Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic to build the soup's flavor base.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the soup.

Garlic: Provides a fragrant and flavorful foundation.

Carrots: Adds sweetness and color to the soup.

Celery: Contributes a subtle, earthy flavor and crunch.

Chicken broth: The liquid base that carries all the flavors.

Chicken: Provides protein and heartiness to the soup.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dumplings.

Baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.

Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dumplings.

Butter: Adds flavor and tenderness to the dumplings.

When making dumplings for your chicken dumpling soup, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough dumplings. Instead, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. This will ensure your dumplings are light and fluffy.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a similar smoke point, making it a good alternative for sautéing.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste and can be used in the same quantity to provide a similar aromatic base.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic to maintain the garlic flavor in the soup.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter taste and similar texture, making them a good alternative in soups.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunch and adds a slight anise flavor, which can complement the soup well.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar savory base and is suitable for those avoiding meat products.

• cooked chicken - Substitute with tofu: Firm tofu can be shredded or cubed to provide a protein-rich, vegetarian alternative.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can provide the same level of heat and spice.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used in the same quantity and adds a slightly nuttier flavor and more fiber.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used in the same quantity and is a good dairy-free alternative.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar texture and flavor.

• Allow the chicken dumpling soup to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps the soup fresh.
• Transfer the soup to airtight containers. For individual servings, use smaller containers to make reheating easier.
• Label the containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the soup has been stored.
• Store the soup in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. Ensure the temperature is set to 40°F (4°C) or below.
• For longer storage, place the soup in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months without losing its flavor and texture.
• When freezing, leave some space at the top of the container. The chicken broth will expand as it freezes.
• To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the quality of the vegetables and dumplings.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to eat.
• If reheating in the microwave, use a microwave-safe container. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is evenly heated.
• Avoid reheating the soup multiple times. Only reheat the portion you plan to consume to maintain the best flavor and texture.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Pour the leftover soup into a large pot.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bottom.
  3. Once the soup is heated through and the dumplings are soft and warm, serve immediately.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Transfer a portion of the soup into a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate to prevent splatters.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes if necessary, until the soup is hot and the dumplings are warmed through.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the soup into an oven-safe dish, making sure the dumplings are submerged in the broth.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is heated through and the dumplings are soft and warm.

• For slow cooker reheating:

  1. Pour the leftover soup into the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to the low setting.
  3. Heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the soup is thoroughly warmed and the dumplings are tender.

• Large pot: Used to cook the soup and simmer the ingredients together.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the vegetables and soup without scratching the pot.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the olive oil, chicken broth, flour, and milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt, pepper, and baking powder.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ingredients for the dumpling batter.

• Whisk: Helps in mixing the flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter for the dumplings.

• Garlic press: Convenient for mincing the garlic cloves.

• Ladle: Useful for serving the soup once it’s ready.

• Tongs: Handy for adding the shredded chicken to the soup.

• Timer: Helps keep track of the cooking and simmering times.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in airtight containers.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your own.

Simmer while prepping dumplings: While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumpling batter to streamline the process.

One-pot cooking: Use a large pot to cook everything in one place, reducing cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.