Chicken and Dumpling Soup with Bacon and Vegetables: The Ultimate Comfort Food

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When the weather turns chilly and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a warm, hearty bowl of soup. If you’ve been craving comfort food that’s rich in flavor and packed with nutrients, then this Chicken and Dumpling Soup with Bacon and Vegetables is the perfect dish for you. Whether it’s a family meal or a cozy dinner after a long day, this dish combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a flavorful broth that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of making this soup, from the ingredients and instructions to tips and tricks for creating the best version of this comforting meal. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Dumpling Soup with Bacon and Vegetables

There are few things more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken and dumpling soup. This recipe brings together a harmonious blend of savory flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this soup so irresistible:

The Perfect Combination of Flavors

Chicken and dumpling soup is a classic comfort food, but when you add crispy bacon and a medley of vegetables, it takes the dish to a whole new level. The smoky, salty flavor of the bacon perfectly complements the tenderness of the chicken and the freshness of the vegetables. Meanwhile, the dumplings add a fluffy, soft texture that balances out the rich, creamy broth.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only does this soup taste amazing, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, the heavy cream and bacon fat give the soup its indulgent richness, making every spoonful a comforting delight.

Great for Family Meals

This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal with your family. It’s easy to make, filling, and everyone is sure to love it. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumpling Soup with Bacon and Vegetables

Before you get started, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for both the dumplings and the soup. We’ve broken them down into two categories for you.

Table: Recipe Ingredients Breakdown

Ingredients	For Dumplings	For Soup
All-Purpose Flour	1 1/2 cups	1/4 cup
Baking Powder	2 teaspoons
Kosher Salt	1 teaspoon	To taste
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper	1/2 teaspoon	Freshly cracked to taste
Chives	3 tablespoons minced
Sour Cream	2/3 cup
Whole Milk	1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon
Bacon Fat or Butter	3 tablespoons	3 tablespoons bacon fat (or melted butter)
Bacon		4 strips, diced
Unsalted Butter		4 tablespoons
Yellow Onion		1 small, diced
Leek		1 (white & light green parts only) sliced
Carrots		3, peeled and diced
Celery		3 ribs, diced
Flour (for Roux)		1/4 cup
Dried Rubbed Sage		1 teaspoon
Dried Thyme		1/2 teaspoon
Chicken Stock		4 cups
Shredded, Cooked Chicken		3 cups
Heavy Cream		1 cup

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Chicken and Dumpling Soup with Bacon and Vegetables. The process is simple and straightforward, so even novice cooks can enjoy making this delicious dish!  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our https://miarecipes.com/baked-spinach-mushroom-quesadillas-3/

Step 1: Preparing the Bacon and Dumplings

Cooking Bacon

Start by heating a 4-quart Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the diced bacon and cook it until it’s crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a small plate. Be sure to reserve 3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the Dutch oven. You’ll use it to make the dumplings later.

Making the Dumplings

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and chives. In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and milk with the reserved bacon fat. Whisk until smooth. Gently combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and fold until no dry flour is visible. Cover the mixture and set it aside while you prepare the soup.

Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables and Soup Base

Sautéing the Vegetables

Using the same Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, leek, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.

Adding Herbs and Roux

Next, stir in the dried sage and thyme. Cook for another minute to release their aromatic oils. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes, forming a roux that will thicken the soup.

Step 3: Finishing the Soup

Adding the Liquids

Gradually pour in the chicken stock, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Adding Chicken and Cream

Add the shredded cooked chicken, heavy cream, and the reserved bacon. Stir everything together, then season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer gently while you move on to the next step.

Step 4: Cooking the Dumplings

Dropping the Dumplings

Using a cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup, spacing them out evenly. Be gentle when dropping the dough so that the dumplings stay intact. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings simmer for 15-17 minutes, or until they’re fluffy and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they rise to the top of the soup.

Step 5: Serving the Soup

Once the dumplings are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a few dumplings. Garnish with fresh chives for an added touch of flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Want to make sure your Chicken and Dumpling Soup with Bacon and Vegetables turns out absolutely perfect? Here are a few helpful tips:

Use Leftover Chicken

One of the best ways to save time when making this soup is by using leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked, so you can skip the step of cooking chicken from scratch, making the soup even quicker to prepare.

Try Different Vegetables

While carrots, celery, and onions are traditional in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Peas, parsnips, or potatoes are great additions that will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.

Perfect the Dumpling Consistency

To make sure your dumplings are light and fluffy, be careful not to over-mix the dough. The key is to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. If the dough feels too thick, add a little more milk to loosen it up.

Taste and Adjust the Seasoning

Don’t forget to taste your soup as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. The amount of salt and pepper you add will depend on your personal preference, so make sure to season the soup until it tastes just right.

Nutritional Information for Chicken and Dumpling Soup

This Chicken and Dumpling Soup with Bacon and Vegetables is not only delicious but also a well-rounded meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
• Total Servings: 6
• Key Nutrients: Protein from chicken, fiber from vegetables, and healthy fats from bacon and cream.

This makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that will fuel you through the day while providing all the comfort you need on a chilly evening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Can I Use Instead of Bacon Fat?

If you don’t have bacon fat, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with melted butter, olive oil, or another fat of your choice. While bacon fat adds a unique flavor to the soup, any fat will work in a pinch.

Can I Make the Dumplings in Advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dumpling dough in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure not to over-mix the dough, as it can become dense if left sitting too long.

Can I Make Chicken and Dumpling Soup Ahead of Time?

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the dumplings may soften a bit, so it’s best to add them fresh when reheating the soup. To store, let the soup cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container.

Can I Freeze Chicken and Dumpling Soup?

While the soup itself can be frozen, it’s important to note that the dumplings may lose their texture after freezing and reheating. If you plan to freeze the soup, consider freezing the broth and dumplings separately. When reheating, cook fresh dumplings to ensure they stay fluffy.

Conclusion: A Cozy Meal for Any Occasion

There’s nothing like the feeling of curling up with a steaming bowl of Chicken and Dumpling Soup with Bacon and Vegetables on a cold evening. This recipe combines savory bacon, tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and soft dumplings in a rich, creamy broth that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or enjoying it on your own, this comforting dish is easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So, the next time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, give this Chicken and Dumpling Soup a try. You won’t be disappointed!

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