Chicken & Dumplings Soup – Hearty, Homemade Comfort in a Bowl 🍗🥣
When the weather cools or your soul needs soothing, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Chicken & Dumplings Soup. This recipe is rich and savory, with a golden broth full of tender chicken, aromatic veggies, and fluffy dumplings that cook right in the pot. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out — the kind that tastes like home.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is a one-pot wonder that makes use of simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have. It’s:
- Cozy and comforting — perfect for chilly evenings or lazy Sundays.
- Budget-friendly, especially if you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- Family-approved and endlessly customizable.
Much like my go-to Easy Turkey Wings or the satisfying One-Pan Breakfast Bake, this is the kind of stick-to-your-ribs food that brings everyone to the table.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2–3 chopped carrots
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 lbs cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
To Thicken the Soup:
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp cold water
For the Dumplings:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cold butter
- ¾ cup milk
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Build the Base:
- In a large 8-quart pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2️⃣ Add the Broth & Chicken:
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken.
- Season with salt, pepper, bay leaves, and parsley.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer while you make the dumplings.
3️⃣ Make the Dumpling Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Grate the cold butter into the flour using a cheese grater. Stir to coat the shreds in flour.
- Pour in the milk and stir until a soft dough forms. If needed, knead lightly in the bowl.
4️⃣ Drop the Dumplings:
- Pinch off 1-inch pieces of dough and gently drop into the simmering soup.
- Cover with a lid and let simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the dumplings float to the top and are cooked through.
5️⃣ Thicken the Soup:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water.
- Slowly stir into the soup while it’s still simmering to thicken the broth.
- Cook another 2–3 minutes, stirring gently.
📝 Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor.
- Don’t lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking — it traps the steam needed to cook them fully.
- Want even more richness? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream at the end.
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen if needed.
- This soup can be frozen without the dumplings — add fresh ones when reheating for best texture.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- A slice of crusty bread or homemade biscuits is always welcome.
- For dessert, pair with cozy treats like these Caramel Apple Pie Cookies or creamy Pumpkin Delight Dessert.
- Feeding a crowd? Add a batch of Sheet Pan Quesadillas for extra variety.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Love cozy, classic dishes? Don’t miss these Easy Turkey Wings or the ultra-satisfying One-Pan Breakfast Bake.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a classic for a reason. It’s hearty, comforting, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re craving something warm on a cold day or feeding a hungry family, this one-pot meal never disappoints.
Tried it? Share your version and tag your cozy creations. And don’t forget to follow for more stick-to-your-ribs recipes!
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