Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup 🍲
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of Chicken & Dumplings Soup on a chilly day. It’s savory, soothing, and packed with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings that soak up every bit of comfort. Whether you’re under the weather, craving something hearty, or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe delivers warm, nostalgic goodness every time.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about this soup—it’s rustic and rich, yet simple to make. Here’s why it’s a forever favorite:
- A one-pot meal that’s wholesome and filling
- Customizable dumplings to suit your style—homemade or biscuit-style
- Great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken
- Ready in under an hour with minimal fuss
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Plus your favorite dumpling batter (homemade or store-bought biscuit dough)
🔄 Swaps & Notes
- Chicken options: Use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie for ease.
- Make it creamy: Add ½ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer broth.
- Dumpling tips: Use a biscuit mix, puff pastry strips, or homemade dough for different textures.
- Veggie boost: Add peas, corn, or spinach in the last 5 minutes of simmering.
👨🍳 Directions
1. Sauté the Base
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until veggies are tender, about 6–8 minutes.
2. Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, just until fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in shredded chicken, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer
Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
5. Add Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of your favorite dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes, or until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
6. Finish and Serve
Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or cracked pepper.
✅ Tips for Success
- Don’t lift the lid while dumplings are cooking—they need steam to rise.
- Simmer, don’t boil once dumplings are added to avoid breaking them apart.
- Use a scoop or spoon to make dumplings uniform and evenly cooked.
- For fluffier dumplings, avoid overmixing your batter.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this cozy soup with:
- Buttered biscuits or crusty bread
- A side of simple green salad or steamed green beans
- For drinks, try Blueberry Lemonade or hot spiced tea
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without dumplings for best texture, then add fresh ones when reheating.
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop. Add broth as needed to adjust consistency.
🍴 More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re into warm, filling bowls of comfort, check these out:
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
🔚 Final Thoughts
This Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup is more than a meal—it’s a warm, savory moment of peace in a bowl. Whether you’re serving it to your family, friends, or just yourself on a quiet night, it always delivers comfort, one spoonful at a time.
Tried it? Share your favorite dumpling style in the comments and follow for more soulful soups and cozy classics from the Chef Maniac kitchen.
