I Need a Recipe

Weeknight • Soups

Comforting Chicken and Dumpling Soup

A hearty, cozy soup featuring tender chicken and fluffy homemade dumplings, perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.

Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Servings
6
Level
Weeknight
Comforting Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings? This recipe brings you that same nostalgic, hug-in-a-bowl feeling without a lot of fuss. Tender chicken and vegetables swim in a rich, herby broth, topped with light, fluffy dumplings that soak up all the deliciousness. It's pure comfort, ready for your dinner table!

Ingredients

Yield: 6 servings

For the Soup

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for richer broth)
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Dumplings

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

  4. Step 4

    While the soup simmers, prepare the dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.

  5. Step 5

    Increase heat of the soup to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon each) of dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup. You should get about 12-15 dumplings.

  6. Step 6

    Cover the pot tightly and cook for 12-15 minutes, without lifting the lid, until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. If desired, stir in heavy cream during the last minute of cooking. Season soup with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips

  • For quick prep, use a rotisserie chicken and add it in Step 3, simmering for 5 minutes before adding dumplings.
  • Ensure the soup is simmering gently when adding dumplings, but not boiling vigorously, to prevent them from breaking apart.

More recipes you'll love