Chicken and dumpling soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul and fills the belly. The star of this dish is undoubtedly the dumplings—soft, fluffy, and cooked right in the savory chicken broth. If you’ve ever wondered how to make dumplings for chicken and dumpling soup, you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through the process step-by-step, with easy-to-follow tips to create perfect dumplings every time.
What Are Dumplings in Chicken and Dumpling Soup?
Dumplings in this soup are small, biscuit-like dough balls that cook in the simmering broth until tender and fluffy. They soak up the flavors of the soup while adding a delightful texture contrast to the tender chicken and vegetables. Most recipes use drop dumplings—a simple dough dropped by spoonfuls into the soup—making them quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients for Dumplings
To make dumplings for chicken and dumpling soup, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients:
– All-purpose flour
– Baking powder (for leavening and fluffiness)
– Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
– Milk or buttermilk (to moisten the dough)
– Melted butter (for richness)
Some recipes also include an egg for extra tenderness, but the basic version without egg works beautifully as well.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dumplings for Chicken and Dumpling Soup
1. Prepare the Dumpling Dough
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper—in a medium bowl. Then add the wet ingredients—milk and melted butter—and stir gently with a spoon or fork until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
2. Drop the Dumplings Into Simmering Soup
Once your chicken soup base is simmering, use two spoons or a cookie scoop to drop rounded spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the soup. Space them evenly across the pot so they have room to expand and cook through. Lightly press the dumplings down under the broth with a spoon to help them stay submerged.
3. Cook the Dumplings Gently
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to a low simmer. The dumplings need to steam gently in the broth for about 12 to 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid or stirring during this time, as this can cause the dumplings to break apart. The gentle steam cooking is what makes them soft and fluffy.
4. Check for Doneness
After 15 minutes, carefully remove a dumpling and cut it in half. The inside should be cooked through, light, and tender—not doughy or gummy. If they need a bit more time, cover and cook for a few additional minutes.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings Every Time
– Use baking powder generously: This helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
– Keep the soup at a gentle simmer: Boiling vigorously can break the dumplings apart.
– Don’t overmix the dough: Overworking the dough can make dumplings tough.
– Cover tightly: The lid traps steam, which is essential for cooking the dumplings properly.
– Add dumplings after the soup is simmering: This prevents the dough from dissolving or becoming too dense.
Why Drop Dumplings Are Ideal for Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Drop dumplings are quick to make and don’t require rolling or cutting dough, making them perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. They cook directly in the soup, absorbing flavors and thickening the broth slightly as some dough dissolves. This method also allows you to customize the size and number of dumplings easily.
Variations to Try
– Buttermilk Dumplings: Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangier flavor and extra tenderness.
– Herbed Dumplings: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist.
– Biscuits Instead of Dumplings: Some recipes use canned biscuit dough dropped into the soup for convenience, though homemade drop dumplings are preferred for texture.
Final Thoughts
Making dumplings for chicken and dumpling soup is simple and rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create soft, fluffy dumplings that turn your soup into a comforting, hearty meal. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, mastering dumplings will elevate your chicken and dumpling soup to delicious new heights.
Enjoy your cozy bowl of chicken and dumplings!
Making dumplings for chicken and dumpling soup is easy and fun—just mix simple ingredients, drop the dough into simmering soup, and steam until tender. Perfect dumplings make this classic comfort food truly special.