Name: Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 cup yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Few meals say comfort quite like a warm bowl of Chicken and Dumpling Soup. This hearty classic brings together tender chunks of chicken, soft dumplings, and a rich, savory broth filled with carrots, celery, and onions. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

Whether you’re making this for a lazy Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is both satisfying and soul-soothing. And the best part? It all comes together in one pot, with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Ultimate comfort food: Creamy broth, soft dumplings, and flavorful chicken make every spoonful memorable.
One-pot simplicity: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax and enjoy.
Customizable: Toss in your favorite herbs or add more veggies for a personal touch.
Family favorite: Even picky eaters love the soft, fluffy dumplings and hearty flavor.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create this comforting Chicken and Dumpling Soup, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:

Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This ensures even cooking and gives the soup enough space to simmer without boiling over.
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables evenly.
Wooden Spoon or Ladle: Ideal for stirring the soup without damaging the pot’s surface.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the dumpling dough ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key when preparing the dumplings.

Using the right tools not only speeds up the cooking process but also improves the consistency of your soup and dumplings.

Ingredients for the Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Each ingredient in this soup is selected for maximum flavor and heartiness:

Chicken (shredded or cubed) – Provides the protein-rich foundation. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
All-Purpose Flour – Used in both the dumplings and to slightly thicken the broth.
Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and color to balance the savory base.
Celery – Brings a classic aromatic element and satisfying crunch.
Yellow Onion – Gives depth and enhances the base flavor of the soup.
Garlic – Adds a warm, savory kick that boosts the overall taste.
Chicken Broth – The flavorful liquid that ties everything together.
Heavy Cream or Milk – Lends richness and a smooth, creamy finish.
Baking Powder – Key leavening agent for fluffy dumplings.
Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings for balance and taste.
Butter – Adds richness and helps create a roux for thickening.
Fresh Parsley (optional) – For a fresh burst of flavor and garnish.

How To Make the Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Create the Broth Base

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. This forms a light roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, allowing the mixture to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat slightly and cover while you prepare the dumplings.

Step 4: Make the Dumplings

In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and a touch of pepper. Add milk and melted butter. Stir until just combined – don’t overmix. The dough should be thick but scoopable.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly onto the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 6: Add Cream and Finish

Uncover, stir in heavy cream or milk for a creamy consistency, and let everything warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Serving and Storing Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Serve your Chicken and Dumpling Soup hot, ladled into deep bowls to capture both broth and dumplings. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cracked black pepper on top adds a nice final touch.

To store leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature and then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens too much.

This soup also freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers without the dumplings (they may become mushy) and add fresh dumplings when reheating for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken works best for this soup?

Any cooked chicken works well—shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or freshly poached breasts. Just make sure it’s tender and well-seasoned.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup base a day ahead and refrigerate. Just add fresh dumplings when reheating for the best texture.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings should be fluffy and no longer doughy in the center. After 15 minutes of steaming, insert a toothpick or fork to test.

Can I use store-bought biscuit dough?

In a pinch, yes. While homemade dumplings offer better texture and flavor, refrigerated biscuit dough can be used for convenience.

What if I want a thicker soup?

Add a bit more flour during the roux step or let the soup simmer uncovered after adding the cream. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free flour blends for both the soup and dumplings. Be sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this hearty Chicken and Dumpling Soup, you’ll likely enjoy these other warming dishes straight from the Kitchen By Kate collection:

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup for a bold and spicy twist.
Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup if you want your dumplings with an Asian kick.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for a crispy-creamy combo.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti to satisfy your creamy pasta cravings.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for an extra cozy dinner.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add herbs to your dumplings? Try it with a touch of thyme or rosemary?

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