If you are craving a warm, satisfying bowl that feels like a hug from the inside, this Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory, herb-infused broth, every spoonful bursts with comfort and flavor. It’s a classic dish that warms your heart on chilly days and brings a smile to the dinner table, making it a beloved favorite to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role. From the fresh vegetables to the herbs and the creamy dumplings, every component adds layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so memorable.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, velvety base for sautéing vegetables.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps cook the veggies without burning and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth once softened.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced: Bring natural sweetness and a tender bite.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Offers aromatic freshness and a slight crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a warm, punchy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Imparts herby earthiness that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a piney, fragrant note to deepen taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the soup.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and slight bite.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the broth slightly and create a luscious texture.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, bringing warmth and savoriness.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped): The star protein, tender and juicy.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: For a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- For the dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the light, fluffy dumplings.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Makes dumplings rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavor in the dough.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dumplings.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Gives dumplings a tender crumb and buttery note.
How to Make Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the butter has melted and starts to bubble slightly, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook and stir for about 5 to 6 minutes until these vegetables become soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Herbs
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Let these cook together for just a minute to awaken their aromas without burning the garlic, which can quickly turn bitter. This step infuses your soup with that unmistakable comforting, herbaceous smell that makes your kitchen feel like home.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Broth
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat everything evenly. Cooking the flour for 1 to 2 minutes helps eliminate any raw flour taste and slowly thickens the broth later. Then, gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Peas
Now it’s time to add in the shredded or chopped cooked chicken along with the frozen peas. Let the soup continue to simmer on low heat so the chicken warms through and the peas soften just enough, keeping their lovely vibrant green hue.
Step 5: Prepare and Cook the Dumplings
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined into a sticky dough—don’t overmix, or your dumplings might turn tough. Drop generous spoonfuls of this dough onto the surface of the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing dumplings to steam and puff up beautifully.
Step 6: Check and Serve
After 15 minutes, peek inside to make sure the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. They should be light, tender, and full of that homemade comfort that makes this Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe so special. Ladle servings into bowls and prepare to enjoy pure heartwarming bliss.
How to Serve Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten each bowl, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving. A little crack of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can enhance the flavors further. Some people love adding a splash of cream at the end for an ultra-rich broth that feels indulgent but still wholesome.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty rustic bread or warm dinner rolls that are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory broth. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the hearty texture of the dumplings and chicken, making your meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
When you want to impress guests, serve the soup in individual ramekins with one or two fluffy dumplings on top for visual charm. Another fun idea is ladling the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls, turning each serving into a cozy edible experience that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe is just as delightful the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because dumplings can absorb liquid and lose some texture, it’s best to add a little extra chicken broth when reheating to refresh the soup’s consistency.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup without dumplings (they tend to become dense after freezing). Keep the broth and chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly made dumplings while reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. For best results, prepare fresh dumplings when reheating so they remain fluffy, making your Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe taste just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds delicious flavor and saves time. Just shred or chop it before adding to the simmering soup as directed.
What can I substitute if I don’t have whole milk for the dumplings?
You can use any milk you have on hand, including 2% or skim milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try unsweetened almond or oat milk, but the texture may be slightly different.
Is it necessary to cover the pot while cooking the dumplings?
Yes, covering the pot traps steam which is essential for making the dumplings rise and cook evenly. Avoid lifting the lid while they cook to get perfectly fluffy dumplings.
Can I make the soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and leave out the chicken. You might want to add beans or mushrooms for protein and texture, but keep in mind it won’t be the classic chicken and dumpling soup flavor.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings are done when they have puffed up and feel firm to the touch, not doughy inside. You can test by lifting one out carefully and breaking it open to check that it’s cooked all the way through.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to comfort and delight. It’s perfect for cozy nights, feeding a crowd, or whenever you need a little tasty generosity in a bowl. I encourage you to make it your own, enjoy the process, and savor every warm, dumpling-filled spoonful with the people you love.
Print
Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
A classic and comforting Chicken and Dumpling Soup made on the stovetop, featuring tender vegetables, flavorful herbs, shredded chicken, and fluffy homemade dumplings simmered in a rich chicken broth.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery stalks, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until they become softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to release the aromas. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir to evenly coat. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Chicken and Peas: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and frozen peas into the simmering soup. Continue simmering to heat everything through.
- Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in the whole milk and melted unsalted butter just until a sticky dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Add Dumplings to Soup: Drop heaping spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering soup, spacing them evenly across the pot.
- Cook Dumplings: Cover the pot with a lid and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. The dumplings will steam and puff up, becoming fluffy and cooked through.
- Check and Serve: After 15 minutes, verify that dumplings are fully cooked by ensuring they are fluffy inside. Serve the soup hot for a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Add a splash of cream at the end for a richer broth.
- You can substitute fresh herbs if available—just double the quantity.
