Few dishes embody comfort food as perfectly as Chicken and Dumpling Soup. With its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, fluffy dumplings, and rich broth, this recipe warms both body and soul. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re in need of a nourishing homemade meal, this soup is the perfect choice for families and gatherings alike.
Ingredients for Chicken and Dumpling Soup
To prepare this wholesome soup, you’ll need fresh, simple, and easily accessible ingredients.
For the Soup Base:
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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3 carrots, sliced into rounds
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3 celery stalks, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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6 cups chicken stock (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
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2 bay leaves
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
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1 cup frozen peas (optional, for sweetness and color)
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dumplings:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
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1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra fluffiness)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large soup pot or Dutch oven
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Sharp knife and cutting board
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Mixing bowls (for dumplings)
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Wooden spoon or ladle
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Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
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Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6–7 minutes until softened.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Pour in chicken stock and add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.
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Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes to let flavors develop.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
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Stir in shredded chicken and frozen peas (if using).
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
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In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a fork or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Gradually pour in milk, mixing gently until you form a sticky dough. Do not overmix, as this can make dumplings dense.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings in the Soup
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Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) directly into the simmering soup.
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Cover the pot tightly with a lid and reduce heat to low.
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Cook dumplings for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure they steam and fluff up perfectly.
Step 5: Final Touch
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Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
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Sprinkle chopped parsley for freshness.
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Serve hot with extra crusty bread if desired.
Tips for Success
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Don’t Peek at the Dumplings: Lifting the lid while they cook can release steam and prevent them from rising properly.
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Add Richness: A splash of heavy cream in the broth at the end creates a creamier version.
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Shortcut Option: Use biscuit mix instead of making dumplings from scratch for a quicker preparation.
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Flavor Variations: Add corn, green beans, or even mushrooms for extra depth.
Suggested Accompaniments
While Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a meal on its own, you can elevate it with simple sides:
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Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
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Homemade cornbread or crusty sourdough bread
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A light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast
Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving, 6 servings)
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Calories: 380 kcal
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Protein: 24 g
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Carbohydrates: 40 g
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Fat: 12 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: 740 mg
(Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Why Chicken and Dumpling Soup is the Perfect Comfort Food
This classic dish combines wholesome proteins, vegetables, and carbs in one pot, making it nourishing and filling. The rich broth soothes, the dumplings satisfy, and the chicken provides hearty nutrition. For many, it’s not just food—it’s a nostalgic reminder of home, warmth, and care.
From Sunday family dinners to cold winter nights, this soup brings people together around the table. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a timeless staple in comfort food cooking.
Conclusion
Chicken and Dumpling Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a hug in a bowl. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and perfectly fluffy dumplings, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, this dish deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation.
So, gather your ingredients, warm up your pot, and treat yourself and your loved ones to the ultimate comfort food. One spoonful, and you’ll understand why Chicken and Dumpling Soup has stood the test of time.