Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup? It’s a classic dish that brings back memories of cozy nights and family gatherings. But what if you could elevate this already perfect meal? The answer is simple: add dumplings! These soft, pillowy additions transform a simple soup into a hearty and satisfying feast. In this article, you’ll learn how to make chicken noodle soup with dumplings that will warm you from the inside out.
Why Dumplings and Chicken Noodle Soup are a Match Made in Heaven
Chicken noodle soup is a go-to for many when they’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something comforting. Adding dumplings takes this classic to the next level, turning it into a more substantial and satisfying meal. Dumplings soak up the flavorful broth, adding a delightful texture that complements the soft noodles and tender chicken. Plus, making dumplings is surprisingly easy and can be a fun activity to do with family or friends.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for both the soup and the dumplings:
For the Chicken Noodle Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Chicken Noodle Soup with Dumplings
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting meal.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, and add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook according to the package directions, usually around 6-8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the dumpling dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 5: Add the Dumplings to the Soup
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. The dumplings should be roughly the size of a golf ball. Be sure to leave some space between each dumpling so they have room to expand.
Step 6: Cook the Dumplings
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into a dumpling; it should come out clean.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Ladle the chicken noodle soup with dumplings into bowls and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough dumplings. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create a flaky and tender dumpling.
- Simmer, don’t boil: Cooking the dumplings at a gentle simmer ensures they cook evenly without becoming too dense.
- Cover the pot: Covering the pot allows the dumplings to steam and cook properly.
Variations and Additions
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as peas, green beans, or potatoes.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano to change the flavor profile of the soup.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
- Try different dumplings: Instead of drop dumplings, try making “noodle” dumplings by rolling out the dough and cutting it into strips.
Conclusion
Making chicken noodle soup with dumplings is a simple way to elevate a classic comfort food into something truly special. With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, the next time you’re craving something warm and comforting, give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that chicken noodle soup with dumplings has to offer.