Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup with Smoked Bacon

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### **Instructions**

#### **1. Cook the Bacon**
– **Cook the bacon**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the diced **smoked bacon** and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.

#### **2. Sauté the Vegetables**
– **Sauté the vegetables**: In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the **onion**, **carrots**, and **celery**. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the **garlic** and cook for another minute until fragrant.

#### **3. Add the Chicken and Broth**
– **Cook the chicken**: Add the bite-sized pieces of **chicken** to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
– **Add the broth and seasonings**: Pour in the **chicken broth** and add the **dried thyme**, **dried parsley**, and **bay leaf**. Season with **salt and pepper** to taste. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.

#### **4. Make the Dumplings**
– **Prepare the dumpling batter**: While the soup is simmering, prepare the **dumplings**. In a medium bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **salt**, and **garlic powder**. Add the **buttermilk** and **melted butter** to the dry ingredients and stir until a thick batter forms.
– **Form the dumplings**: Using a spoon, scoop out small portions of the dumpling batter and gently drop them into the simmering soup. Be sure to space them out, as they will puff up while cooking.

#### **5. Cook the Dumplings**
– **Simmer the soup**: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook in the soup for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through. Try not to lift the lid too often, as the dumplings need the steam to cook properly.
– **Final touches**: Once the dumplings are fully cooked, return the **crispy bacon** to the pot and stir gently. If you’d like a creamier texture, add the **heavy cream** at this point and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

#### **6. Serve and Enjoy**
– **Garnish and serve**: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include plenty of chicken, dumplings, and vegetables in each serving. Garnish with **fresh parsley** for a pop of color and flavor.
– Enjoy your comforting and hearty bowl of **Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup with Smoked Bacon**!

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### **Tips for the Best Chicken & Dumplings Soup**

– **Use Rotisserie Chicken**: For a quicker option, you can substitute the raw chicken with **shredded rotisserie chicken**. This will save you time and still provide a rich, flavorful soup.
– **Make Ahead**: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve the next day! Just reheat on the stove and add a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.
– **Add Vegetables**: Feel free to add other vegetables like **peas**, **potatoes**, or **corn** for more variety. These can be added along with the carrots and celery.
– **Dumpling Variations**: If you prefer a heartier dumpling, you can add a bit of shredded cheese or chopped herbs into the batter.

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### **Why This Soup is a Must-Make**

**Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup with Smoked Bacon** is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. The crispy bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor to the creamy soup, while the soft dumplings provide the perfect texture that complements the tender chicken and veggies. The dish is easy to prepare and comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a meal that satisfies all your cravings for something warm, filling, and utterly delicious.

This hearty soup is not just for the colder months—enjoy it any time you need a comforting, family-friendly meal that will bring smiles to the table. With its rich flavor, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home.