Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a steaming bowl of pure comfort, nothing satisfies like Chicken and Dumpling Soup. A cozy classic, this recipe brings together tender pieces of chicken, fluffy clouds of homemade dumplings, and a fragrant, veggie-packed broth that makes every spoonful feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re sharing it with family on a cold night or ladling out nostalgia for friends, this soup will instantly transport you to a place of happy memories and full bellies—it’s the kind of meal that soothes the soul as much as it fills you up.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken and Dumpling Soup is in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a crucial part, and together they create a symphony of flavor, color, and texture. You probably have most of these on hand, and each one contributes to that signature homemade taste we all crave.

• Olive Oil: Adds depth and helps soften the aromatics for a flavorful base.
• Onion: A classic cook’s staple, it brings a sweet, mellow undertone to the broth.
• Carrots: Offer a subtle sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
• Celery: Adds freshness and crunch to balance the soup.
• Garlic: Infuses the broth with irresistible aroma—don’t skip it!
• Chicken Broth: The heart and soul of the soup; use good-quality for the best results.
• Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie works great and saves you time without sacrificing flavor.
• Frozen Peas: Bring a burst of green and a hint of sweetness at the end.
• Dried Thyme: Lends a subtle herbal note that pairs perfectly with chicken.
• Bay Leaf: Adds depth and a subtle earthy background flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget to taste as you go—these bring all the flavors to life.
• All-Purpose Flour (for Dumplings): Gives structure and tenderness to those homemade dumplings.
• Baking Powder (for Dumplings): Ensures your dumplings rise to fluffy perfection.
• Salt (for Dumplings): A touch for seasoning—dumplings need flavor too!
• Cold Butter (for Dumplings): Creates luscious, tender dumplings with every bite.
• Milk (for Dumplings): Brings the dough together and keeps it moist.

How to Make Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery—the holy trinity for great soup! Sauté everything together, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften and their aromas fill your kitchen. This should take about 5 minutes and sets the stage for a flavorful Chicken and Dumpling Soup.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, about a minute. Pour in your chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture come to a simmer, and allow it to cook for 10 minutes. This is when all the flavors marry together, and the magic of soup-making truly happens.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

While your soup gently simmers, it’s time to create those irresistible homemade dumplings. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this step is key for ultra-tender dumplings! Gently stir in the milk just until a soft dough forms; avoid over-mixing so your dumplings stay light and fluffy.

Step 4: Steam the Dumplings

Cautiously drop spoonfuls of your dough directly into the simmering soup. Quickly cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15 minutes—no peeking! The steam is what gives the dumplings their cloud-like texture, so trust the process and resist lifting the lid.

Step 5: Add Peas and Finish

After the dumplings have puffed up, carefully stir in the frozen peas and simmer for another 5 minutes. This last-minute addition keeps the peas bright and sweet. Remove the bay leaf and give everything a final taste for seasoning. Ladle up your Chicken and Dumpling Soup while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a crack of black pepper on top will make each bowl look as inviting as it tastes. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a swirl of cream adds a rich, velvety finish that really elevates the Chicken and Dumpling Soup experience.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but freshly baked buttermilk biscuits, a crisp green salad, or even a slice of sourdough make fantastic companions. The contrast of warm, pillowy soup and something crunchy on the side is pure joy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Chicken and Dumpling Soup in individual soup crocks or rustic enamel mugs for a cozy touch. If you’re entertaining, offering toppings like fried shallots or a dash of hot sauce on the side lets everyone customize their bowl for a little extra fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature, then ladle it into airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making those leftovers downright irresistible.

Freezing

Chicken and Dumpling Soup freezes very well before adding the dumplings (which are best made fresh). If you want to freeze leftovers, note that the dumplings’ texture may change slightly but they’ll still taste delicious. Just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of extra broth to loosen it up if it’s thickened. For microwaving, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring often to ensure even warmth. If the dumplings look a bit dense after chilling, a quick steam on top of the simmering soup perks them right up.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly, making this a fantastic recipe for the holidays. Just swap in an equal amount of cooked, shredded turkey for the chicken.

What can I use to make this gluten-free?

You can easily adapt Chicken and Dumpling Soup by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free and proceed as usual—the results are just as comforting and delicious.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

Dumplings are at their fluffiest when cooked fresh in the soup, but you can mix the dry ingredients ahead and keep them ready. Just add the butter and milk when you’re set to make your soup for best texture.

How do I thicken the soup if it seems too brothy?

If your soup feels a bit thin, you can mash a few vegetables into the broth, or whisk together a tablespoon of flour and water, then stir it in and simmer for several extra minutes. The dumplings themselves will also naturally thicken the soup as they cook.

Is there a way to add more vegetables?

Chicken and Dumpling Soup is wonderfully flexible—feel free to toss in diced potatoes, corn, spinach, or even a handful of green beans for more veggie power. Just add heartier vegetables earlier so they cook through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth, you truly can’t go wrong with Chicken and Dumpling Soup. I hope you give this recipe a try and share it with those you love—because a big pot of this soup is pure comfort in every way. Happy cooking!

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