If you're a fan of comfort food, then you'll love this 1 cup (245 g) Chicken & Dumplings Soup! With only 240 calories per serving, it's a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite meal. Plus, it's packed with nutritional benefits that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
This delicious soup is made with a savory broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings. It's also loaded with vegetables, including carrots, celery, and onions, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. In addition, chicken is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
In this article, we'll show you how to make Chicken & Dumplings Soup at home and highlight its many health benefits. So grab a bowl and let's get started!
Calories in Chicken & Dumplings Soup
A 1 cup (245 g) serving of Chicken & Dumplings Soup contains approximately 240 calories, with 70 calories from fat. It also has 26 grams of carbohydrates, 16 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fat. However, the nutritional values may vary depending on the ingredients used and the recipe you follow. For example, if you use low-fat chicken broth and skim milk instead of cream, you can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of the soup.
Ingredients in Chicken & Dumplings Soup
To make Chicken & Dumplings Soup, you'll need the following ingredients: - 2 cups of cooked chicken (diced)
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream (or substitute with milk)
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 cup of chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon of thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (optional for thickening) Note that you can also add other vegetables or spices to the soup to suit your taste preference.
Health Benefits of Chicken & Dumplings Soup
Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a nutritious and wholesome meal that offers many health benefits, including: - Provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
- Contains vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- May help boost the immune system thanks to the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic and thyme.
- Provides energy and satiety due to the carbohydrate and fat content of the soup.
- Can aid in weight loss if you stick to low-fat and low-calorie ingredients.
How to Make Chicken & Dumplings Soup
Now that you know the benefits of Chicken & Dumplings Soup, let's see how you can make it at home! Here's the recipe:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the celery, carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add the cooked chicken and reduce the heat to low.
5. Cut the biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them into the soup.
6. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.
7. Add the heavy cream (or milk) and stir until the soup is smooth and creamy.
8. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix the cornstarch with some cold water and stir it into the soup.
9. Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
Carbohydrate Content in Chicken & Dumplings Soup
A 1 cup (245 g) serving of Chicken & Dumplings Soup contains 26 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the biscuit dough used to make the dumplings. However, the vegetables in the soup also contribute some carbs, mainly in the form of fiber. Carbohydrates are an essential nutrient that provide energy to the body. However, if you're trying to reduce your carb intake, you can make some adjustments to the soup to lower its carb content. For example, you can use almond flour or coconut flour to make the dumplings instead of biscuit dough. You can also reduce the amount of vegetables in the recipe if you're following a low-carb diet.
Protein and Fat Content in Chicken & Dumplings Soup
A 1 cup (245 g) serving of Chicken & Dumplings Soup contains 16 grams of protein and 7 grams of fat. The majority of the protein comes from the chicken, while the fat comes from the cream used to make the soup creamy and rich. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, and it can also help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Fat is essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails, and it also provides energy to the body. However, if you're trying to reduce your calorie or fat intake, you can use low-fat chicken broth and skim milk instead of cream in the recipe.
Tips for Serving Chicken & Dumplings Soup
Here are some tips to help you enjoy your Chicken & Dumplings Soup: - Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Add some hot sauce or chili powder for an extra kick of flavor.
- Store leftover soup in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
- Double or triple the recipe if you're feeding a crowd or want to have leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Chicken & Dumplings Soup contains several allergens, including dairy, wheat, and soy. If you're allergic to any of these ingredients, you should avoid or modify the recipe accordingly. For example, you can use gluten-free flour or milk substitutes if you're lactose intolerant. It's also important to read the labels of the ingredients you use to ensure they're free from allergens and contaminants. Always wash your hands and utensils thoroughly before cooking to prevent cross-contamination.
To store Chicken & Dumplings Soup, transfer it to a covered container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months if you want to keep it longer. To thaw the soup, place it in the refrigerator overnight or on the countertop for a few hours. Reheat it in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave until it's heated through.
Variations of Chicken & Dumplings Soup
There are many variations of Chicken & Dumplings Soup that you can try to diversify your meals. Here are some ideas: - Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken to save time.
- Add some frozen peas, corn, or green beans to the soup for extra veggies.
- Make the dumplings from scratch instead of using refrigerated dough. You can find many recipes online that use flour, eggs, and milk.
- Use turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Add some bacon or ham to the soup for a smoky flavor.
- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free and vegan option.
Soup is a lot like a family. Each ingredient enhances the others; each batch has its own characteristics and it needs to be married into something whole and delicious.
5 FAQ About Chicken & Dumplings Soup
1. What Are the Ingredients in Chicken & Dumplings Soup?
Chicken & Dumplings Soup typically includes chicken, vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onions), herbs and spices, and dumplings made from flour, baking powder, salt, and milk.
2. Is Chicken & Dumplings Soup Healthy?
While it can vary depending on the recipe, chicken & dumplings soup can be a healthy option as it is typically low in fat and high in protein. However, it can also be high in sodium and calories, so it's important to read nutrition labels and choose options with healthier ingredients.
3. How Can I Make Chicken & Dumplings Soup from Scratch?
To make chicken & dumplings soup from scratch, first, cook chicken in a pot with vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it. Then, add chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to create the dumplings. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the pot and let them cook for 10-15 minutes. Finally, add the shredded chicken back into the pot and serve hot.
4. How Can I Make Chicken & Dumplings Soup in a Crockpot?
To make chicken & dumplings soup in a crockpot, add chicken, vegetables, herbs, and broth to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to create the dumplings and drop spoonfuls into the crockpot. Let the dumplings cook for 30 minutes before serving.
5. What Are Some Variations of Chicken & Dumplings Soup?
There are many variations of chicken & dumplings soup, including creamy versions that use heavy cream or milk, spicy versions that add chili peppers or hot sauce, and veggie-packed versions that include additional vegetables such as zucchini or sweet potatoes.