Chicken Dumpling Soup is a heartwarming dish that evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia. With its rich, savory broth filled with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a meal that brings family and friends together. Enjoying a bowl of this soup on a chilly day feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket—perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own.
Why We Love This Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a big pot of Chicken Dumpling Soup bubbling away on the stove. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between flavor and comfort. The combination of seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and airy dumplings creates a delightful harmony that soothes the soul. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the experience of making and sharing this dish. You can customize it as you wish, making it a great option for families, gatherings, or even meal prep. Each bowl is filled with warmth, love, and the joy of home-cooked meals.
Ingredients for Chicken Dumpling Soup
To create this delightful Chicken Dumpling Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Chicken Dumpling Soup Directions
Making Chicken Dumpling Soup is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and stir it around for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Next, toss in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they soften.
Once the vegetables are ready, introduce the boneless chicken breasts into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth along with the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil; then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks or your fingers. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot and add the frozen peas, stirring well to combine.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the dumplings. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut in the softened butter until the mixture reaches a coarse crumb-like texture. Gradually stir in the milk until a soft batter forms. Using a spoon, drop sections of the dumpling mixture onto the simmering soup. It’s important to cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This will help create fluffy, pillowy dumplings that soak up the delicious broth.
After 15 minutes, carefully check the dumplings. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Dumpling Soup
Serving Chicken Dumpling Soup is an opportunity to transform a simple meal into a delightful experience. Begin by ladling generous portions into bowls. The soup should be steaming hot, inviting everyone to dig in. For an extra touch, consider serving this soup with crusty bread, biscuits, or warm rolls on the side. This combination makes for a hearty meal, perfect for any time of year.
You could also personalize the presentation by offering garnishes on the side, such as additional fresh herbs, a sprinkle of black pepper, or even a dollop of sour cream for those who enjoy a creamier texture. When serving, don’t forget to encourage your guests to savor each spoonful and enjoy the comforting flavors of the soup together!
Expert Tips for Chicken Dumpling Soup
To elevate your Chicken Dumpling Soup experience, consider these expert tips. First, always select fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients can make a notable difference in taste. For an extra depth of flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of butter along with the olive oil.
Don’t shy away from seasoning. Adjusting the salt and pepper at the end is essential since the broth can vary in saltiness. Tasting is key! Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as rosemary or oregano to suit your preferences.
For those who enjoy a richer broth, adding a splash of cream or a spoonful of Dijon mustard can introduce a delightful twist. If you prefer lighter dumplings, try using low-fat milk or buttermilk in the dumpling batter to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
Lastly, don’t skip the garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds both color and freshness, making your dish visually appealing and adding a burst of flavor.
How to Store Chicken Dumpling Soup
Storing your Chicken Dumpling Soup is easy. Let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the soup. However, keep in mind that the dumplings may lose their texture when frozen and reheated. To freeze, portion out the soup in containers, leaving space at the top for expansion. Label and date the containers for future reference. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations of Chicken Dumpling Soup
Chicken Dumpling Soup is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some variations to consider:
If you want a heartier soup, add more vegetables like green beans or potatoes. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them at the same time as the carrots and celery.
For those who appreciate a bit of spice, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños can bring a delightful heat to the dish. Alternatively, try incorporating different herbs such as basil or cilantro for added freshness.
If you’re a fan of whole grains, try substituting the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with whole wheat flour. This adjustment provides more fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.
Vegetarians can adapt this recipe by replacing the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still keep the dumpling recipe the same or use non-dairy milk to make them plant-based.
These variations will allow you to enjoy Chicken Dumpling Soup in various delightful ways!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Dumpling Soup?
Chicken Dumpling Soup is a comforting dish made from chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings cooked in a flavorful broth.
How do I make Chicken Dumpling Soup?
To make Chicken Dumpling Soup, sauté vegetables, add chicken and broth, simmer, shred the chicken, and prepare the dumpling mixture to drop into the soup.
Can I make Chicken Dumpling Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chicken Dumpling Soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage.
What side dishes pair well with Chicken Dumpling Soup?
Chicken Dumpling Soup pairs well with crusty bread, biscuits, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I change the dumpling recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with the dumpling recipe by using whole wheat flour or adding herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
This approach to Chicken Dumpling Soup ensures you can enjoy a personal and delightful meal that resonates with everyone at the table. Enjoy every hearty, warm bite!
Chicken Dumpling Soup
Ingredients
For the soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups frozen peas
- to taste Salt and black pepper
For the dumplings
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and stir until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
Cooking the Soup
- Introduce the boneless chicken breasts into the pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth along with the dried thyme and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the frozen peas, stirring well.
Preparing the Dumplings
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually stir in the milk until a soft batter forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup.
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Serving
- Check the dumplings and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot, garnishing each bowl with fresh parsley.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!