This cozy Chicken Dumpling Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings swim in a savory broth that warms the soul.
I love making this soup on chilly days! It’s super easy, and I can’t resist those tasty dumplings—perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are tender and easy to shred. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can also use chicken thighs, which can add more flavor. Rotisserie chicken works great too—just make sure to shred it before adding it to the soup.
Vegetables: Onion, carrots, and celery are key for a flavorful base. If you need a swap, bell peppers or parsnips can work well too. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also add a nice touch to the soup’s flavor.
Dumplings: All-purpose flour makes sturdy dumplings, but you can try whole wheat flour for added nutrition. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend, though the texture might change a little.
How Do You Make Fluffy Dumplings for Soup?
A common struggle is achieving perfectly fluffy dumplings. The key is to handle the dough gently. Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings. Here’s how to get that light, fluffy texture:
- Mix your dry ingredients together first: flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine milk and melted butter separately, then pour it into the dry mix.
- Stir just until combined; it’s okay if it’s a little lumpy—no need to be perfect!
- When dropping the dumplings into simmering soup, make sure the soup is boiling gently.
- Cover and avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep the steam inside.
How to Make Chicken Dumpling Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 35 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 45 minutes to make this lovely, warm chicken dumpling soup. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start the Soup:
In a large pot, combine the chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring everything to a boil. You’re starting to create some comforting flavors here!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll want the chicken to be fully cooked. After 20 minutes, take the chicken out of the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Soup Base:
Carefully remove the bay leaves from the pot and add the shredded chicken back into the warm soup. Keep it on low heat, so everything stays cozy while you prepare the dumplings.
4. Mix the Dumpling Dough:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the milk and melted butter. Then combine both mixes by pouring the milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just mixed—remember, don’t overmix! The dough should feel slightly sticky.
5. Cook the Dumplings:
Using a spoon, drop small spoonfuls of the dumpling dough right into the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. It’s important not to lift the lid during this time because the dumplings need that steam to puff up! Exciting, right?
6. Final Touches:
After the dumplings are cooked, give the soup a gentle stir to mix everything together. Take a moment to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it, you’re ready to serve!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the warm chicken dumpling soup into bowls. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that lovely color and herb flavor. Enjoy your heartwarming bowl of soup with your loved ones!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use bone-in chicken thighs or a whole chicken for more flavor. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust cooking times. For bone-in pieces, it usually takes about 30-40 minutes to cook. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.
How Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the soup base (chicken and broth with vegetables) in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup, then prepare the dumplings fresh to ensure they’re fluffy and perfect!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing the soup without dumplings for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently heat on the stove. Add freshly made dumplings to keep them fluffy!
Can I Substitute the Milk in the Dumplings?
Yes, you can use any milk alternative, such as almond milk or oat milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened, as sweetness can alter the flavor of your dumplings. If you want a richer dough, consider using buttermilk for added tang and moisture!
