If you are craving a heartwarming meal that feels like a big cozy hug in a bowl, then this Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender shredded chicken with fluffy, pillowy dumplings swimming in a rich, flavorful broth that’s subtly enhanced by fresh vegetables and herbs. Every spoonful offers a delightful mix of textures and a comforting taste that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you want to treat yourself to classic homemade goodness. This recipe is simple to prepare yet utterly satisfying, making it a timeless favorite in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, each playing a vital role in building the delicious layers of flavor and texture that make this soup so memorable.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a smooth base fat to sauté vegetables while imparting subtle fruitiness.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Combines with olive oil to create a rich, luscious sauté base that enhances savory aromas.
- Onion, diced (1 medium): Offers natural sweetness and depth to the broth as it softens.
- Carrots, sliced (2): Provide a gentle earthy sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the soup.
- Celery stalks, sliced (2): Introduce a mild peppery freshness and a satisfying crunch.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Bring aromatic warmth and a subtle kick to elevate the overall flavor.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Infuses the broth with a gentle herbal note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of spice to balance the richness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and harmonizes all the flavors in the soup.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (6 cups): Forms the savory, comforting base of the soup without overwhelming saltiness.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Provides tender protein that soaks up the flavorful broth perfectly.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup, optional): Add pops of sweetness and vibrant green color for visual appeal and contrast.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the foundation of the dumplings for a tender, fluffy bite.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Leavens the dumplings so they rise and become delightfully airy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the flavor in the dumpling dough.
- Cold butter, cut into small pieces (2 tablespoons): Creates little pockets of tenderness inside the dumplings.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Moistens the dumpling dough, helping it come together smoothly without becoming heavy.
How to Make Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Toss in diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, cooking them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until they start to soften and release their natural sweetness. This step is critical because these vegetables add foundational flavor and texture to the broth, setting the stage for everything else.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let these aromatics cook for just one more minute to awaken their fragrances without burning the garlic. The combination of herbs and spices begins to infuse the oil and vegetables, enhancing the soup’s complexity and warmth.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Simmer
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth directly into the pot, raising the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and mix in the cooked shredded chicken and optional frozen peas. Simmering at this stage blends the flavors while gently heating the chicken through without drying it out. It’s the moment when this soup truly starts to come together.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings
While the broth simmers, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form. Then add the milk and mix just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix — the lightness of tender dumplings depends on gentle handling.
Step 5: Drop Dumplings into the Soup and Cook
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough, about one tablespoon each, into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid — this traps the steam necessary to cook the dumplings through and gives them that fluffy, puffed texture. Let them cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to keep the temperature even and prevent the dumplings from becoming dense.
Step 6: Final Taste and Serve
After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are puffed and cooked through. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can brighten the flavors beautifully. Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Your perfect bowl of Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley brings a lovely fresh herbal note and a bright green pop of color, making each bowl look as good as it tastes. For a touch of indulgence, a drizzle of heavy cream or a grating of fresh black pepper adds richness and a hint of spice that complements the mild flavors of the soup beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup works wonderfully as a standalone meal, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm biscuits turns it into a satisfying feast. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a delightful, refreshing contrast to the hearty texture of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or just to impress your loved ones, serve the soup in rustic mugs or small soup crocks for charm and ease of handling. Layering some extra shredded chicken on top before adding dumplings can add volume and visual appeal. For kids or picky eaters, letting the dumplings cook separately and adding them at the end keeps their texture distinct and avoids over-softening.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. Since the dumplings soak up broth over time, the soup thickens nicely but might need a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up to your preferred consistency.
Freezing
This Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe freezes well if you prepare the dumplings separately. Freeze soup and dumplings in separate containers to maintain the dumplings’ fluffy texture; then, add dumplings to the reheated soup just before serving for the best experience.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency. Avoid microwaving dumplings alone, as they can become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds rich flavor and saves time without sacrificing the comforting essence of this Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe.
How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
The dumplings will be puffed up and set on top. You can test one by cutting it in half to ensure there is no raw dough inside. The full cooking time of 15 minutes covered usually does the trick.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, and make sure the baking powder is gluten-free too. Dumplings may turn out a bit different in texture but still delicious.
Is it okay to add cream to this soup?
Yes, adding a splash of cream at the end creates a richer broth and a luxurious mouthfeel, making this Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe even more indulgent.
Can I freeze the fully made soup with dumplings together?
It’s better to freeze the soup and dumplings separately to maintain the dumplings’ texture. Freezing them together can cause the dumplings to become dense once thawed.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, blending tender chicken, fresh veggies, and fluffy dumplings into a nourishing meal that feels like homemade love. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite, bringing smiles and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Print
Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a comforting classic American soup featuring tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings simmered in a savory chicken broth. This recipe combines sautéed aromatics with simple pantry staples to create a warm, satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Main Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
For the Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and frozen peas if using, allowing them to warm through.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough: While the soup simmers, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until a soft dough forms; avoid overmixing.
- Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough, about 1 tablespoon each, into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, until the dumplings have puffed up and are cooked through.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley for added freshness and color.
Notes
- For convenience, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken.
- Add a splash of cream at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier broth.
- Leftover soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
