There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumpling soup. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a blanket of nostalgia, bringing back memories of family dinners, chilly evenings, and the pure joy of simple, homemade comfort food. Whether it’s a cold winter night or just a day when you need a little extra warmth, this hearty soup is the perfect dish to lift your spirits. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, flavorful broth, this recipe delivers the ultimate comfort in every spoonful.
Chicken and dumpling soup has roots in many culinary traditions, celebrated as a humble yet satisfying meal. It’s not just a soup; it’s a symbol of love, care, and connection. Gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This soup is the epitome of cozy. Every bite is warm, hearty, and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With simple, accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch, this soup fits the bill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma of these vegetables sautéing will set the stage for your comforting soup.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the shredded chicken, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings
While the soup is simmering, it’s time to whip up the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. The dough should be thick but scoopable—perfect for creating fluffy dumplings.
Step 4: Add the Dumplings to the Soup
Using a small spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 10-12 minutes. They’ll puff up beautifully as they soak in the savory broth.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include plenty of dumplings in each serving. Sprinkle with a little extra parsley if you’d like, and dig in while it’s hot and comforting.
Helpful Tips
- Shredded Chicken Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option.
- Dumpling Texture: Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough, as this can make them dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn for added texture and nutrition.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Comfort Food
Notes
This soup is incredibly versatile! Customize it with your favorite herbs and spices or swap the chicken for turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 250
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup base in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Just add the dumplings fresh to ensure they stay light and fluffy.
Can I freeze this soup?
The soup base freezes well, but it’s best to make the dumplings fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the soup.
What can I serve with chicken and dumpling soup?
A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad pairs beautifully with this hearty soup.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Related Recipes
If you loved this cozy chicken and dumpling soup, you’ll also enjoy:
- Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Chicken Pot Pie Casserole – Comfort Food at Its Best!
Conclusion
There’s something magical about chicken and dumpling soup—it’s warm, filling, and made with love. Whether you’re sharing it with family, serving it to guests, or savoring a bowl on your own, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and create your own memories around this timeless classic!
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Cozy Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Description
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumpling soup. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a blanket of nostalgia, bringing back memories of family dinners, chilly evenings, and the pure joy of simple, homemade comfort food. Whether it’s a cold winter night or just a day when you need a little extra warmth, this hearty soup is the perfect dish to lift your spirits. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, flavorful broth, this recipe delivers the ultimate comfort in every spoonful.
Chicken and dumpling soup has roots in many culinary traditions, celebrated as a humble yet satisfying meal. It’s not just a soup; it’s a symbol of love, care, and connection. Gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma of these vegetables sautéing will set the stage for your comforting soup.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the shredded chicken, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings
While the soup is simmering, it’s time to whip up the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. The dough should be thick but scoopable—perfect for creating fluffy dumplings.
Step 4: Add the Dumplings to the Soup
Using a small spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 10-12 minutes. They’ll puff up beautifully as they soak in the savory broth.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include plenty of dumplings in each serving. Sprinkle with a little extra parsley if you’d like, and dig in while it’s hot and comforting.
Notes
This soup is incredibly versatile! Customize it with your favorite herbs and spices or swap the chicken for turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
