Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken and Dumpling Soup featuring tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or cold-weather comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Soup
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 15 minutes.
- (Optional) Stir in heavy cream for a richer, creamier broth.
Step 2: Make the Dumplings
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined (do not overmix).
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering soup using a tablespoon.
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- Check dumplings for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Step 4: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a few dumplings.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetable-packed version, add peas, green beans, or corn.
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- To make gluten-free dumplings, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze (without dumplings) for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken and Dumpling Soup, Comfort Food Soup, Homemade Chicken Soup, Easy Chicken Soup Recipe, Classic Dumpling Soup