Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
There are some dishes that instantly bring to mind warmth, home, and pure comfort. Chicken & Dumplings Soup is at the top of that list. This beloved classic transforms simple ingredients into a rich, savory broth brimming with tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and incredibly fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. It’s the kind of soul-satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening here in Marion, South Carolina, or any time you need a comforting hug in a bowl.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Chicken & Dumplings Soup recipe is a true testament to the magic of homemade comfort food. What I love most is how the flavors deepen as the vegetables and chicken simmer, creating a rich and savory base. But the real stars, for me, are those perfectly tender, fluffy dumplings. They’re surprisingly easy to make from scratch, and they soak up all that delicious broth, making every spoonful an absolute delight. It’s a meal that feels incredibly nourishing and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s a classic that never fails to bring smiles and warm bellies to my home.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly comforting Chicken & Dumplings Soup:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2-3 chopped carrots
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 pounds cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
To Thicken Soup:
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter, cold (cubed or grated)
- 3/4 cup milk
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken (like a rotisserie chicken) is a fantastic shortcut that makes this recipe come together quickly. You can also boil and shred chicken breasts or thighs specifically for this recipe.
- Vegetables: Feel free to adjust the quantity of carrots, celery, and onion to your liking. Adding peas or corn in the last few minutes of simmering is also a great idea for extra color and sweetness.
- Herbs: Dried parsley is convenient, but fresh chopped parsley added at the end for garnish would also be wonderful. You can also add a pinch of dried thyme or a bay leaf to the soup for more aromatic depth.
- Broth: Use good quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Low-sodium allows you to control the seasoning better.
- Dumpling Butter: Grating cold butter into the flour mixture helps distribute it evenly, creating tender, fluffy dumplings. You can also cut it in with a pastry blender or your fingers.
- Milk for Dumplings: Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work for the dumplings.
- Thickening: The cornstarch slurry is added at the end to thicken the soup to your desired consistency. You can use less or more depending on how thick you like it.
Instructions
Let’s get this comforting pot of Chicken & Dumplings Soup cooking!
- Sauté Vegetables: 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 stalks. Cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Chicken & Seasonings: Pour in the 8 cups chicken broth. Add the shredded cooked chicken. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon dried parsley. Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately turn down the heat to a gentle simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
- For Dumplings – Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk briefly to combine.
- Add Cold Butter: Using a cheese grater, grate the 3 tablespoons cold butter directly into the flour mixture. Use your fingers to gently toss and coat the butter bits with the flour. Alternatively, you can cut the cold butter into small pieces and cut it into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form Dumpling Dough: Pour in the 3/4 cup milk and stir with a spoon or your hands until a cohesive ball of dough forms. Be careful not to overmix. You can lightly knead it a few times in the bowl if needed to bring it together.
- Drop Dumplings into Soup: Once the soup is at a gentle simmer, pull off approximately one-inch pieces of the dumpling dough. Carefully drop each piece directly into the simmering soup. Work quickly but gently.
- Cook Dumplings: Cover the pot tightly with a lid and allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings have puffed up and are floating at the top of the soup. They should be tender when pierced with a fork. Do not lift the lid during this time to retain the steam that helps cook the dumplings.
- Thicken the Soup: While the dumplings are cooking or after they are done, prepare the thickening slurry. In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons cornstarch and 3 tablespoons cold water, whisking until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Finish Thickening: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup. Stir continually for 1-2 minutes until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the hot Chicken & Dumplings Soup into bowls. You can garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Prep Ahead: Have all your vegetables chopped and chicken shredded before you start cooking for a smoother process.
- Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten too much, leading to tough dumplings. Mix just until combined.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil Dumplings: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, when cooking the dumplings. This prevents them from breaking apart.
- No Peeking: Resist the urge to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking. The steam is essential for them to cook properly and become fluffy.
- Adjust Thickness: The cornstarch slurry allows you to control the thickness of your soup. If you prefer it thicker, you can add a bit more slurry; if too thick, a splash more broth.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a complete, hearty meal on its own, but here are some ideas:
- Crusty Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread or cornbread for dipping.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would cut through the richness of the soup.
- Beverage Pairings: A tall glass of milk, a simple iced tea, or even a light beer.
- More Comforting Meals: If you love hearty, satisfying comfort food, this soup pairs well with the spirit of other beloved dishes like a Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo or a Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Chicken & Dumplings Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dumplings will swell and soften further upon sitting. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to thin the soup back to your desired consistency, as it will thicken significantly. Freezing is generally not recommended as the dumplings can become mushy upon thawing and reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you appreciate comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meals, you’ll surely love these other fantastic chicken recipes from Chef Maniac:
- For another classic Southern comfort dish, my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is pure soul food.
- If you’re looking for a convenient one-pan dinner that’s always a hit, try my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
- For a go-to cozy crowd-pleaser, these Chicken Enchiladas are a family favorite.
- If you need a lighter, yet incredibly satisfying option, my Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (No Mayo) is a personal favorite.
- And for easy, cheesy chicken bites perfect for a snack or light meal, check out these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
This Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a true culinary hug—warm, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. It’s the perfect dish to gather around on a cool evening and savor the simple pleasures of homemade comfort food. Give it a try, and make some delicious memories!
What’s your ultimate comfort soup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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