How to Create Hearty Chicken and Dumpling Soup
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chicken and dumpling soup to lift your spirits on a cold day or comfort you when you’re feeling under the weather. This classic dish is as soothing as it is delicious, and the best part? It’s easier to make than you might think! In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to create this soul-soothing soup step by step using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. By the end, you’ll have a warm, comforting dinner ready to share with loved ones—or enjoy by yourself for days to come.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of the main ingredients you’ll need to make chicken and dumpling soup:
For the soup:
– 1 pound of chicken (breasts, thighs, or a mix—skinless works best)
– 6 cups of chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– 3 tablespoons of butter or olive oil (for cooking the veggies)
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the dumplings:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’re ready to start cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by cooking your chicken. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a few tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Once it’s hot, add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side or until it’s no longer pink in the center. You don’t need to worry about browning it perfectly—it will continue cooking in the broth later. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate or cutting board to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
In the same pot, add a little more butter or oil if needed. Toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir them around for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies start to soften. Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes—it should smell wonderfully fragrant!
Step 3: Add Broth and Spices
Now it’s time to build the flavor of your soup. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and stir everything together. Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently bring the broth to a simmer.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
While the broth and veggies are simmering, shred the cooked chicken using two forks. You can make the pieces as big or small as you like—some people enjoy large chunks, while others prefer the chicken to be finely shredded. Once you’re done, add the chicken back into the pot.
Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough
Now for the fun part—the dumplings! In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to blend the dry ingredients. Then, pour in the milk and melted butter, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be slightly sticky, but don’t worry! This texture is exactly what you’re looking for.
Step 6: Cook the Dumplings
Using a spoon, scoop small pieces of the dumpling dough and drop them into the simmering soup. Don’t worry about making them perfectly shaped—they’ll puff up beautifully as they cook. Once all the dumplings are in the pot, cover the pot with a lid and let them simmer gently for 15 minutes. The steam will help cook the dumplings and make them soft and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid too often during this step to keep the heat in!
Step 7: Final Touches
After 15 minutes, check the dumplings—they should be cooked through and firm to the touch. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a bit more salt or pepper to suit your taste.
If you’d like to make your soup creamier, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end. This is totally optional, but it adds a luxurious touch to the dish.
Serving Your Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve immediately. It pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side. The soup is filling enough on its own, thanks to the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, but a little extra something makes the meal extra special.
Tips for Success
- Save Time: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to skip the chicken cooking step. Just shred the meat and add it to the broth while simmering.
- Add Herbs: Feel free to throw in fresh parsley or dill at the end for extra flavor.
- Freeze Extras: This soup freezes well! Just be aware the dumplings might soften slightly when reheated, so eat them fresh for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
That’s it—your very own homemade chicken and dumpling soup! This cozy dish is perfect for savoring on chilly nights, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it whenever you want a comforting, satisfying meal.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every warm, delicious bite!
