Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe: A Comforting, Hearty Meal for Any Occasion

When the weather turns chilly and comfort food calls, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Chicken & Dumplings Soup. This classic dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings to create a soul-warming meal that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a dish to feed the whole family, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

In this detailed recipe, we’ll walk you through every step of preparing the perfect Chicken & Dumplings Soup, from creating the flavorful broth to crafting the dumplings that float delicately on top. Get ready to make a meal that is both comforting and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients for Chicken & Dumplings Soup

The key to a delicious Chicken & Dumplings Soup lies in using fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Soup:

• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 2/3 cup finely sliced onion
• 2-3 carrots, chopped
• 3 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1/3 cup of minced garlic
• 8 ounces of chicken stock
• 2 pounds of shredded cooked chicken
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 milligrams of black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon of dried parsley

To Make the Soup Thicker:

• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons of cold liquid (water or broth)

For the Dumplings:

• 1/2 cup of flour
• 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 3 tablespoons of chilled butter
• 3/4 cup of milk

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken & Dumplings Soup

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Soup Base

Start by melting the butter in a large 8-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, carrots, and celery to the pan. Stir occasionally, allowing the vegetables to cook until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic fragrance.

The vegetables will serve as the flavor base for your soup, infusing the broth with their natural sweetness and savory goodness. At this point, your kitchen will start to smell like a warm, inviting home.

2. Add the Chicken & Broth

Next, toss in the shredded chicken and chicken stock. The stock is the foundation of the soup, and you’ll want to choose a good-quality chicken broth to enhance the flavor. The shredded chicken should be tender and well-seasoned, adding a meaty richness to the soup.

Season the soup with salt, black pepper, bay leaves, and dried parsley. The bay leaves contribute a subtle earthiness, while the parsley adds a touch of brightness. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer as you prepare the dumplings.

3. Prepare the Dumplings

While the soup is simmering, it’s time to make the dumplings. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients form the foundation for the dough, giving the dumplings their light, airy texture.

Next, grate the chilled butter into the flour mixture using a cheese grater. The cold butter is crucial for achieving the flaky, tender texture of the dumplings. The small shreds of butter will create pockets of air, making the dumplings soft and pillowy once cooked.

Add the milk to the flour and butter mixture. Stir the ingredients until a dough forms. You may need to knead the dough a few times in the bowl to bring everything together. Be careful not to overwork the dough—just knead until it forms a ball. Overworking the dough could result in tough dumplings.

4. Shape the Dumplings

Once the dough is ready, cut it into small, inch-sized pieces. These will become the dumplings that will cook in the soup, soaking up the rich flavors of the broth. Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering soup.

Cover the soup and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings rise to the surface. The dumplings should be soft and cooked through, offering a delicate texture that complements the savory soup.

5. Thicken the Soup

If you prefer a thicker soup, now is the time to add the thickening agent. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with cold liquid (either water or chicken broth). Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering soup while stirring continuously. The soup will begin to thicken as the cornstarch activates. Keep stirring to ensure the soup thickens evenly and doesn’t form clumps.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Serve the Chicken & Dumplings Soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. The hearty, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and light dumplings will make every bite a comforting experience.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken & Dumplings Soup

Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience

If you’re short on time, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch. Simply shred the meat from the chicken, and you’ll have a time-saving option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Adjust the Dumplings for Texture

If you like your dumplings extra soft, use a little extra milk in the dough mixture to make the dough slightly wetter. For denser dumplings, reduce the amount of liquid slightly. This allows you to adjust the texture to your liking.

Experiment with Vegetables

Feel free to customize your soup by adding or substituting other vegetables. Parsnips, potatoes, or green beans are great additions that will enhance the soup’s flavor and nutritional value.

Season to Taste

Don’t be afraid to taste the soup as it simmers. You can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Why This Chicken & Dumplings Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion

Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a complete meal in one pot, filled with protein, vegetables, and carbs to keep you full and satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please.

The versatility of this dish makes it suitable for various dietary needs. You can easily adapt it to be gluten-free by using gluten-free flour for the dumplings or dairy-free by replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative. It’s a meal that can be customized to suit everyone’s preferences.

Conclusion: A Recipe That Warms the Heart

Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a timeless recipe that never goes out of style. With tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings, this soup is the epitome of comfort food. By following this recipe, you can create a hearty meal that will nourish both body and soul, no matter the occasion.