Quick Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Crafting a hearty, satisfying weeknight supper doesn’t need to consume your evening. This Quick Chicken and Dumpling Soup is designed to deliver a complete, warming meal, perfect for those nights when time is short but the craving for genuine, wholesome food is high. Our recipe prioritises efficiency, utilising straightforward ingredients and techniques that maximise flavour in under half an hour. It’s a truly reliable choice for your culinary repertoire, ensuring a delicious and comforting experience without the fuss.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stick, finely chopped
• 10.6 oz (300g) chicken breast, cut into thin strips or small cubes
• 33.8 fl oz (1 litre) good quality chicken stock
• 3.5 oz (100g) plain flour
• 1 medium egg
• 1-1.4 fl oz (30-40ml) water or milk (approx. 2-3 tbsp)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, to garnish

Method

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over a medium flame. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 4 minutes until the vegetables have softened slightly.
2. Add the cut chicken breast to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through.
3. Pour the chicken stock into the pan, bring to the boil, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer.
4. Whilst the stock simmers, prepare the dumplings: in a medium bowl, mix the flour with the egg and the water or milk. Add a pinch of salt and stir until you have a soft, sticky dough.
5. Using two teaspoons, scoop small portions of the dough and drop them directly into the simmering stock. Continue until all the dough is used. The dumplings will cook quickly.
6. Continue cooking for about 4-5 minutes, or until the dumplings are plump and tender. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with plenty of fresh chopped parsley.

Serving & Leftovers

This soup is a complete meal on its own, but can be served with toasted croutons. Leftovers will keep well in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days; you may wish to add a splash more stock when reheating, as the dumplings tend to absorb liquid.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Incorporating a soup like this into your routine is a practical way to ensure warm, nourishing meals without sacrificing precious time. Its straightforward preparation and comforting flavour make it an ideal choice for chilly evenings, providing a meal that truly nourishes both body and spirit. SmartKitchen30 is all about enabling stress-free, balanced cooking.