Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe

Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the ultimate comfort food—a bowl of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for cozy evenings or chilly days, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to delight the entire family.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Broth

1. Sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat the vegetables.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the shredded chicken. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

1. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup.
2. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid while they cook.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

1. Stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream (if using) during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

• Perfect for: Family dinners, cozy nights, or potlucks.
• Portion size: This recipe makes 6–8 servings.

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: The soup base freezes well, but it’s best to make fresh dumplings when reheating. Freeze the soup (without dumplings) for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If thickened, add a splash of broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

Helpful Notes

• Chicken Options: Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poached chicken for convenience.
• Dumpling Texture: For firmer dumplings, use less baking powder. For fluffier dumplings, use slightly more.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour in the dumplings with a gluten-free flour blend. Use cornstarch to thicken the soup if needed.
• Vegetable Variations: Add mushrooms, spinach, or green beans for extra nutrients and variety.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Sarah’s Tip: “Don’t overmix the dumpling batter—this keeps them tender and fluffy.”
• Chef Anthony’s Tip: “Add a splash of white wine to the broth for extra depth and flavor.”
• Chef Lisa’s Tip: “For a richer soup, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the soup base (vegetables, broth, chicken) on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add the dumplings in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

2. Can I make the soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace butter with olive oil and use a plant-based milk alternative for the dumplings. Skip the heavy cream or use coconut milk.

3. Can I use pre-made biscuit dough for dumplings?

Yes! Roll the biscuit dough into small balls and drop them into the soup in place of homemade dumplings.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, parsnips, or diced zucchini are great additions.

5. How do I know the dumplings are done?

Insert a toothpick into a dumpling; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

6. What can I serve with this soup?

Serve it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

7. How do I thicken the broth?

Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup.

8. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, turkey works beautifully, especially with holiday leftovers.

9. What’s the best way to season the broth?

Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to add a touch more salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the flavors.

10. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to make dumplings fresh, as they may lose their fluffiness if stored for later use.