One-Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup Comfort in a Bowl

When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of One-Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup. This recipe is a cozy hug in a bowl, made with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and fluffy dumplings. In this article, I'll guide you step-by-step to create this comforting dish that’s perfect for your weeknight dinners. Ready to discover the secret to delicious, homemade soup? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- Chicken and Broth

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced

- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Chicken thighs add rich flavor and tenderness. The broth enhances the soup’s taste.

- Vegetables

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 2 carrots, sliced

- 2 celery stalks, sliced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup frozen peas

These veggies bring color and nutrition. They also add a sweet and savory touch.

- Seasonings

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried parsley

- Salt and pepper to taste

Thyme and parsley give the soup depth. Salt and pepper balance all the flavors.

- Dumpling Ingredients

- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

- ½ teaspoon salt (for dumplings)

- ½ cup whole milk

- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients create soft, fluffy dumplings. Fresh parsley makes the dish look nice.

This simple list packs a lot of taste and comfort into one bowl. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this soup a delightful meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Browning the Chicken Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken thighs. Cook them until they turn brown, which takes about 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Sautéing Vegetables In the same pot, add 1 medium diced onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they soften. This step builds a great base for the soup.

Adding Garlic and Herbs Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Cook for another minute until the garlic smells fragrant. This will add depth to your soup.

Making the Soup

Incorporating Chicken Broth Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Then, add the browned chicken back to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Simmering Let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.

Preparing the Dumplings

Mixing Dry Ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt for the dumplings. Mix these dry ingredients well.

Forming the Dough Next, stir in ½ cup of whole milk and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. This dough makes your dumplings fluffy.

Cooking the Dumplings

Dropping into Soup Spoon dollops of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup.

Covering and Cooking Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 10 minutes. This will help them rise and become fluffy. After that time, add 1 cup of frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Your One-Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup is now ready to enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Dumplings

Consistency of Dough To make great dumplings, the dough must be soft but not too wet. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt first. Then, add the milk and melted butter gradually. Stir until you have a soft dough. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour. This helps the dumplings hold their shape.

Cooking Techniques When you drop the dumplings into the soup, do it gently. Make sure the soup is simmering, not boiling. Cover the pot right away. This keeps the steam inside, making the dumplings fluffy. Cook them for about ten minutes. Don’t peek too often; let them do their magic.

Enhancing Flavor

Adding Fresh Herbs Fresh herbs can brighten up the soup. Try adding chopped parsley or thyme just before serving. This gives a fresh taste and a pop of color. You can also experiment with dill or basil for a different twist.

Adjusting Seasoning Taste the soup before serving. You might want to add more salt or pepper. Everyone has different tastes, so adjust it to your liking. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a nice zing.

Time-Saving Suggestions

Using Rotisserie Chicken To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken. Just shred it and add it when you pour in the broth. This cuts down on cooking time and adds great flavor.

Pre-chopping Vegetables Chop your vegetables ahead of time. You can do this the night before. Store them in the fridge so they are ready to go. This small step makes cooking a breeze and speeds up your prep time.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

Using Different Proteins You can swap chicken for turkey or even pork. Use diced turkey thighs for a leaner option. Pork can add a nice twist with its rich flavor. If you want a lighter touch, try shrimp. Just remember to adjust cooking times for each protein.

Incorporating Additional Vegetables Feel free to add more veggies. Sweet corn, green beans, or bell peppers work well. They not only add color but also enhance the soup's taste. Try some baby spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.

Flavor Profiles

Spicy Additions Add a kick with red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños. You can also use a splash of hot sauce for warmth. Just be careful not to overpower the dish. You want to keep that comforting feel while adding some zest.

Herb Variations Fresh herbs can change the soup's vibe. Try basil, dill, or cilantro for a fresh twist. You can also mix in some rosemary for a heartier flavor. Just add fresh herbs at the end to keep their bright taste.

Dietary Adjustments

Gluten-Free Dumpling Alternatives For gluten-free dumplings, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. You can also use almond flour or even chickpea flour. Adjust the liquid as needed to make a good dough.

Vegetarian Version To make this soup vegetarian, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add tofu or chickpeas for protein. You can also load up on veggies to keep it filling. This way, you still get that comforting bowl of goodness without meat.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

Refrigeration Tips Store your soup in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps keep the dumplings fresh. If they sit in broth for too long, they can get soggy.

Freezing the Soup You can freeze One-Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Leave some space for expansion. The soup can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Instructions

Best Practices for Reheating Reheat your soup on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to warm it evenly. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between.

Maintaining Dumpling Texture To keep dumplings fluffy, add a splash of broth while reheating. This helps them retain moisture. Avoid boiling the soup hard, as it can make the dumplings tough. If they start to break down, don’t worry; they will still taste great!

FAQs

How to make One-Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup?

- Key Steps Explained

To make One-Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup, start by browning diced chicken thighs in a pot. This takes about five minutes. Next, remove the chicken and sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery for five minutes. Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried parsley, cooking for one more minute.

Then, pour in four cups of low-sodium chicken broth and return the chicken to the pot. Bring it to a simmer for ten minutes. Now, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in whole milk and melted butter to create a dough.

Drop spoonfuls of this dough into the simmering soup. Cover and let them cook for ten minutes. Finish by adding frozen peas and cooking for two to three more minutes. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

- Tips on Cooking Frozen Chicken

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this soup. First, ensure the chicken is fully thawed. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use a microwave. If you cook with frozen chicken, increase the cooking time. Brown it for a few extra minutes.

Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Cooking frozen chicken can still yield a great soup, but fresh chicken will give a better texture.

How long can I store One-Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup?

- Shelf Life and Safe Storage Guidelines

You can store One-Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup in the fridge for three to four days. Use an airtight container for best results. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months.

When you reheat, make sure to heat it until steaming hot. This keeps the dumplings fluffy and the chicken safe to eat.

This blog post guides you through making a delicious one-pot chicken dumpling soup. We covered ingredients like chicken, veggies, and seasonings. You learned step-by-step how to prepare the soup and cook the dumplings. I shared tips on perfecting the dumplings and enhancing flavors. We explored tasty variations and gave storage tips.

Now, you have all the tools to create your own warming dish. Enjoy making this comforting meal for you and your loved ones!