CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS SOUP

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### Instructions for Making Chicken & Dumplings Soup

#### Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **diced onion** and **garlic**, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the **carrots** and **celery** to the pot, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

#### Step 2: Add the Chicken and Broth
Next, add the **chicken pieces** to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink. Sprinkle in the **dried thyme** and **dried parsley**, and stir to combine. Pour in the **chicken broth** and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.

#### Step 3: Make the Dumplings
While the soup is simmering, prepare the **dumplings**. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **salt**, and **garlic powder**. Add the **milk** and **melted butter**, and stir until just combined. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky. If you’d like, fold in the **fresh parsley** for a touch of color and flavor.

#### Step 4: Add Dumplings to Soup
Once the chicken and vegetables are tender, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture directly into the simmering soup. The dumplings should be placed on top of the soup in a single layer, with some space between them. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15-20 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are cooked through. Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings stay fluffy.

#### Step 5: Add Cream and Season
Once the dumplings are cooked, stir in the **half-and-half** or **heavy cream** to make the soup creamy and rich. Add the **frozen peas** (if using) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with **salt** and **pepper** to your liking.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include a good portion of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings in each serving. Garnish with additional **fresh parsley** if desired, and serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

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### Tips for the Best Chicken & Dumplings Soup

– **Use Bone-in Chicken**: If you have time, use bone-in chicken for extra flavor. You can cook the chicken with the bones and remove them before adding the dumplings. This will give the broth a deeper, richer flavor.
– **Make It More Veggie-Packed**: Feel free to add other vegetables like **green beans**, **corn**, or **potatoes** for extra texture and flavor.
– **Dumplings Variations**: If you prefer lighter dumplings, you can use **buttermilk** instead of regular milk to make them fluffier. For a heartier version, you can add a little **grated cheese** to the dumpling batter.
– **Make Ahead and Freeze**: This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can freeze the soup (without the dumplings) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost and reheat, then add freshly made dumplings.

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### Why Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a Must-Try

Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the ultimate comfort food: hearty, filling, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re craving a warm, cozy meal or want to feed your family something wholesome, this soup is sure to hit the spot. The tender chicken, flavorful broth, and light dumplings come together to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to make.

So, next time you’re looking for a comforting meal that will leave everyone satisfied, give this Chicken & Dumplings Soup recipe a try. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for all ages and occasions.