Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers everything you want in a comfort dish—warmth, flavor, and satisfaction. The broth is rich and savory, the chicken is tender, and the dumplings are soft and fluffy. It’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients and comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this soup feels like a homemade hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• chicken breast or thighs
• carrots
• celery
• onion
• garlic
• chicken broth
• butter
• all-purpose flour
• milk
• baking powder
• salt
• black pepper
• fresh parsley

Directions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
3. Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Place the chicken into the pot and let it simmer until fully cooked and tender.
5. Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
6. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to form a soft dough.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup.
8. Cover and let the dumplings cook for about 12–15 minutes without lifting the lid.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 35–40 minutes, making the total time around 50–55 minutes.

Variations

You can switch up this recipe in several ways to suit your taste. Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version, or swap chicken for turkey. Add peas or corn for extra vegetables. For a richer broth, stir in a splash of heavy cream. You can also make herb dumplings by adding thyme or chives to the dough.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings may absorb some broth over time, so you might need to add a bit of extra broth when reheating. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought biscuits for the dumplings?

Yes, you can use canned biscuit dough as a shortcut. Just cut them into small pieces and drop them into the soup.

Why are my dumplings dense instead of fluffy?

Overmixing the dough or lifting the lid while they cook can result in dense dumplings.

Can I freeze chicken and dumpling soup?

It’s best to freeze the soup without dumplings, as they can become mushy when thawed.

What type of chicken works best?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work well, but thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.

How do I thicken the soup?

You can mix a little flour or cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup to thicken the broth.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely, vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn make great additions.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

They should be firm and cooked through, not doughy in the center.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the soup base first, then add dumplings near the end and cook until they’re done.

What herbs pair well with this soup?

Parsley, thyme, and chives all complement the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

Chicken and dumpling soup is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. With its simple ingredients and satisfying texture, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you stick to the classic version or try a variation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Chicken and Dumpling Soup

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A comforting classic, chicken and dumpling soup features tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings in a rich, savory broth.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Simmer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
3. Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add the chicken and let it simmer until fully cooked and tender.
5. Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
6. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to form a soft dough.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup.
8. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes without lifting the lid.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
• Add peas or corn for extra vegetables.
• Stir in a splash of cream for a richer broth.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Add extra broth when reheating as dumplings absorb liquid.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg