Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk

Kitchen Equipment

To make Chicken & Dumplings Soup, you’ll need:

• A large soup pot or Dutch oven
• A wooden spoon for stirring
• A ladle for serving
• A whisk and mixing bowl for the dumplings

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add Chicken and Broth

Add the chicken pieces to the pot, and stir in the thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

3. Make the Dumplings

While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumpling dough. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough should be thick enough to hold its shape but not too dry.

4. Add Dumplings to the Soup

Once the chicken is cooked and the soup is simmering, carefully drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the soup. Make sure to space them out so they don’t stick together. Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the dumplings to cook and puff up. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is needed to cook the dumplings.

5. Final Touches

After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are fully cooked by slicing one in half—it should be light and fluffy inside. If desired, stir in frozen peas and heavy cream for a richer, creamier soup. Allow the peas to cook through for a couple of minutes.

6. Serve

Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade Chicken & Dumplings Soup!

Tips and Variations

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken. Simply add the cooked chicken to the broth once the vegetables are soft, and proceed with the recipe as directed.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or potatoes for a heartier soup. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Herb Dumplings: For an extra flavor boost, mix some finely chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives into the dumpling dough.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free dumplings.
• Creamy Version: If you love a creamier soup, stir in a bit more heavy cream or even some sour cream right before serving. This adds richness and depth to the broth.

How to Store and Reheat

Chicken & Dumplings Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will continue to absorb the broth as the soup sits, so you may need to add a little extra chicken broth or water when reheating.

To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the dumplings are too soft, you can remove them and warm them separately, or simply enjoy the softer texture.

Unfortunately, this soup doesn’t freeze well, as the dumplings can become mushy when thawed and reheated.

What to Serve with Chicken & Dumplings Soup

This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but you can serve it with a few simple sides to make the meal even more satisfying:

• Crusty bread or buttermilk biscuits for dipping into the rich broth.
• A light side salad to balance the richness of the soup.
• Steamed green beans or other simple veggies for an additional healthy side.