Hearty German Chicken Soup with Dumplings
Experience the warmth of tradition with this authentic German chicken soup, brimming with rich flavors and comforting textures. Made with succulent chicken simmered in a savory broth, this delightful dish teaches you the secrets of creating fluffy dumplings that soak up the soup beautifully. Customize this timeless recipe by adding your favorite vegetables for an extra nutritious touch. Gather your family around the table and enjoy a bowl of love that pays homage to Grandma's culinary legacy.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken
3 lbs (Whole or cut into pieces)
Water
2 quarts (For boiling chicken)
Hard Rolls (Kaiser Rolls)
10 (Sliced thinly)
Warm Milk
1-2 cups (To soak the bread)
Canadian Bacon
1/2 cup (Diced (optional))
Butter
1 tablespoon (Softened)
Onion
1 small (Diced (optional))
Parsley Flakes
1 tablespoon (Dried)
Eggs
3 (Beaten)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Slice the hard rolls into thin pieces and arrange them in a large bowl. Allow them to dry out overnight for the best texture in your dumplings.
2
In a large pot, add 2 quarts of water and the 3 lbs of chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the water to a slow boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook the chicken for several hours until tender and flavorful.
3
About one hour before serving, prepare the dumplings. Start by soaking the dried bread in warm milk. The bread should be moist but not soggy. Adjust the amount of milk if necessary.
4
If you're using onion and Canadian bacon, heat the tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bacon, cooking until the onion is translucent and the bacon is slightly crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the soaked bread with the sautéed onion and bacon mixture (if using). Stir in the parsley flakes, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until fully combined.
6
Shape the mixture into large dumplings, about the size of a golf ball.
7
Bring the chicken soup back to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the formed dumplings into the boiling soup.
8
Cover the pot and let the dumplings simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until they rise to the surface and are fully cooked through.
9
Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired, and enjoy this comforting bowl of Grandma’s traditional recipe!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
23g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty German Chicken Soup with Dumplings?
It is a traditional, comforting German soup featuring succulent simmered chicken and fluffy bread-based dumplings.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
One serving of this Hearty German Chicken Soup contains approximately 300 calories.
What kind of rolls should be used for the dumplings?
The recipe calls for 10 hard rolls, specifically Kaiser rolls, sliced thinly and dried out.
Why do the rolls need to dry out overnight?
Drying the rolls overnight ensures the best texture for the dumplings so they can soak up the milk and soup properly.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 3 lbs of chicken, which can be used whole or cut into pieces.
Is Canadian bacon a necessary ingredient?
No, the 1/2 cup of diced Canadian bacon is optional for added flavor.
What is the fat content of this soup?
This recipe contains 13g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving provides 25g of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 23g of carbohydrates in one serving of this soup.
How much water is used to make the broth?
The recipe requires 2 quarts of water to boil the chicken.
How many eggs are needed for the dumpling mixture?
You will need 3 beaten eggs to help bind the dumpling mixture together.
What is the purpose of the warm milk?
The warm milk is used to soak the dried bread rolls until they are moist but not soggy.
How long should I cook the chicken?
The chicken should be simmered for several hours until it is tender and flavorful.
What size should the dumplings be formed into?
The mixture should be shaped into dumplings about the size of a golf ball.
How long do the dumplings need to simmer in the soup?
The dumplings should simmer in the boiling soup for about 20 minutes.
How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
The dumplings are done when they rise to the surface of the soup.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
How much butter is needed for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of softened butter to cook the optional onion and bacon.
What kind of onion is recommended?
One small diced onion is recommended if you choose to include it.
How much parsley flakes should be added?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dried parsley flakes.
What seasonings are used in the broth?
Salt and pepper are added to taste to season both the chicken broth and the dumpling mixture.
How do I prepare the optional onion and bacon?
Sauté them in butter over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent and the bacon is crisp.
What should the texture of the soaked bread be?
The bread should be moist but not soggy; you can adjust the milk amount to achieve this.
Should the dumplings be simmered covered or uncovered?
The instructions suggest simmering the dumplings for about 20 minutes uncovered.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a traditional recipe that pays homage to Grandma's culinary legacy.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried flakes, you can use fresh parsley for garnish and flavor if desired.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken soup, dumplings, german cuisine, hearty meal, comfort food, and traditional recipe.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the optional ones.
Is the chicken boiled quickly?
No, you should bring the water to a slow boil and then reduce it to a simmer.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
Serve it hot, garnished with additional parsley, in a bowl for a comforting family meal.