Delicious Chicken and Dumpling Soup: A Cozy Comfort Classic
When the air turns crisp and chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of Chicken and Dumpling Soup. This recipe has been a cherished favorite in our family for years, perfect for warming up on a cold night. Instead of using traditional chicken broth, we take a shortcut with water and Tone’s Chicken Base, which imparts a rich, savory flavor without the need for a store-bought broth. Follow this detailed guide to create a hearty and satisfying soup that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 10 cups water (for a flavorful base)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Tone’s Chicken Base (available at Sam’s Club for a rich chicken flavor)
- 1 bay leaf (adds a subtle, aromatic depth)
- 1 teaspoon cloves (provides a warm, spiced note)
- 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning (for a classic savory profile)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1 large onion, chopped (for a savory base)
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced (adds heartiness)
- 3 stalks celery, chopped (for a fresh, crisp texture)
- 1 cup carrots, sliced (adds sweetness and color)
- 1 cup Bisquick baking mix (the key to fluffy dumplings)
- 1 cup milk (to bind the dumplings together)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a large Dutch oven, combine 10 cups of water with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Tone’s Chicken Base. Stir well to dissolve the base completely.
- Add 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of cloves, and 3 teaspoons of poultry seasoning. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, diced potato, chopped celery, and sliced carrots to the simmering base.
- Continue to simmer until the vegetables are just tender, which should take about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Make the Dumplings:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of Bisquick baking mix with 1 cup of milk. Stir until just mixed; the dough will be lumpy, which is perfect for dumplings.
4. Add Dumplings to Soup:
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the boiling soup. Be generous with the spoonfuls for fluffy, hearty dumplings.
- Once all the dumplings are added, cover the Dutch oven with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
5. Final Touches:
- After cooking, carefully remove the bay leaf and cloves from the soup. These are not meant to be eaten but are there to impart their flavor during cooking.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the hearty soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a generous portion of dumplings and vegetables.
- Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
This Chicken and Dumpling Soup is not only a comforting bowl of goodness but also a dish that brings warmth and cheer to any cold night. Its rich flavor and tender dumplings make it a perfect family favorite that everyone will love.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 407.7
- Fat: 16.1g
- Saturated Fat: 4.6g
- Cholesterol: 27.9mg
- Sodium: 2084.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 44.9g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 8.9g
- Protein: 19.7g
Yield: Serves approximately 6-8 people
This recipe offers a delightful balance of savory chicken flavors, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, making it the perfect dish to gather around with family and friends. Enjoy every spoonful of this soul-soothing soup! 🍲✨
