Few dishes conjure up the feeling of warmth, nostalgia, and ultimate comfort quite like a steaming bowl of Chicken & Dumplings. This Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe is a true classic, featuring tender shredded chicken, savory vegetables, and light, fluffy dumplings, all swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a timeless, soul-warming meal that’s perfect for a chilly day, a comforting family dinner, or whenever you need a hearty embrace. Get ready to stir up some pure culinary joy!

Why I Love This Recipe

Chicken & Dumplings is one of those dishes that just feels like home. What I love most about this particular recipe is the balance of homemade goodness with approachable steps. The broth base, built from sautéed aromatics and good chicken broth, is incredibly flavorful, and the tender shredded chicken makes it hearty and satisfying.

But the real magic lies in those dumplings! They’re light and fluffy, not dense or heavy, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the simmering soup. The technique of grating cold butter into the flour is brilliant for creating tender dumplings that cook up beautifully. It’s a fantastic one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup, and the result is a deeply comforting dish that truly nourishes both body and soul. It’s a classic for a reason, and this recipe absolutely perfects it!

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Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted preferred)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2-3 chopped carrots (about 1 cup)
• 3 celery stalks, sliced (about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 pounds cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp dried parsley (or 2-3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley)

To Thicken Soup:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

For the Dumplings:

• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter, cold (unsalted preferred)
• 3/4 cup milk (whole or preferred)

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Cooked chicken is essential here. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver. You can also boil or bake chicken breasts/thighs specifically for this recipe.
• Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery form the classic “mirepoix” base. Feel free to add other vegetables like frozen peas or corn during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Chicken Broth: Use good quality chicken broth or stock. Low sodium allows you to control the seasoning.
• Herbs & Spices: Bay leaves, salt, pepper, and parsley are classic. A pinch of dried thyme could also be added.
• To Thicken Soup: Cornstarch slurry is a quick and effective thickener. All-purpose flour can also be used (start with a paste of equal parts flour and cold butter/oil, whisk into hot soup).
• Dumplings:
  • Flour: All-purpose flour is standard.
  • Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for good rise.
  • Cold Butter: Crucial for tender, flaky dumplings. Grating it is an excellent technique!
  • Milk: Any type of milk works; whole milk will make slightly richer dumplings. Buttermilk can also be used for a tangier flavor.

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Instructions:

Making this comforting Chicken & Dumplings Soup involves simmering a flavorful broth and dropping in simple, homemade dumplings.

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large 8-quart pot or Dutch oven, melt the 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, chopped carrots, and sliced celery. Cook and stir for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Build Soup Base: Pour in the 8 cups chicken broth and add the 2 pounds shredded cooked chicken. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon dried parsley. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover with a lid and allow to simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings.
3. Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Using a cheese grater, grate the 3 tablespoons cold butter directly into the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a fork to quickly stir and coat the butter pieces with flour.
4. Form Dumpling Dough Ball: Pour in the 3/4 cup milk into the flour and butter mixture. Stir with a spoon or spatula until a shaggy ball of dough forms. You can gently knead it a few times in the bowl if needed, just until it comes together. Do not overwork the dough.
5. Drop Dumplings into Soup: Remove the lid from your simmering soup. Pull off one-inch pieces of the dumpling dough (they don’t need to be perfectly shaped) and gently drop them directly into the simmering soup. Continue until all the dough is used.
6. Cook Dumplings: Once all the dumplings are added, cover the pot tightly with the lid. Allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed up, cooked through, and floating at the top of the soup.
7. Thicken the Soup: While the dumplings are cooking, prepare the thickener. In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons cornstarch and 3 tablespoons cold water. Whisk until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
8. Thicken & Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup, stirring continually with a whisk or spoon until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle generous portions into bowls and serve hot.

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Pro Tip:

For truly light and fluffy dumplings, ensure your butter is ice cold and handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough will develop gluten and result in tough, rubbery dumplings. When dropping them into the soup, work quickly so they all cook around the same time.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a complete, hearty meal on its own, perfect for cool weather.

• Crusty Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread or cornbread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce can add a nice kick, especially a vinegary one to cut through the richness.
• Southern Comfort Pairings: If you love deeply flavorful, comforting Southern dishes, consider this alongside a bowl of This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort for a robust feast, or even This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavorfor another take on Southern warmth.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Chicken & Dumplings is fantastic for leftovers, though the dumplings may soften slightly.

• Storage: Store any leftover Chicken & Dumplings Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dumplings will absorb more liquid and become softer over time.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the soup, as it will thicken upon cooling. You can also microwave individual portions.
• Freezing: While the soup base freezes well, the dumplings tend to become mushy and lose their texture when frozen and thawed. If you plan to freeze, you might consider freezing the soup base separately and making fresh dumplings when reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the comforting, hearty, and easy nature of this soup, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another classic comfort soup, check out my Cabbage Soup Recipe.
• If you’re a fan of quick and easy chicken-based comfort meals, don’t miss Easy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta.
• For a versatile chicken dish that works great in a bowl, consider my Grilled Chicken Breast with Salad & Creamy Herb Sauce.
• And for another hearty one-pot meal, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is always a hit.

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Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe is a true culinary embrace, embodying the warmth, flavor, and comfort of homemade cooking. With its tender chicken, savory broth, and light, fluffy dumplings, it’s a meal that satisfies the soul and brings joy to any table. It proves that creating a deeply comforting dish doesn’t have to be complicated. Go ahead, make a pot, and savor every spoonful of this timeless classic!

What’s your favorite secret ingredient for making a soup extra hearty? Share your tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.