Who doesn’t love a bowl of warm, comforting soup, especially when it’s both delicious and diet-friendly? Weight Watchers Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a delightful recipe that caters to your taste buds while keeping your points in check. This soup is packed with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a medley of vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
What Makes This Soup Special?
Weight Watchers Chicken and Dumpling Soup stands out due to its balance of flavors and health benefits. Here are some reasons why this soup is special:
- Low in Points: It fits well within the Weight Watchers point system, making it easier to stay on track.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup offers a wholesome meal.
- Comforting: The combination of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings provides a satisfying comfort food experience.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite vegetables or herbs.
Ingredients
To make this delightful soup, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onions, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 2 tbsp light butter, melted
Health Benefits
This soup isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with health benefits. Here’s why you should consider adding it to your meal rotation:
- High in Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables provide essential vitamins like A and C, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
- Low in Calories: This recipe is designed to be low in calories, making it ideal for weight management.
- Fiber-Rich: The vegetables and dumplings add fiber to the diet, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Creating this soup is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Cook the Chicken: Start by poaching the chicken breasts in the chicken broth until fully cooked. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set it aside. Keep the broth.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, sauté the diced onions, carrots, and celery until they become tender. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the chicken broth. Stir in the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Make the Dumplings: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the skim milk and melted butter until a dough forms.
- Cook the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling soup. Reduce the heat and let the dumplings cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings
Making dumplings that are light and fluffy can be tricky. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time:
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dumpling dough just until combined. Overmixing can make the dumplings tough.
- Drop in Small Amounts: Use a small spoon to drop the dough into the soup. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Cover the Pot: Once you add the dumplings, cover the pot to create steam, which helps cook the dumplings through.
Serving Suggestions
Weight Watchers Chicken and Dumpling Soup is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or thyme on top before serving.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A light, crisp salad can complement the hearty soup.
- Pair with Whole Grain Bread: A slice of whole grain bread can be a perfect accompaniment.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content of this soup, ensuring you stay informed about what you’re eating:
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Protein: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fat: 6 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg