Recipe for Chicken and Dumpling Soup






This Chicken and Dumpling Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a flavorful, creamy broth make this dish perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a bowl of warmth and love. It’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for a creamy broth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Broth

  1. Add the chicken broth, water, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Stir in the melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

  1. Stir the cooked chicken into the simmering soup.
  2. Add the heavy cream or milk if you prefer a creamy broth.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

  1. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the soup, spacing them out so they don’t stick together.
  2. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. They should be light and fluffy.

Step 6: Season and Serve

  1. Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
  2. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of dumplings and chicken.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumpling Soup

  1. Keep the Broth Simmering: Ensure the soup is gently simmering (not boiling) when adding the dumplings for even cooking.
  2. Use Fresh Herbs: Substitute dried thyme with fresh thyme or parsley for a more vibrant flavor.
  3. Dumpling Texture: For fluffier dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough.
  4. Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes for added nutrition.

Why You’ll Love It

This Chicken and Dumpling Soup is:

  • Rich and Hearty: A complete meal in one bowl.
  • Comforting: Perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
  • Simple and Versatile: Easy to make with pantry staples and customizable with additional vegetables or herbs.
  • Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike!

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a side of buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread for dipping.
  • Serve alongside a light salad to balance the richness of the soup.
  • Finish with a cup of hot tea or a slice of pie for a cozy meal.

Enjoy this Chicken and Dumpling Soup, where every spoonful is packed with love, warmth, and flavor. It’s the perfect dish to gather around with family or enjoy solo as the ultimate comfort food. 🍲✨🍗