Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumpling soup. Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re just craving something cozy, this classic recipe is sure to satisfy. Packed with tender chicken, soft dumplings, and flavorful broth, it’s the kind of soup that makes you feel at home. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to create a creamy and hearty chicken and dumpling soup recipe that tastes like it’s been passed down for generations.

Using simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this recipe is great for beginners and experienced cooks alike. It’s also flexible—easy to adapt based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or prepping for the week, this chicken and dumpling soup is a must-try. Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Bowl of Comfort

Chicken and dumpling soup is one of the most comforting meals you can make. It’s warm, thick, and satisfying—perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day.

One-Pot Meal

Everything cooks in one pot, making it simple and easy to clean up. You get protein, carbs, and vegetables all in one dish.

Homemade Dumplings

The dumplings are made from scratch, but they’re super easy. Soft, fluffy, and full of flavor—they’re the star of the show.

Customizable

Use rotisserie chicken to save time, swap in your favorite vegetables, or make it dairy-free if needed. This recipe is very flexible.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a full list of everything you’ll need for this recipe:

For the Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup milk or cream (optional, for a creamy base)

For the Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or parsley)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk

How to Make Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and stir for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Thicken the Base

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add Broth and Chicken

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, peas, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the soup simmers, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and herbs in a bowl. Add melted butter and milk, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Add the Dumplings

Use a spoon to drop small dollops of dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 15 minutes on low heat. Do not lift the lid during this time.

Step 6: Final Touch

Once the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy, add milk or cream for a richer texture if desired. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes, then serve hot.

Dumpling Variations

Herb Dumplings

Add chopped fresh parsley or rosemary to the dough for more flavor.

Cheese Dumplings

Mix in 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar or parmesan to the dumpling dough.

Gluten-Free Dumplings

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both the soup and dumpling recipes.

Tips for the Best Soup

Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough

Overworking the dough will make your dumplings dense. Mix just until combined.

Keep the Lid Closed

When cooking the dumplings, don’t lift the lid. The steam is essential to cook them properly.

Use Pre-Cooked Chicken

Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works great and saves time.

Make It Creamy or Not

Add milk or cream for richness, or leave it out for a lighter broth-based soup.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs well.
• Crusty Bread: For soaking up the broth, serve with slices of whole grain or sourdough bread.
• Add Hot Sauce: A splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes adds a little heat.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with parsley or chives for a fresh finish.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The dumplings may thicken the soup slightly when stored.

Freezer

Freeze the soup without dumplings for best results. Make fresh dumplings when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Avoid boiling so the dumplings stay tender.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 520mg

FAQs

1. Can I make chicken and dumpling soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Add all soup ingredients (except peas and milk) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. In the last 30 minutes, add peas and spoon in dumplings. Cover and continue cooking until dumplings are fluffy.

2. What kind of chicken is best for this soup?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Just be sure to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

3. How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings will look puffed and firm on the outside. Insert a toothpick into one—it should come out clean. Cooking them covered for 15 minutes usually does the trick.

4. Can I make the soup ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the soup without the dumplings and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bring it back to a simmer and add fresh dumpling dough to cook.

5. Are there dairy-free options for this recipe?

Absolutely. Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk. Skip the cream or cheese dumplings to keep it completely dairy-free.

Related Recipes:

• Fire-Roasted White Bean Soup:
• Pastina Soup Recipe: Easy, Cozy Comfort Food;
• Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: 

Final Thoughts

This chicken and dumpling soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and satisfying. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings, each spoonful is a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this easy one-pot recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Try it once, and it might just become your go-to comfort dish for every season.