Chicken and dumpling soup is a timeless recipe that represents comfort, nourishment, and familiarity in every spoonful. It is the kind of dish that feels restorative, whether served on a cold evening or when you simply want something deeply satisfying and wholesome. What I appreciate most about this soup is its balance: tender chicken, a flavorful broth, soft vegetables, and pillowy dumplings that soak up all the savory goodness. When I first prepared this recipe from scratch, I noticed how much better the texture and flavor were compared to quicker versions. The dumplings, in particular, transform the soup into a complete meal rather than just a starter. This recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and well-suited for both experienced cooks and beginners. It delivers consistent results and a comforting depth of flavor that makes it a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is hearty, comforting, and filling without being heavy. It uses simple ingredients, creates a rich homemade broth, and produces tender dumplings every time. It is ideal for meal prep, family dinners, and moments when you want classic comfort food.
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Chicken and Dumpling Soup: A Classic Comfort Dish with Homemade Warmth
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A classic, hearty comfort soup made with tender chicken, vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich and savory broth.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (for dumplings)
- 3/4 cup milk (for dumplings)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for dumplings)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup milk and return to a gentle simmer.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
- Add milk and melted butter to the dumpling mixture and stir until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering soup.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Uncover and cook an additional 5 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Do not stir while dumplings cook to keep them fluffy.
- Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
- Add peas or corn for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken thighs or chicken breasts provide the protein for the soup. Thighs offer extra richness and tenderness, while breasts create a lighter result. Both work well when simmered gently.
Chicken broth forms the foundation of the soup. A good-quality broth creates depth and enhances every component of the dish.
Carrots add natural sweetness and color. When simmered, they soften while still holding their shape.
Celery contributes subtle earthiness and balances the richness of the broth.
Onion builds the aromatic base of the soup. Slowly cooking it helps release sweetness and depth.
Garlic adds warmth and savory complexity without overpowering the dish.
Butter enriches the broth and supports the sautéed vegetables.
All-purpose flour thickens the soup slightly and is also essential for the dumplings.
Milk adds tenderness to the dumplings and creates a soft, fluffy texture.
Baking powder gives the dumplings lift, ensuring they are light rather than dense.
Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the broth.
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and subtle spice.
Fresh parsley provides freshness and a clean finish to the soup.
Directions
Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly.
Add the chicken pieces and pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to form a soft dumpling dough. Stir just until combined; overmixing will result in dense dumplings.
Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of the soup. Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the dumplings to steam and puff up.
Once the dumplings are cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with 35 to 40 minutes of cooking time. Total time is roughly 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Dumplings may soften slightly but will remain flavorful.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
Add a splash of cream or milk to the broth for a richer texture.
Herb-Forward Version
Incorporate thyme or bay leaf while simmering the soup.
Vegetable-Heavy Soup
Add peas or green beans for extra color and nutrition.
Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut
Use cooked rotisserie chicken to reduce preparation time.
Whole Wheat Dumplings
Replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
Use gluten-free flour blends for both soup thickening and dumplings.
Southern-Style Dumplings
Roll and cut dumplings instead of dropping them by spoon.
Low-Sodium Version
Use low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning gradually.
Spiced Variation
Add a pinch of paprika for subtle warmth.
One-Pot Meal Prep
Double the recipe for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
FAQs
Can I make chicken and dumpling soup ahead of time?
Yes, but dumplings are best when freshly made.
Why are my dumplings dense?
Overmixing the dough can cause heaviness.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, add them near the end of cooking.
Should I boil or simmer the soup?
A gentle simmer is best to avoid breaking the dumplings.
Can I use store-bought dumplings?
Yes, though homemade dumplings offer better texture.
Is this soup very thick?
It is moderately thick but still broth-based.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is not recommended due to dumpling texture changes.
What cut of chicken works best?
Thighs provide the richest flavor.
Do dumplings need to be submerged?
They should sit on the surface and steam.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pot and maintain gentle heat.
Conclusion
Chicken and dumpling soup is a comforting, well-balanced dish that brings warmth and familiarity to the table. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings, it offers both nourishment and satisfaction. This recipe is dependable, adaptable, and ideal for anyone seeking a classic homemade meal that never goes out of style.
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