Grandma Staehle'S Butterklose Chicken Soup
Grandma Staehle's Butterklose Chicken Soup features tender chicken, flavorful bread dumplings, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting family meals and chilly days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the stewing chicken slowly in water until tender. For a plump fryer, add 3 to 4 bouillon cubes for flavor.
- Lay the bread out until dry, tearing it into small pieces, not crumbs. Ensure the bread is fresh, not stale.
- Melt the butter and pour it over the bread pieces, mixing well.
- Add allspice and mix thoroughly.
- Beat the eggs and add them to the mixture, stirring to combine.
- Knead the mixture lightly and form it into a ball about 3/4 inch in diameter, pressing against the palm of your hand.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the broth and set aside.
- Drop the butterklose balls into the boiling broth and cook for approximately 30 to 45 minutes, until they rise and are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water when cooking the stewing chicken. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half the butter with olive oil. Ensure the bread is not stale to achieve the right texture for the butterklose. For a twist, try adding herbs like parsley or dill to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Easy Cheesy Chicken Bake or Amish Broccoli Cheese Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The butterklose may become softer over time, so to reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove. Avoid boiling to prevent the butterklose from breaking apart. You can also freeze the soup without the butterklose for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Staehle'S Butterklose Chicken Soup contains roughly 296 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 537mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a stewing chicken?
While you can use chicken breasts, a stewing chicken typically provides more flavor and a richer broth. If you opt for breasts, be sure to cook them gently to avoid dryness. You might also want to add more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
What can I substitute for white bakery bread?
If you don't have white bakery bread, you can use a similar type of bread, such as brioche or challah. These will provide a slightly different texture but still work well in the recipe. Just ensure the bread is fresh for the best results.
How do I know when the butterklose are done cooking?
The butterklose are done when they rise to the surface of the broth and have a light, fluffy texture. Cooking them for 30 to 45 minutes ensures they are cooked through. Check one by cutting it in half to ensure it's not doughy in the center.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).