. Placing dumplings into a boiling soup will allow the bottoms of the dumplings to cook without falling apart.
- Cover soup and cook an additional 10 minutes with the lid on. This will allow the dumplings to cook all the way through and to be light and fluffy.
- Uncover and remove soup from heat. Let sit for five minutes then enjoy.
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