Chicken and Dumpling Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Dish for Cold Days

Craving a warm, hearty, and comforting bowl of soup that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan? Look no further than this Chicken and Dumpling Soup! This lightened-up version of a classic favorite combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a medley of vegetables in a flavorful broth. It’s a perfect meal for chilly days or whenever you need a cozy, satisfying dish.

With a few smart ingredient swaps, this recipe delivers all the comfort of traditional chicken and dumpling soup without the excess calories or points. Let’s dive into how to make it!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons skim milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Soup Base

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, and black pepper.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set aside.

2. Thicken the Broth

1. Whisk the cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) into the simmering broth.
2. Stir in the skim milk or almond milk. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the broth thickens slightly.

3. Make the Dumplings

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the Greek yogurt and skim milk. Stir until the dough comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to form into small balls.

4. Add the Dumplings

1. Using a spoon or your hands, drop small spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering soup.
2. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 12-15 minutes. Do not lift the lid while they cook, as the steam is essential for making the dumplings fluffy.

5. Add the Shredded Chicken

1. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup gently, being careful not to break apart the dumplings.
2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
• Serve with a light side salad or a piece of crusty whole-grain bread for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Serves 6)

• Calories: 220
• WW Points: 4 points per serving
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 3g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Low in Points, High in Flavor: This soup is packed with protein, veggies, and rich flavors while staying within your daily points allowance.
2. Comfort in a Bowl: It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cold evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up.
3. Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime.
4. Meal Prep Friendly: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for make-ahead meals.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When adding the dumplings, make sure they have enough space to expand. Drop them in gently and avoid stirring too much.
• Thicker Broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a bit of heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

The Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a wholesome, delicious dish that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy. With tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and a rich broth, this soup is bound to become a regular in your rotation. It’s a meal that warms your body and soul while keeping you on track with your health goals.