Chicken and Dumpling Soup

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### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### 1. Prepare the Soup Base
1. **Cook the Chicken**: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables**: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. **Add the Broth and Spices**: Pour in the chicken broth, then add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. **Simmer**: Lower the heat to a simmer and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

#### 2. Prepare the Dumplings
1. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients**: Add milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The mixture should be thick and scoopable—don’t overmix.
3. **Shape the Dumplings**: Using a spoon, scoop small amounts of the dumpling dough and gently drop them into the simmering soup.

#### 3. Cook the Dumplings
– Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as the dumplings need the steam to cook through. Once the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through, you’ll know they’re ready.

#### 4. Add the Cream
– Once the dumplings are fully cooked, stir in the heavy cream or milk for a rich, creamy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

#### 5. Serve and Enjoy
– Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to serve plenty of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

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### Tips for Success

1. **Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor**: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly, using chicken thighs will give your soup a richer flavor.
2. **Customize the Dumplings**: Feel free to add herbs or grated cheese to your dumplings for a personalized twist. A little garlic powder or parsley can make a big difference in taste.
3. **Simmer Low and Slow**: To get the most flavor from your soup, let it simmer gently. Avoid rushing this step—allowing the ingredients to meld together is key to a delicious result.
4. **Make Ahead**: Chicken and Dumpling Soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dumplings may lose some of their fluffiness, but the flavor will still be amazing. You can reheat it on the stovetop or microwave.

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### Why This Soup is a Family Favorite

**Chicken and Dumpling Soup** is a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s warm, filling, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Plus, it’s highly versatile—feel free to swap out the vegetables or add extra ingredients to make it your own. This is a great dish to make when you need something comforting after a long day, or when you’re looking to feed a crowd.

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### Final Thoughts

Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or bringing it to a family gathering, **Chicken and Dumpling Soup** will always be a crowd-pleaser. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a recipe that never fails to comfort and satisfy. Grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this delightful soup with your loved ones!