Chicken and Dumpling Soup: A Hearty Hug in a Bowl 

There’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a warm bowl of Chicken and Dumpling Soup. With tender chunks of chicken, a flavorful medley of vegetables, a rich broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings, this dish is the definition of cozy. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or need some nourishing comfort food, this old-fashioned favorite delivers.

This soul-soothing classic has its roots in Southern kitchens, where it’s been cherished for generations as a staple meal that fills bellies and hearts alike. Today, we’re diving into a homestyle version that brings both tradition and ease together in one delicious pot.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Soup

  • Classic comfort food that’s both nostalgic and nourishing
  • Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
  • One-pot meal—less cleanup, more flavor
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or storing leftovers
  • Customizable to your taste and dietary needs

🛒 Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

✅ 1. Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 more minutes.

✅ 2. Simmer the Soup

  1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. Add the shredded chicken and peas, simmering for another 5 minutes.

✅ 3. Make the Dumplings

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Add melted butter and milk, stirring until just combined (do not overmix).
  3. Dough will be thick and sticky.

✅ 4. Add Dumplings to the Soup

  1. Drop spoonfuls of the dough directly into the simmering soup.
  2. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer (no peeking!) for 15–20 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

✅ 5. Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove from heat and gently stir.
  2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

🥄 Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumpling Soup

  • Don’t lift the lid while dumplings are cooking—steam is essential!
  • Use rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.
  • Add a splash of cream for a richer, creamier broth.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme brighten up the flavors.
  • Gluten-free dumplings? Substitute with gluten-free flour blend.

🍽️ Variations to Try

  • Creamy Chicken and Dumpling Soup: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the broth.
  • Spicy Twist: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Herbed Dumplings: Add chopped chives or parsley to the dumpling dough.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use veggie broth and skip the chicken, adding beans or mushrooms.

🧊 Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth as needed.
  • Freeze the soup without dumplings for best results, and make fresh dumplings when reheating.

💬 Final Thoughts

Chicken and Dumpling Soup is the ultimate bowl of love. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner, nursing a cold, or just seeking a soothing meal on a rainy day, it always delivers comfort and satisfaction. It’s hearty, homey, and deeply delicious—just like grandma used to make. 🥰🍲

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