Name: Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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); 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

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There’s nothing quite as soul-warming as a steaming bowl of Chicken and Dumpling Soup. Imagine tender bites of chicken, sweet carrots, savory celery, and pillowy-soft dumplings all simmered together in a rich, aromatic broth. This beloved classic is more than just a soup—it’s cozy comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights, family gatherings, or when you need a big bowl of nostalgia. Whether this is your first time making it or you’re searching for that perfect, heartwarming version, Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a recipe sure to become a cherished staple in your own kitchen.

Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Chicken and Dumpling Soup is that it relies on honest, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a role, building both the deep flavor of the broth and the irresistible texture of the dumplings. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the vegetables at the very start.
Butter: Brings a comforting depth that melds beautifully with the oil and gives the vegetables extra flavor.
Onion: Essential for a sweet, aromatic base that anchors the whole soup.
Carrots: Adds sweetness, color, and that classic homestyle vibe.
Celery: A must for aromatic complexity and a bit of welcome crunch.
Garlic: Lends robust, savory notes for real homemade character.
Dried thyme: Earthy, woodsy, and the perfect complement to poultry—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the veg.
Salt: Just enough to highlight all those beautiful flavors.
Chicken broth: The heart of our soup—opt for low-sodium to control the seasoning.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or homemade, it brings protein and classic texture.
Frozen peas (optional): Add a pop of sweetness and color, especially for springtime flair.
All-purpose flour (for dumplings): The foundation for those dreamy, soft dumplings.
Baking powder (for dumplings): Keeps the dumplings sky-high and perfectly light.
Salt (for dumplings): Just the right amount in the dough makes every bite tasty.
Cold butter (for dumplings): Cut in for dumplings that are tender and flavorful.
Whole milk (for dumplings): Brings the dough together with a delicate creaminess.

How to Make Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start with a large pot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Swirl in the olive oil and butter—the combination creates a silky base and starts the flavor-building. Once the butter’s melted, add your onion, carrots, and celery. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re softened and the onion turns translucent. This little bit of patience adds irresistible flavor to your Chicken and Dumpling Soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Toss in the garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper next. Stir everything for a minute, just until fragrant. This lets the herbs and garlic bloom in the hot fat, waking up their flavors without letting anything burn or get bitter.

Step 3: Create the Brothy Base

Pour in all six cups of chicken broth. As the liquid hits the pot, be sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom from sautéing your veggies. Bring this to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Here’s where the magic begins—your kitchen will start to smell incredible!

Step 4: Add Chicken (and Peas, if Using)

Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, and if you love a little sweetness and color, now’s the moment for the frozen peas. Just a couple stirs, and they’ll quickly blend into the brothy goodness, forming the foundation of our Chicken and Dumpling Soup.

Step 5: Make the Dumplings

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Add the cold, diced butter, and cut it in using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks like rough crumbs—those tiny butter pieces are the secret to fluffy dumplings. Pour in the milk, stirring just until the dough forms and everything is moistened, taking care not to overmix.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into your simmering soup. Space them out so they have room to puff up and cook evenly. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid—no peeking! Let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes, undisturbed, until they’re beautifully airy and cooked through.

Step 7: Taste and Finish

Once the dumplings are done, give your Chicken and Dumpling Soup a final check for seasoning. Add a sprinkle more salt or pepper if needed, or even a splash of cream for extra richness. Serve piping hot, with chopped parsley if you love a fresh, herby touch.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Garnishes

To add a finishing flourish, top each bowl of Chicken and Dumpling Soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. The herby green color is both pretty and brightens up every spoonful. A little cracked black pepper or even a swirl of cream will also make each bowl feel special and company-worthy.

Side Dishes

This soup is so hearty that it often doesn’t need much on the side. For a classic touch, try serving it with sliced rustic bread or warm biscuits—perfect for soaking up every last drop. A light green salad adds a crunchy contrast, balancing out the richness of the Chicken and Dumpling Soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, consider serving Chicken and Dumpling Soup in small mugs or ramekins for a crowd. Garnish each with a sprig of fresh thyme or a few peas for color. You can even nestle a dumpling right on top, letting it peek out for an irresistible, homey look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Chicken and Dumpling Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup and dumplings hold up wonderfully, and the flavors meld together to become even more comforting the next day.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen, but note that dumplings can sometimes change in texture after thawing. If you want to freeze, it’s best to store the dumplings separately from the broth and chicken if possible. Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot, stirring occasionally so the dumplings heat through evenly. Avoid boiling, which can make the dumplings tough. A splash of broth or water can help revive the consistency if the soup has thickened in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Chicken and Dumpling Soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred the meat and add it in when the recipe calls for cooked chicken. It saves time and brings plenty of flavor to the soup.

Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?

You can! Just substitute a good 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the dumplings. Baking powder and the rest of the dumpling ingredients stay the same.

Is it okay to add other vegetables?

Definitely. Feel free to toss in a handful of corn kernels, diced potatoes, or even green beans if you like. The soup is flexible and welcomes what you have on hand.

How do I know when the dumplings are cooked through?

The dumplings are done when they look puffed, have doubled in size, and a toothpick inserted into them comes out clean. Resist the urge to lift the lid while they cook—trapping the steam is key!

Can I make Chicken and Dumpling Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup base and even cook the dumplings in advance. Just reheat gently on the stovetop before serving. If you want the dumplings ultra-fluffy, consider prepping them just before serving instead.

Final Thoughts

With its tender chicken, aromatic broth, sweet veggies, and those dreamy, cloud-like dumplings, Chicken and Dumpling Soup truly deserves a spot in your kitchen comfort food hall of fame. No matter the season or occasion, this dish never fails to bring smiles and satisfaction. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself or loved ones to a homemade bowl—you’ll be so glad you did!

Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken and Dumpling Soup recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cooler weather. The savory broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings make for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Soup:

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

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Instructions

Main Soup: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery. Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth, add chicken and peas.
Dumplings: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter, stir in milk. Drop spoonfuls into soup. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with parsley garnish.