Healthy Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Healthy Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup on a cold winter night. I remember the first time I made this dish; I had just come in from the chilly outdoors, and the fragrant aroma of simmering broth filled my home, wrapping me in comfort. As the dumplings floated gently in the pot, I knew I had created something special. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying solo while curled up on the couch. The tender pieces of chicken, vibrant carrots, and fluffy dumplings all come together to create a symphony of flavor and heartiness. It quickly became a favorite in our household, and I can’t wait for you to experience the same joy!

Main Ingredients for Healthy Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup

The ingredients in Healthy Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup are not only nutritious but also work together harmoniously. Each component plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture, creating a satisfying meal that warms the heart. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken, which provides protein and substance. The carrots, celery, and potato lend sweetness and earthiness, while the whole wheat flour in the dumplings adds a wholesome touch. This careful balance of ingredients guarantees a delicious experience in every spoonful.

• 1 pound chicken breast: Tender and juicy, it serves as the protein base for the soup, providing richness and flavor.
• 1/2 medium onion: Adds a layer of savory sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the broth.
• 3 medium carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the flavors while bringing vibrant color to the dish.
• 2 stalks celery: Contributes a refreshing crunch and a subtle earthiness to the soup.
• 1 medium russet potato: Adds heartiness and creaminess when cooked, making the soup more filling.
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme, dried: An aromatic herb that complements the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground: A touch of seasoning that adds warmth and depth to the broth.
• 5 cups chicken broth, low-sodium: The foundation of the soup, infusing all the ingredients with rich, savory flavor.
• 1 cup green peas, frozen: A pop of color and sweetness, added near the end of cooking for freshness.
• 1 cup flour, whole wheat: Used for the dumplings, providing a hearty texture while being a healthier option.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dumplings.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of garlic flavor to the dumplings.
• 1/2 cup milk: Brings moisture to the dumpling dough, creating a soft texture.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps to bind the dumpling ingredients together.

The Process for Making Healthy Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Cooking Healthy Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup is as rewarding as it is simple. Each step brings you closer to a delicious bowl of warmth and comfort. I love gathering all my ingredients before I start, as it helps to streamline the process and ensures I have everything I need. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to this delightful dish.

1. Begin by cutting the chicken breast into thin, bite-sized slices. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and can be easily eaten in the soup. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts for a better presentation.
2. Next, peel and slice the carrot. Aim for small, uniform pieces that will cook quickly and evenly. I often like to angle my knife for a nice presentation, making the slices look like little rounds.
3. Chop the celery and potato into small pieces. The potato will add creaminess, while the celery brings that signature crunch. Finely dicing them enhances their flavor integration into the broth.
4. Finely dice the onion so it melts into the soup, infusing it with its rich flavor. You want to avoid large chunks as they can overpower the other ingredients.
5. In a large pot, combine the chopped chicken, carrots, celery, potato, chicken broth, and all seasonings. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas.
6. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth.
7. Meanwhile, mix together the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, the second salt, and garlic powder. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined before adding the wet ingredients.
8. Add the milk and olive oil to the dry mixture and stir until fully combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky; you want it to hold its shape when dropped into the soup.
9. After the 10 minutes of simmering, add 1 cup of frozen peas to the pot and return to a boil over medium-high heat. The bright green peas will add freshness and color to the dish.
10. Once at a rolling boil, drop teaspoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the boiling broth. It’s okay if they’re not perfectly shaped; they will expand while cooking and become fluffy.
11. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Keep it at a steady boil without bubbling over, allowing the dumplings to cook and steam perfectly. This takes about 15 minutes, and I always recommend not lifting the lid during this time for the best results.
12. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the lid and check the soup. The dumplings should be cooked in the center and not doughy. If needed, keep the pot boiling for a few more minutes, ensuring everything is cooked to your satisfaction.

Substitutions and Tips

While Healthy Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup is delicious as is, there are always ways to tailor it to your taste. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfect every time.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The soup can thicken as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just be aware that the dumplings may lose their texture upon thawing, so consider freezing the soup without them if you prefer.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. These pair well with the heartiness of the soup.
• Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a twist. You can also use whole grain pasta instead of dumplings for a different texture.
• Seasonal herbs: Using seasonal herbs can elevate the flavors. Consider adding fresh thyme or bay leaves to enhance the broth.

How to Enjoy Healthy Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup

When it comes to enjoying Healthy Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup, there are countless ways to make your experience delightful. Here are some ideas:

• Perfect for lunch: This soup makes a hearty lunch option that can be reheated quickly for busy workdays.
• Cozy dinners: Serve it as a fulfilling dinner on chilly evenings, perhaps with a side of crunchy bread for dipping.
• Great for gatherings: It’s a wonderful dish to serve at gatherings or potlucks. Just make a big pot and watch it disappear!
• Seasonal comfort: Perfect for winter, this soup can warm you up and provide comfort during the colder months.
• Leftover adventures: Get creative with leftovers by blending them into a sauce for pasta or using it as a base for a casserole.

FAQ

Conclusion

The beauty of Healthy Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup lies in its comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients. It’s the perfect dish to gather around on chilly evenings, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. I encourage you to try making this soup; it’s a delightful way to enjoy wholesome ingredients and create lasting memories with loved ones.

Healthy Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Healthy Irish Chicken and Dumpling Soup is creamy, hearty, and the perfect easy weeknight dinner. With tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, this dish will bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. Make it tonight and enjoy the cozy flavors that will leave you wanting more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Soups

Cuisine: Irish

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Chicken breast
• 1/2 medium Onion
• 3 medium Carrot
• 2 stalks Celery
• 1 medium Russet potato
• 1/2 teaspoon Thyme, dried
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper, ground
• 5 cups Chicken broth, low-sodium
• 1 cup Green peas, frozen
• 1 cup Flour, whole wheat
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Peeler
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Begin by cutting the chicken breast into thin, bite-sized slices. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and can be easily eaten in the soup. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts for a better presentation.
2. Next, peel and slice the carrot. Aim for small, uniform pieces that will cook quickly and evenly. I often like to angle my knife for a nice presentation, making the slices look like little rounds.
3. Chop the celery and potato into small pieces. The potato will add creaminess, while the celery brings that signature crunch. Finely dicing them enhances their flavor integration into the broth.
4. Finely dice the onion so it melts into the soup, infusing it with its rich flavor. You want to avoid large chunks as they can overpower the other ingredients.
5. In a large pot, combine the chopped chicken, carrots, celery, potato, chicken broth, and all seasonings. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas.
6. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth.
7. Meanwhile, mix together the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, the second salt, and garlic powder. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined before adding the wet ingredients.
8. Add the milk and olive oil to the dry mixture and stir until fully combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky; you want it to hold its shape when dropped into the soup.
9. After the 10 minutes of simmering, add 1 cup of frozen peas to the pot and return to a boil over medium-high heat. The bright green peas will add freshness and color to the dish.
10. Once at a rolling boil, drop teaspoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the boiling broth. It’s okay if they’re not perfectly shaped; they will expand while cooking and become fluffy.
11. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Keep it at a steady boil without bubbling over, allowing the dumplings to cook and steam perfectly. This takes about 15 minutes, and I always recommend not lifting the lid during this time for the best results.
12. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the lid and check the soup. The dumplings should be cooked in the center and not doughy. If needed, keep the pot boiling for a few more minutes, ensuring everything is cooked to your satisfaction.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The soup can thicken as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just be aware that the dumplings may lose their texture upon thawing, so consider freezing the soup without them if you prefer.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. These pair well with the heartiness of the soup.
• Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a twist. You can also use whole grain pasta instead of dumplings for a different texture.
• Seasonal herbs: Using seasonal herbs can elevate the flavors. Consider adding fresh thyme or bay leaves to enhance the broth.

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Meet Adele Mercer

Every meal deserves a spectacular finish, whether it is a savory main or a sweet treat. I enjoy the entire creative cycle, from kneading dough to editing the final photos. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks while ensuring it delivers the high-quality results you expect.