Chicken & Dumplings Soup

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warm, cozy embrace of chicken and dumplings. This classic soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a cold day, a nostalgic reminder of home, and a delicious way to gather loved ones around the table. Whether you’re looking to nourish your family after a long day or seeking a hearty dish for a gathering, this Chicken & Dumplings Soup recipe is sure to impress.

Jump to Recipe

The Heart of Chicken & Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings have been a beloved dish in American cuisine for generations, tracing their roots back to the early settlers who combined their available ingredients into satisfying meals. The dish has evolved over time, with various regional adaptations, but the core components remain: tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings.

This recipe takes the traditional elements and enhances them, creating a soup that is both comforting and full of flavor. Let’s dive into the ingredients, the cooking process, and tips for making this dish a standout.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious Chicken & Dumplings Soup:

For the Soup:

• 4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup base.
• 1/2 cup chopped onion: Provides a savory foundation for the soup.
• 2-3 chopped carrots: Adds sweetness and color.
• 3 celery stalks, sliced: Contributes a refreshing crunch and earthy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic qualities.
• 8 cups chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, providing moisture and flavor.
• 2 pounds cooked chicken, shredded: The star of the dish, adding protein and heartiness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the soup.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
• 2 bay leaves: Infuses the soup with herbal notes.
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley: Brightens the flavor profile.

To Thicken the Soup:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps achieve a desired thickness for the soup.
• 3 tablespoons water: Used to create a slurry with the cornstarch.

For the Dumplings:

• 1 1/2 cups flour: The base for the dumplings, providing structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavoring the dumplings.
• 3 tablespoons cold butter: Adds richness and moisture.
• 3/4 cup milk: Binds the ingredients together to form a soft dough.

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have everything ready, let’s walk through the process of making this delicious Chicken & Dumplings Soup.

Step 1: Prepare the Base of the Soup

1. Melt the Butter: In a large 8-quart pot, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. The butter will create a rich base for your soup.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds the flavor foundation of the soup.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Garlic will release its aromatic oils and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Step 2: Build the Soup

1. Pour in the Broth: Carefully pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth. This is the liquid gold of your soup, providing depth and nourishment.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any other cooked chicken, this is a perfect use for it!
3. Season the Soup: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer while you prepare the dumplings.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until well mixed.
2. Cut in the Butter: Using a cheese grater, grate the cold butter into the flour mixture. Stir to coat the butter with flour. This technique creates a flaky texture for the dumplings.
3. Add Milk: Pour in the 3/4 cup of milk and stir until a soft dough forms. If needed, knead it a few times in the bowl until everything is combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings in the Soup

1. Drop Dumplings into Soup: Pull off one-inch pieces of the dumpling dough and drop them gently into the simmering soup. Space them out a little; they will expand while cooking.
2. Cover and Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to simmer for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top of the soup.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

1. Create a Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir until smooth.
2. Thicken the Soup: Pour the slurry into the soup while stirring continually. This will help the soup achieve a creamy texture. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt or pepper to suit your taste.
2. Remove Bay Leaves: Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving!
3. Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich broth is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken & Dumplings Soup is delightful on its own, but here are some suggestions to elevate your meal:

1. Fresh Herbs: Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
2. Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with slices of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
3. Salad: Pair the soup with a light side salad to balance the richness of the dish.
4. Seasonal Veggies: Consider adding seasonal vegetables like peas or green beans to the soup for added color and nutrition.

Tips for Success

1. Use Quality Broth: The quality of your chicken broth can greatly affect the flavor of the soup. Opt for homemade or a good-quality store-bought broth.
2. Cook Chicken from Scratch: If you have the time, consider cooking chicken breasts in the broth before adding other ingredients. This will enhance the flavor even further.
3. Don’t Overmix Dumplings: When preparing the dumpling dough, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings.
4. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices. Adding thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of cayenne can give your soup a unique twist.

Variations to Try

This Chicken & Dumplings Soup is versatile, allowing for plenty of creativity. Here are some variations you might consider:

1. Vegetable Chicken & Dumplings: Add in more vegetables such as peas, corn, or potatoes for a heartier soup.
2. Herbed Dumplings: Mix in fresh herbs like chives or dill into the dumpling dough for added flavor.
3. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
4. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to create gluten-free dumplings.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (though it may be hard to resist finishing the pot!), here are some tips for storing your Chicken & Dumplings Soup:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: While the dumplings may lose their fluffy texture upon freezing, you can freeze the soup base (without dumplings) for up to 3 months. Reheat and add fresh dumplings when ready to serve.
3. Reheating: When reheating, do so slowly on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup thickens too much, you can add a bit of broth or water to loosen it.

Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of Chicken & Dumplings Soup. Whether it’s the warmth of the broth, the tenderness of the chicken, or the lightness of the dumplings, this dish has a unique ability to soothe the soul. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a quiet night in.

As you gather around the table to enjoy this hearty meal, you’ll create memories that extend beyond just the flavors. Sharing food has a special way of bringing people together, and this Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the perfect centerpiece for those moments.

Final Thoughts on Cooking Chicken & Dumplings Soup

Cooking can often be a therapeutic experience, and this recipe allows you to take your time, enjoy the process, and savor the results. Each step invites you to engage with the ingredients, infusing your meal with love and care.

So, the next time you’re craving a dish that brings comfort and joy, remember this Chicken & Dumplings Soup recipe. It’s a classic that not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart.

Enjoy and Share!

As you enjoy your Chicken & Dumplings Soup, consider sharing your experience. Whether it’s through a family gathering, a cozy night with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone, take a photo and share it on social media. Tag your posts with #ChickenAndDumplingsSoup and invite others to join in the culinary delight.

You can also personalize this recipe by incorporating your own unique twists. Perhaps you’ll add your favorite spices or veggies, or maybe you’ll experiment with the dumpling recipe. Each time you make it, you can create something special that reflects your tastes and creativity.

In Conclusion

Cooking is not just about feeding the body; it’s about nurturing the spirit and fostering connections. This Chicken & Dumplings Soup recipe offers a delicious way to embrace those values. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it on a chilly evening, it’s a dish that will surely bring joy and comfort.

So gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite tunes, and immerse yourself in the process of creating this wonderful soup. Enjoy every bite and every moment spent in the kitchen. Happy cooking!