Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a heartwarming and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings or any time you crave comfort food. This classic recipe features tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft dumplings all simmered together in a savory broth. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you making a homemade, soul-satisfying soup in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Dumplings Soup
- Rich, Hearty, and Filling: The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings creates a perfectly balanced, satisfying dish.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy broth and soft dumplings offer a nostalgic comfort, making it ideal for cold days or when you need a little extra warmth and care.
- Simple Ingredients: With easy-to-find ingredients, this soup is accessible and can be made with what you likely already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Chicken & Dumplings Soup
For the Soup:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk (for a creamy version)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
How to Make Chicken & Dumplings Soup
1. Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook the chicken breasts or thighs until browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness). Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to cool. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
2. Prepare the Soup Base
In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables (optional, for a thicker soup) and stir to combine. This will help thicken the soup as it simmers.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the thyme, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Make the Dumplings
While the soup simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can include garlic powder in the mixture.
5. Add the Chicken and Dumplings
Once the soup is ready, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Make sure to space them out, as they will expand while cooking. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and have puffed up.
6. Add the Cream (Optional)
For a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or milk during the last few minutes of cooking. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the Chicken & Dumplings Soup into bowls, making sure to scoop a generous portion of chicken and dumplings with each serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your homemade comfort meal.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken & Dumplings Soup
- Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: For an extra rich and flavorful broth, you can use bone-in chicken. Simply simmer the chicken with the vegetables and broth for a longer period before removing and shredding it.
- Vegetarian Version: You can easily make a vegetarian version of this soup by substituting chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and using vegetable broth.
- Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, it can be a great shortcut. Just shred it and add it to the soup during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Conclusion
This Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich broth. Perfect for a family dinner or to share with friends, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for chilly evenings or when you simply need something warm and comforting. Give it a try and enjoy the soothing flavors of homemade Chicken & Dumplings Soup today!
Serving and Storage Tips for Chicken & Dumplings Soup
Serving Tips:
- Garnish: To add a touch of freshness and color, garnish your Chicken & Dumplings Soup with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate the flavor.
- Accompaniments: This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth, making each bite even more comforting.
- Serving Size: This recipe typically serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. For larger gatherings, consider doubling the recipe or adding extra dumplings to satisfy more guests.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add extra chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency before serving. For a creamier texture, add a bit more cream or milk.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chicken & Dumplings Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before storing it to prevent condensation and spoilage.
- Freezing: While Chicken & Dumplings Soup can be frozen, note that the dumplings may lose their fluffy texture when reheated. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When reheating, do so slowly on the stovetop over low heat. If the soup has thickened too much, add a bit of broth or water to reach the desired consistency. Avoid microwaving the soup for long periods, as this can overcook the dumplings.
- Dumplings: If you plan to freeze the soup, consider freezing the dumplings separately. This way, you can prepare the soup fresh and add freshly made dumplings when reheating, preserving their texture.
By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy this Chicken & Dumplings Soup for days to come, whether it’s served fresh or reheated.
1. Can I make Chicken & Dumplings Soup ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken & Dumplings Soup can be made ahead of time! You can prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the best texture, it’s recommended to store the soup and dumplings separately. When reheating, add a bit of extra broth or water if needed to restore the soup’s consistency.
2. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for Chicken & Dumplings Soup. Simply thaw the chicken first in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. You can also cook the chicken from frozen, but this may take a little longer. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked through before adding it to the soup.
3. Can I make this soup without heavy cream?
Yes, you can make Chicken & Dumplings Soup without heavy cream. If you want a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. You can also use a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture with fewer calories.
4. Can I freeze Chicken & Dumplings Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken & Dumplings Soup, but the texture of the dumplings may change after freezing and reheating. For the best results, freeze the soup and dumplings separately. The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, add fresh dumplings if desired.
Print
CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS SOUP RECIPE
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty soup features tender pieces of chicken and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, topped with light and fluffy dumplings that cook directly in the soup, absorbing its rich flavors.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier soup)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, parsley, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream (if using). Allow the soup to return to a gentle simmer.
- Prepare the Dumplings:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and dried parsley.
- Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; the batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Cook the Dumplings:
- Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the simmering soup. The dumplings will expand as they cook, so space them slightly apart.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook properly.
- After 15 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of one; it should come out clean.
- Serve:
- Gently stir the soup to incorporate the dumplings.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving includes both soup and dumplings.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Chicken Options: For added flavor, consider using bone-in, skinless chicken thighs. Remove the bones before serving.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced potatoes or corn to the soup.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust the consistency.