Dinner

Country Classic Chicken Rivel Soup

Recipe Image 12

This is comfort food that makes your grandmother’s cooking look like amateur hour, and the best part is you don’t need decades of experience to nail it.

Picture tender, fall-apart chicken swimming in a rich, golden broth that’s been slow-cooking all day, filling your house with the kind of aroma that makes neighbors suddenly remember they need to borrow something.

The real magic happens when you drop those rustic rivels – Pennsylvania Dutch dumplings that are somewhere between a noodle and a dumpling – into that bubbling liquid gold.

These aren’t your fancy, perfectly uniform dumplings; they’re deliberately irregular, creating different textures in every spoonful that’ll have you wondering why you ever bothered with store-bought soup.

The crockpot does most of the heavy lifting here, which means you can literally start this before your morning coffee and come home to a house that smells like pure happiness.

This recipe is basically a warm hug in a bowl, and it’s about to become your go-to whenever someone needs serious comfort food without the stress of complicated cooking techniques.

Ingredients

Crockpot Base

6 chicken thighs or chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on thighs recommended for maximum flavor)
1 (48 oz) container chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 (32 oz) container chicken broth (additional for rich, full-bodied soup)
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon (granulated or paste)
1 /2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
1 tablespoon dried parsley (or 3 tablespoons fresh, chopped)

For the Rivels

2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 teaspoon salt (fine sea salt or table salt)
2 teaspoons baking powder (fresh, not expired)
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 1/2 cups warm water or milk of choice (whole milk creates richer rivels)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Base

1 Place chicken pieces, both containers of chicken broth, chicken bouillon, black pepper, and parsley in your crockpot. The liquid should completely cover the chicken – if not, add additional broth or water until chicken is submerged by at least 1 inch.
2 Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until chicken is so tender it practically falls apart when touched with a fork. For overnight cooking, use the low setting and cook for 8-10 hours.

Shred and Transfer

3 Using sturdy tongs, carefully remove chicken pieces from the crockpot and place in a large mixing bowl. The meat should be incredibly tender and easy to handle. Let cool for 5-10 minutes until safe to handle.
4 Shred chicken using two forks, removing and discarding skin and bones. Aim for bite-sized pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the soup. Set shredded chicken aside.
5 Pour the seasoned broth from the crockpot through a fine-mesh strainer into a large saucepan or Dutch oven to remove any small bone fragments or skin pieces. Add the shredded chicken back to the strained broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Make the Rivels

6 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture using a wooden spoon or your fist.
7 Crack the egg into the well and add 1/4 cup of the warm water or milk. Using a fork, begin stirring from the center outward, gradually incorporating the flour mixture while slowly adding more liquid.
8 Continue adding liquid 2-3 tablespoons at a time while stirring constantly until the mixture resembles a thick, sticky batter similar to drop biscuit dough. The consistency should be thick enough to hold together on a spoon but loose enough to drop easily. Adjust with additional flour or liquid as needed.

Cook the Rivels

9 Bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium to maintain a steady, vigorous simmer with active bubbling.
10 Working quickly, drop the rivel batter by rounded teaspoonfuls directly into the boiling soup, stirring gently but constantly to prevent rivels from sticking together. The rivels will initially sink, then float to the surface as they cook.
11 Once all rivels are added, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle bubbling (not a hard boil, which can break apart the rivels). Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12 To test for doneness, fish out the largest rivel you can find using a slotted spoon and cut it in half. The interior should be fluffy and cooked through with no raw, floury appearance. If still doughy inside, continue cooking for 2-3 minutes longer and test again.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

Large crockpot (6-8 quart capacity) – ensures even cooking and accommodates all ingredients comfortably without overcrowding
Heavy-duty tongs – crucial for safely removing hot, tender chicken pieces without them falling apart in the broth
Large saucepan or Dutch oven – needed for the final cooking stage when adding rivels to the simmering broth
Fine-mesh strainer – removes any small bone fragments or skin pieces for a cleaner, more professional soup

Helpful Upgrades

Immersion blender – if you prefer a slightly thicker broth, blend a small portion directly in the pot for added body
Digital kitchen scale – measuring flour by weight (240g for 2 cups) ensures consistent rivel texture every time
Silicone-coated whisk – perfect for mixing rivel batter without scratching your mixing bowls

Nice-to-Have Options

Ladle with pour spout – makes serving easier and prevents spills when transferring hot soup to bowls
Storage containers with tight-fitting lids – this soup keeps beautifully for meal prep and tastes even better the next day

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace all-purpose flour with 2 cups gluten-free flour blend (one containing xanthan gum works best)
Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it for better rivel structure
Expect slightly denser rivels with a more delicate texture that may break apart more easily
Cook rivels for 12-17 minutes as gluten-free versions often need slightly longer cooking time

Dairy-Free Modifications

Use warm water instead of milk for mixing rivels – the texture remains excellent
Choose chicken broth that’s certified dairy-free, as some brands contain milk derivatives
Add an extra 1 tablespoon olive oil to the rivel mixture for richness when omitting milk

Vegetarian Version

Replace chicken with 2 pounds mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, and oyster) sautéed until golden
Use high-quality vegetable broth and add 2 tablespoons soy sauce for umami depth
Include 1 cup diced carrots and celery cooked with the mushrooms for traditional soup vegetables

Low-Carb Modification

Replace rivels with cauliflower florets or shirataki noodles added in the final 5 minutes
Use almond flour rivels: 1 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup coconut flour, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup water
Expect a nuttier flavor and slightly different texture with alternative rivel bases

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This hearty soup provides approximately 285 calories per serving with a balanced macronutrient profile. Each bowl delivers roughly 28g protein from the chicken, 32g carbohydrates primarily from the flour-based rivels, and 8g fat. The high protein content makes this soup particularly satisfying and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Chicken provides complete protein containing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance and repair. The long, slow cooking process breaks down collagen in the chicken into gelatin, which supports joint health and digestive wellness. Chicken broth, especially when made from bones, contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus that support bone health. The flour-based rivels provide B-vitamins, particularly thiamine and niacin, which support energy metabolism and nervous system function.

Dietary Considerations

This soup contains gluten from wheat flour and may contain dairy if milk is used in the rivels. It’s naturally low in sugar and provides substantial fiber from the flour. The sodium content can be controlled by choosing low-sodium broth and adjusting the bouillon quantity. One serving provides approximately 15% of daily protein needs and fits well into balanced meal plans focused on comfort food with nutritional value.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Chicken thighs → Chicken breasts, turkey thighs, or bone-in pork shoulder (adjust cooking time for pork)
All-purpose flour → Whole wheat flour (creates heartier, nuttier rivels with more fiber)
Chicken bouillon → Better Than Bouillon paste, extra salt, or additional herbs for flavor depth
Dried parsley → Fresh parsley, thyme, sage, or Italian seasoning for varied flavor profiles

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Store-bought broth → Homemade broth from saved chicken bones or bouillon cubes dissolved in water
Organic chicken → Conventional chicken thighs (often more affordable than breasts with better flavor)
Whole milk → Water with 1 tablespoon butter for similar richness in rivels

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Baking powder → 1/2 teaspoon baking soda plus 1 teaspoon cream of tartar per 2 teaspoons needed
Fresh egg → 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 3 tablespoons aquafaba for binding rivels
Warm milk → Warm water with 1 tablespoon powdered milk for similar texture and flavor

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using turkey instead of chicken, add 30 minutes to cooking time as turkey can be slightly tougher
Whole wheat flour rivels may need an extra 2-3 minutes cooking time due to denser texture

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Flour & Carb Modifications:

Replace 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 cup almond flour plus 1/2 cup coconut flour to reduce carbs by approximately 75%
Use cauliflower rice instead of rivels – add 2 cups in the final 5 minutes of cooking
Try shirataki noodles as a virtually carb-free rivel substitute with only 2-3g carbs per serving

Portion & Timing Tips:

Stick to 1 cup servings to keep carbohydrates around 15-20g per portion with traditional rivels
Pair with a mixed green salad and 1 tablespoon olive oil to slow carbohydrate absorption
Estimated carbs with almond flour rivels: 8-10g per serving versus 32g with regular flour
Consider this soup as your main carbohydrate source for the meal

Blood Sugar Management:

Add 1 cup diced celery and carrots for extra fiber without significant carb increase
Include 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in the broth for potential blood sugar benefits
The high protein content (28g per serving) helps maintain steady glucose levels

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version reduces carbs from 32g to 8-10g per serving

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the rich, savory broth without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavors. For beer lovers, a wheat beer or light lager provides refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon, unsweetened iced tea, or apple cider for autumn meals. Hot beverages like chamomile tea or light roast coffee work beautifully for cozy evening meals.

Side Dish Recommendations

Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread or buttermilk biscuits for dipping into the flavorful broth. A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing adds freshness and crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soup’s richness. Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips echo traditional Pennsylvania Dutch flavors. Cornbread or dinner rolls provide additional comfort food appeal without competing with the soup’s starring role.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with pickled beets or cucumber salad as traditional Pennsylvania Dutch appetizers. Follow the soup with apple butter cookies or shoofly pie for an authentic regional meal. For entertaining, serve family-style with assorted breads, butter varieties, and seasonal preserves allowing guests to customize their experience.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for Sunday family dinners, potluck gatherings, or meal prep sessions. Ideal comfort food for cold weather months, sick day recovery, or busy weeknight meals. The make-ahead nature makes it excellent for holiday meal planning or feeding large groups with minimal last-minute preparation.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Salt the chicken pieces 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor penetration throughout the meat. For richer broth, brown the chicken in a skillet before adding to the crockpot – this creates deeper flavor through the Maillard reaction. When making rivels, work quickly once the batter is ready; letting it sit can result in tough, dense dumplings due to gluten development.

Common Mistake Prevention

Never boil the soup vigorously once rivels are added – this breaks them apart and creates a cloudy, unappealing broth. Test your baking powder freshness by adding 1 teaspoon to hot water; it should foam immediately. If rivels turn out tough, you likely overmixed the batter or used too much flour – aim for just combined with a slightly lumpy texture.

Storage and Reheating

Store refrigerated for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The rivels will absorb liquid and swell, so add extra broth when reheating. Freeze for up to 3 months, though rivels may become slightly softer after thawing. Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Cook chicken base up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Make fresh rivels just before serving for best texture. For meal prep, portion soup into individual containers and add a splash of broth to each before microwaving to restore proper consistency.

This soup represents everything beautiful about comfort food – it’s forgiving, nourishing, and somehow tastes even better the next day when all those flavors have had time to become best friends in your refrigerator.