If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that wraps you in a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this delightful Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe. This soul-soothing classic combines tender chunks of chicken swimming in a savory broth, enriched with fresh vegetables and crowned with pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. The balance of flavors and textures is nothing short of magical, making it the perfect dish to gather around with family or friends. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each plays a vital role in building the hearty goodness of this Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe. From the aromatic mix of veggies to the fluffy dumpling batter, every component is essential and brings its own special touch to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions, celery, and carrots to build flavor.
- 1/2 large onion, chopped: Provides a sweet, savory base for the broth.
- 3 stalks celery, chopped: Adds crunch and brightness to the soup.
- 2 large carrots, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds: Contributes natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Infuses depth and aroma into the broth.
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley: Gives a subtle herbaceous note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning: A blend that enhances the chicken flavor beautifully.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the broth for that comforting mouthfeel.
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth or stock: The flavorful base that brings the soup together.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds an earthy, aromatic layer to the broth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into small cubes: Tender protein pieces that make the soup hearty.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Pops of sweetness and color.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings): The base for the soft, pillowy dumplings.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the dumplings their fluffy rise.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Enhances the dumplings’ delicate flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for dumplings): Brings out the subtle flavors in the batter.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for dumplings): Adds tenderness and richness.
- 1/2 cup milk (2% or whole): Moistens the dumpling dough for perfect texture.
How to Make Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Vegetables
Start by melting butter in a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Cook them gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. This soft vegetable base creates a wonderfully flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Garlic
Turn the heat down to low. Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, and poultry seasoning, allowing them to release their aromas for about a minute. This step layers in the comforting herb and spice notes this Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe is famous for.
Step 3: Thicken the Broth
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for another minute to form a roux. This technique will gently thicken your soup, making every spoonful silky and satisfying. Then slowly add the chicken broth with the bay leaf, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 25 minutes to marry all the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Peas
Remove the bay leaf, then season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in the cubed cooked chicken and frozen peas. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, warming the chicken through and allowing the peas to pop with vibrant sweetness.
Step 5: Prepare the Dumpling Batter
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt for your dumplings. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly, then stir in the milk to form a soft, moist batter. This batter is the secret to those irresistibly tender and fluffy dumplings.
Step 6: Drop Dumplings and Cook
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter gently into the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This step creates those light clouds that float atop the soup, perfectly cooked and infused with the rich broth’s flavors.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Your Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe is now ready to be served. Ladle the soup with its plump dumplings into bowls and prepare for a satisfying bite every time. It’s a meal that comforts the soul and fills you up with pure joy.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few grinds of black pepper can brighten the presentation and flavor of your soup. A little dash of freshly grated Parmesan can also add a delightful savory twist, enhancing the richness without overpowering the gentle flavors.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm buttery rolls—perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of broth. A simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast that keeps the meal balanced and light.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic enamel bowls or in mini cast-iron pots to keep it warm longer. You can also garnish with crispy fried sage leaves for an elegant flair that gives an exciting textural twist to your traditional recipe experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover soup cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making your next serving even more delicious!
Freezing
You can freeze the soup without the dumplings for up to 3 months. Dumplings tend to soften and change texture when frozen, so it’s best to add fresh dumplings when reheating. Freeze your soup in portions for easy weekday meals.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, gently reheat the frozen or refrigerated soup on the stove over low heat. If your soup was frozen without dumplings, drop fresh dumpling batter in during reheating and let it stew covered until cooked through. This keeps the dumplings light and fluffy, just like the first time.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic and time-saving way to add tender, flavorful chicken into your soup. Just shred or cube it and toss it in during step 4.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Dumpling batter is best made fresh right before cooking to ensure the fluffiest texture. Prepare the dough shortly before dropping the spoonfuls into the simmering soup for optimal results.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great alternative for a lighter, yet still flavorful option. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the final flavor profile of the soup.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced potatoes, green beans, or mushrooms to customize this Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe to your liking. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure all vegetables become tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but you may need to adjust the amount for proper thickness and dumpling texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a bowl of homemade chicken and dumpling soup that comforts, nourishes, and delights all at once. This Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe is one of those timeless treasures that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. From its tender chicken and hearty vegetables to those irresistible dumplings, it’s a recipe worth making again and again. Go ahead and make a pot today—you’ll thank yourself with every delicious spoonful.
Print
Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken and Dumpling Soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, the soup features a hearty mix of carrots, celery, peas, and traditional seasonings, delivering warmth and satisfying taste in every bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth or stock
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup frozen peas
Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk (2% or whole)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a Dutch oven or large stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Garlic: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, and poultry seasoning. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Make the Soup Base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the bay leaf and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 25 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Finish Soup Base: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked chicken cubes and frozen peas, then simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Prepare Dumpling Batter: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the dumpling ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined to form a soft batter.
- Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter evenly into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to allow the dumplings to steam and become fluffy.
- Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy, ladle the soup into bowls while hot. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the soup.
- For a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour with the dumplings or reduce broth slightly.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Dumplings should not be stirred after placing in the soup to keep them fluffy.
- If you prefer, add other vegetables like corn or green beans for extra variety.
