The foundation of any great soup is its aromatic base. Begin by heating olive oil or butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Once warm, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery—the holy trinity of classic soup flavors. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly golden.
Now, stir in the shredded cooked chicken, allowing it to mingle with the vegetables for a minute. Pour in the chicken broth, milk, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix gently and bring everything to a gentle simmer. The mixture should be warm, comforting, and fragrant—just the right cue to move on to the dumplings.
🥣 Crafting the Perfect Dumplings: Soft, Pillowy, and Light
While the soup simmers, it’s time to prepare the dumpling dough, the heart of this dish. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients create the lift and structure essential to soft dumplings.
Slowly stir in the milk and melted butter (or olive oil), mixing until a soft, sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—this can make the dumplings tough. The dough should be soft and scoopable, ready to be dropped into the simmering broth.
🥄 Cooking the Dumplings: Let the Magic Happen
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop dollops of the dough into the simmering soup. Make sure not to stir after dropping them in, as they need to steam gently atop the broth.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 12–15 minutes. The steam will fluff them up, and they’ll soak up the rich broth flavors while staying tender and delicious.
After 15 minutes, remove the lid and test one dumpling with a toothpick or knife—if it comes out clean, they’re perfectly cooked.
🧄 Finishing Touches: Creamy, Rich, and Ready to Serve
For an extra layer of indulgence, stir in the heavy cream. This adds a smooth, velvety richness that elevates the soup without overpowering it. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to balance all the flavors.
Finally, ladle the soup into generous bowls and top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. The green adds a pop of color and a fresh note to the hearty dish.
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