Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is a perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth will fill you up and leave you feeling cozy. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized based on what ingredients you have on hand. Whether served as a main course or paired with a fresh loaf of bread, Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup is sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection. It’s the ultimate comfort food, with a flavor profile that is as heartwarming as Dolly Parton herself!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup carrots (diced)

• 1 cup celery (diced)

• 1 medium onion (diced)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 cups half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer flavor)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

• 1 cup frozen corn

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1/2 cup flour (for thickening)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the base:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

2. Make the soup base:

1. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. This will help thicken the soup.

2. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until the broth begins to thicken slightly.

3. Add the cream:

1. Pour in the half-and-half (or heavy cream) and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

2. Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken, frozen peas, frozen corn, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.

4. Simmer the soup:

1. Allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking.

2. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

5. Serve:

1. Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra flavor.

2. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for the perfect meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give the soup a spicy kick.

• Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth with extra veggies like potatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.

• Cheese version: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.

• Add potatoes: Dice up some potatoes and add them along with the carrots and celery for extra heartiness.

• Dairy-free version: Use a dairy-free cream alternative such as coconut cream or oat milk in place of the half-and-half for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Reheat in a pot over low heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals. If the soup is too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds even more flavor to the soup. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it to the soup.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for later use.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables and garlic in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the cream and chicken towards the end, and allow it to cook for another 15-20 minutes.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables work perfectly in this recipe. Just add them directly to the soup as instructed. Frozen peas and corn are great additions that help speed up preparation.

5. Can I make this soup without flour?

If you want to make the soup gluten-free or avoid using flour, you can skip the flour and use cornstarch instead to thicken the soup. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the soup while it’s simmering.

6. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half is a great alternative to heavy cream and will still provide a creamy consistency, but the soup will be slightly lighter in texture.

7. Can I make this soup spicier?

If you like spice, feel free to add more chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño to give the soup some heat. You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

8. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute, especially for those who want a vegetarian version of the soup. The flavor will still be rich and savory.

9. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the cream and half-and-half with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter to maintain the creamy consistency.

10. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to make the soup even more hearty and nutritious.

Conclusion

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy base, it’s a crowd-pleasing soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a holiday meal, or a cozy night in, Dolly Parton’s Stampede Soup will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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