Chicken Soup with Cornmeal Cheese Dumplings is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken in a savory broth with fluffy, cheesy dumplings. This recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious meal, ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delightful dish!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Soup:
- 12 oz boneless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped pimiento
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
For the Cornmeal Cheese Dumplings:
- 2/3 cup biscuit mix
- 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken Soup:
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken breasts and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in chopped onions and cook until onions are softened.
- Add minced garlic and chopped pimiento, cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle all-purpose flour and dried thyme over the chicken mixture, toss lightly to coat.
- Pour in chicken broth and water, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
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Simmer the Soup:
- Cover the saucepan and let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Prepare the Dumpling Batter:
- While the soup is simmering, in a mixing bowl, combine biscuit mix, yellow cornmeal, dried basil, chopped chives, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir in water gradually, mixing until the batter is just moistened.
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Add the Dumplings:
- Once the soup has simmered for 5 minutes, increase the heat slightly to bring it back to a gentle boil.
- Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the hot liquid. You should be able to make about 8 dumplings.
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Cook the Dumplings:
- Cover the saucepan again and reduce the heat to low.
- Let the dumplings simmer gently in the soup, covered, for 10 to 12 minutes. Avoid lifting the cover during this time to ensure the dumplings cook properly.
- Check the dumplings after 10 minutes to see if they are cooked through; they should be fluffy and cooked in the center.
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Serve:
- Once the dumplings are done, ladle the chicken soup with dumplings into bowls.
- Garnish with additional chopped chives or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 390.1 kcal
- Fat: 16.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.8 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg
- Sodium: 624.9 mg
- Carbohydrates: 34.4 g
- Fiber: 6.2 g
- Sugar: 2.4 g
- Protein: 27.8 g
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the chicken is diced into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Use a good quality chicken broth for the soup base to enhance the flavor.
- Do not overmix the dumpling batter; it should be just moistened to ensure light and fluffy dumplings.
- Resist the temptation to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking to prevent them from collapsing.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Soup with Cornmeal Cheese Dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a heartier option. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for sharing with loved ones on a chilly evening.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Soup with Cornmeal Cheese Dumplings recipe combines simplicity with comfort, delivering a flavorful dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or something to warm you up on a cold day, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and cheesy dumplings in every comforting spoonful!