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Cozy Chicken and Dumpling Soup from Scratch

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A comforting homemade chicken and dumpling soup featuring tender chicken, fresh herbs, and fluffy dumplings cooked right in the savory broth. Perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs / 1.4–1.8 kg), preferably organic or free-range
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups (1.5 liters) low-sodium chicken broth or stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the whole chicken and place it in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add diced carrots, celery, onion, and garlic around the chicken.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender. Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
  3. Carefully lift the chicken out and set aside to cool slightly. Remove bay leaves from broth. Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding skin and bones. Return shredded chicken to the broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk and parsley until just combined; do not overmix. Batter should be thick but spoonable.
  5. Bring soup back to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls (1-2 tablespoons each) of dumpling batter onto the surface of the soup. Cover pot tightly and cook undisturbed for 10-15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
  6. Gently stir the soup, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Use cold butter and do not overmix dumpling batter for light, fluffy dumplings. Avoid lifting the lid while dumplings cook to ensure they puff up properly. Skim foam from broth early for a clear soup. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute milk and flour accordingly. Adding a splash of cream or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving enhances richness and brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, dumplings, comfort food, homemade soup, easy chicken recipe, cozy soup, family dinner

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-chicken-and-dumpling-soup-from-scratch-easy-homemade-recipe/