Name: Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 tbsp butter; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 cup flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup milk; 2 tbsp butter, melted

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If you are craving a warm bowl of nostalgia, this hearty Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe brings together tender shredded chicken, fresh garden vegetables, and pillowy dumplings all simmered in a savory broth that’s like a hug in a bowl. It is the ultimate comfort food that balances rich flavors with soothing textures, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you need something truly satisfying to lift your spirits. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two raw chicken breasts placed on white parchment paper in the center. Around them are several small white bowls containing different ingredients: finely chopped white onions, a mixture of finely chopped orange carrots and green peas, dried green leaves, chopped fresh green herbs, white flour, a creamy white liquid, a light yellow liquid, and a clear liquid. These bowls are arranged neatly on a clean white marbled surface. The colors are bright and fresh with a clear focus on the raw ingredients for cooking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you; each one plays a crucial role in building the deep flavors and textures that make this Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe so irresistible. Fresh vegetables bring sweetness and color, the chicken provides hearty protein, and the homemade dumplings add a fluffy, comforting touch that’s difficult to beat.

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover roast chicken or poach chicken breasts for tender protein that soaks up the broth flavors.
1 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness.
1 onion, diced: Offers a savory base and gentle sweetness when cooked down.
2 carrots, sliced: Bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
2 celery stalks, sliced: Add a slight crunch and aromatic depth.
4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful foundation that ties every ingredient together.
1 cup milk: Creates a creamy, comforting texture in the broth.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to make every flavor shine.
1 cup flour: The base for fluffy dumplings providing a tender bite.
2 tsp baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and stay light.
½ tsp salt: Balances the dumpling dough flavor.
½ cup milk: Moistens the dough for tender dumplings.
2 tbsp butter, melted: Adds extra richness and flavor to the dumplings.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, and sauté until they become fragrant and slightly softened, about 5 minutes. This step is key to unlocking the natural sweetness of the veggies, which forms the flavor backbone of your soup.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring gently to combine. Add the shredded cooked chicken, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully and the broth thickens slightly from the milk, creating that signature creamy texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

While the soup simmers, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in the milk and melted butter until you form a soft, slightly sticky dough. This simple dough is what gives the dumplings their airy and tender finish.

Step 4: Drop and Cook the Dumplings

Using a spoon, gently drop small spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Immediately cover the pot tightly to trap the steam and allow the dumplings to cook evenly. Let them cook for 12 to 15 minutes without lifting the lid, so they puff up wonderfully and cook through.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Once the dumplings are cooked, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle stir and serve piping hot. The tender chicken, silky broth, and fluffy dumplings will make every spoonful feel like a cozy, homemade treat.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe

The image shows a pot filled with a creamy soup with several layers. The bottom layer is a light yellow broth with small green herbs scattered throughout. Floating above are chunks of white chicken and small orange carrot pieces. Thick, uneven cauliflower florets rest on top, offering a slightly bumpy texture. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme on top instantly brightens this comforting dish and adds a pop of color. A dash of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also enhance the flavors wonderfully. For a little extra richness, a pat of butter melting into the hot soup is a delightful touch.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or warm cornbread for soaking up every last drop of broth. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness, while roasted vegetables complement the homestyle feel.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and garnish each with a sprig of fresh herbs. You can also serve the dumplings on top instead of mixed in to highlight their lovely fluffy texture. If serving guests, consider individual ramekins for an elegant touch while still keeping the cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup may thicken as it rests, so stirring in a splash of broth or milk when reheating helps restore the creamy consistency.

Freezing

While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that dumplings might change slightly in texture after thawing. It’s best to freeze the soup base and cook dumplings fresh when ready to eat, or freeze the entire soup in small portions and expect a softer dumpling texture upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat to prevent curdling of the milk. Stir frequently and add a little extra broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid boiling once reheated to keep the dumplings tender and the broth silky.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, but you will need to extend the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before adding the dumplings. You can dice raw chicken and simmer it in the broth until tender, about 20 minutes, before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

What can I add to make the soup more flavorful?

Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary during the simmering process, or a bay leaf for extra aroma. A splash of white wine or a teaspoon of garlic powder can also deepen the soup’s flavor profile without overpowering the comforting taste.

Can I make gluten-free dumplings?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but keep the baking powder in mind as it helps dumplings rise. You may need to slightly adjust the liquid quantity to achieve the right dough consistency.

How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

The dumplings are done when they have puffed up and feel firm to the touch but still tender inside. Cooking time usually ranges between 12 to 15 minutes; resist the urge to lift the lid during this time so steam can do its magic.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in peas, corn, green beans, or potatoes to customize your soup. Just take care to adjust cooking times accordingly so all vegetables reach a perfect tenderness.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe is a timeless, soul-warming meal that never fails to impress with its comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re looking to wow your family on a weeknight or savor a bowl of pure coziness, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful experience of homemade comfort food that feels like a warm embrace.