Chicken & Dumplings Soup 

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken & Dumplings Soup

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating a little olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chicken breasts or thighs and cook until browned on both sides. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. After it’s cooled slightly, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more oil or butter and sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. The vegetables will release their natural flavors, which will infuse the soup base.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. This will create a smooth and creamy broth that will perfectly complement the chicken and vegetables.

Step 4: Make the Dumplings

While the soup is simmering, it’s time to make the dumplings. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and parsley. Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be thick but still slightly sticky.

Step 5: Add the Dumplings to the Soup

Once the soup is simmering and the flavors are melding together, it’s time to add the dumplings. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter directly into the soup. The dumplings will float on top, so make sure they are spread out evenly. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 10-12 minutes, until they are puffed up and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as the steam helps cook the dumplings.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken and Combine

While the dumplings are cooking, shred the cooked chicken and add it back into the pot. Stir gently to combine. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are done and the soup is heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Why You’ll Love Chicken & Dumplings Soup

• Comfort in Every Spoonful: The creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings make this soup the ultimate comfort food. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold day or after a long week.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of protein from the chicken, vegetables, and the soft, doughy dumplings makes this soup incredibly satisfying. You won’t be left hungry after a bowl.
• Customizable: You can adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Try adding peas, corn, or parsnips for variety. You can also make it spicier with a pinch of cayenne or add extra herbs like rosemary for a fresh twist.
• One-Pot Meal: This soup is easy to make in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a great meal prep option for busy weeks, as it stores well in the fridge and even freezes nicely.

Tips and Variations

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the soup after the vegetables have softened.
• Gluten-Free Dumplings: If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free baking powder to make the dumplings.
• Make the Dumplings Ahead: You can prepare the dumplings ahead of time and refrigerate the dough. Then, simply drop the chilled dumplings into the simmering soup when ready to cook.
• Add Extra Herbs: To elevate the flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the soup as it simmers.

Final Thoughts

Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a timeless dish that never goes out of style. It’s a dish that brings people together, with each spoonful offering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings is pure comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re making it for your family or serving guests, this soup is sure to warm everyone’s hearts and bellies. It’s the kind of meal that feels like home—simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.