Chicken Soup with Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Soup with Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining a rich, savory broth with tender chunks of chicken, vegetables, and light, fluffy dumplings. This hearty dish is perfect for cold weather, serving as a warming and satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul. The savory, aromatic soup provides a cozy foundation for the soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the flavorful goodness of the broth.

Whether you’re looking for a meal to warm you up on a chilly day, needing a quick dinner for the family, or preparing a dish to comfort a loved one, Chicken Soup with Dumplings is a timeless classic that hits all the right notes. It’s a straightforward, easy-to-follow recipe that results in a dish so comforting and satisfying, you’ll want to make it again and again.

This guide takes you step-by-step through making this soul-soothing soup, offering tips, variations, and everything you need to know to create a perfect bowl of Chicken Soup with Dumplings.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Soup with Dumplings

• Comfort in a Bowl: There’s something magical about a bowl of warm, savory chicken soup. The flavors are simple yet deep, and the soft dumplings create the perfect textural contrast to the rich broth.
• Nourishing and Hearty: With a mix of lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and light dumplings, this soup is both nutritious and filling. It’s a great choice when you need a meal that will satisfy without feeling too heavy.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner, a comforting meal after a long day, or even as part of a weekend gathering, Chicken Soup with Dumplings is always a hit.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. Add more vegetables, use different herbs and spices, or make the dumplings as fluffy as you like—this recipe offers plenty of room for creativity.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious, homemade meal that rivals anything you could order from a restaurant.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional)
• 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for added flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Soup Base

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not browned.

Next, add the diced carrots, celery, and potato (if using) to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. The combination of these vegetables creates a flavorful base for the soup, with each vegetable contributing its own natural sweetness and texture.

2. Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the vegetables are fully submerged. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, dried rosemary, and the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the chicken broth may already be salty, especially if using a store-bought variety.

Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

3. Cook the Chicken

While the soup simmers, heat a separate pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the pan and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Once the soup is done simmering, add the cooked chicken to the pot, stir everything together, and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chicken to heat through and absorb some of the broth’s flavor.

4. Make the Dumplings

While the soup is simmering, it’s time to prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Next, add the softened butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will help create light, fluffy dumplings.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the dumplings dense. If desired, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

5. Drop the Dumplings into the Soup

Once the soup is simmering and the chicken is added, use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the soup. Be sure to space the dumplings evenly throughout the pot. The batter should form small mounds that will puff up as they cook.

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings steam in the simmering soup for 15-20 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are cooked through. You’ll know the dumplings are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Finish and Serve

Once the dumplings are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice for brightness. Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Serve the Chicken Soup with Dumplings hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Soup with Dumplings

• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you want an even richer flavor, use bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The bones will infuse the broth with extra depth and richness as it simmers. Be sure to remove the bones before adding the chicken back to the soup.
• Don’t Overwork the Dumpling Dough: When making the dumplings, it’s important not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings rather than light and fluffy ones. Stir the mixture until just combined, then stop.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to customize the soup by adding more vegetables. Some great additions include parsnips, green beans, or peas, which all pair wonderfully with the chicken and dumplings.
• Make It a One-Pot Meal: This recipe is already pretty simple, but for even less cleanup, try cooking the chicken in the same pot as the soup. After the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and proceed with the recipe as directed.
• Adjust the Dumplings for Texture: If you prefer denser dumplings, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour to the dough. For fluffier dumplings, use a little more milk or an additional egg.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added to the soup for more aromatic depth. Adding fresh herbs at the end of cooking, as opposed to during the simmering process, ensures their flavor stays vibrant.

Variations of Chicken Soup with Dumplings

• Vegetarian Dumpling Soup: For a vegetarian version of this soup, replace the chicken with plant-based alternatives such as tofu or chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, squash, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
• Spicy Chicken Soup with Dumplings: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the soup for an extra kick. You can also add hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicier finish.
• Herbed Dumplings: For an extra burst of flavor, add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to the dumpling dough. These fresh herbs pair wonderfully with the chicken and broth, enhancing the overall dish.
• Gluten-Free Dumplings: If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the flour’s instructions for any additional adjustments to the recipe.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Soup with Dumplings is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later. Here’s how to store and reheat the soup:

• Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be aware that the dumplings may become a little softer when stored, but they’ll still be delicious.
• Freezing: Freezing this soup is possible, but the dumplings may become slightly soggy when reheated. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Soup with Dumplings

Enhance your Chicken Soup with Dumplings with these complementary dishes:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. The bread will help soak up the savory broth and add a satisfying element to the meal.
• Simple Salad: A light side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes complement the soup perfectly. They add a touch of sweetness and a variety of textures to the meal.
• Cheese Biscuits: For a comforting touch, serve the soup with cheesy biscuits. The cheesy flavor pairs well with the chicken and dumplings, and the biscuits are great for dipping.

Print

Conclusion

Chicken Soup with Dumplings is the quintessential comfort food that never fails to deliver a satisfying, hearty meal. This recipe is easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner, this soup will warm your heart and fill your belly. The tender chicken, savory broth, and light, fluffy dumplings come together in perfect harmony, offering a nourishing and delicious dish everyone will enjoy.

Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!