Chicken Dumpling Soup

Chicken Dumpling Soup is the epitome of comfort food. This hearty, flavorful dish combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth, making it the perfect meal for chilly evenings or whenever you need a warm, satisfying dish. The balance of soft dumplings floating in a broth infused with aromatic herbs and tender vegetables creates a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent.

This dish isn’t just a family favorite, it’s a recipe rooted in tradition and filled with versatility. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this soup is sure to bring smiles and satisfy appetites.

If you’ve never made dumplings from scratch, don’t worry. This recipe breaks down each step to make the process approachable, even for beginners. Once you taste the pillowy dumplings in this fragrant soup, you’ll realize the effort is well worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food
The combination of tender chicken, soft dumplings, and hearty vegetables makes this soup incredibly satisfying and soul-warming.

Homemade Touch
From scratch-made dumplings to a deeply flavorful broth, every component feels special and authentic.

Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a cozy dish to impress guests, this soup suits any situation.

Customizable
Easily adapt the recipe with different vegetables or herbs to make it your own.

Meal Prep Friendly
This soup stores and reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 generous bowl

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Add the chicken broth, shredded chicken, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the soup simmers, prepare the dumpling dough. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and milk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dough directly into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and cook the dumplings for 12–15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook evenly.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Ingredient Background

Chicken:
Shredded cooked chicken adds protein and heartiness to the soup. Use leftover roast chicken or poached chicken breast for convenience.

Vegetables:
The classic trio of onion, carrot, and celery forms the flavorful base of this soup. These aromatics infuse the broth with depth and warmth.

Dumplings:
Soft, fluffy dumplings made from a simple dough bring texture and comfort to the dish. The baking powder ensures they puff up beautifully as they cook.

Thyme and Bay Leaf:
These herbs provide subtle, earthy undertones that complement the chicken and vegetables.

Technique Tips

Don’t Overmix Dumplings: Overmixing the dough can result in tough dumplings. Mix until just combined for the fluffiest texture.

Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer when cooking the dumplings to ensure they cook through without falling apart.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh parsley and high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.

Customize the Texture: If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch into 1/4 cup of cold water, then stir it into the simmering broth before adding the dumplings.

Recipe Variations

Herb Dumplings: Add chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill to the dumpling dough for added flavor.

Spicy Chicken Soup: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth.

Creamy Version: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or milk to the broth for a creamier soup.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration

Store leftover salmon fillets and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and salmon separate helps maintain their textures when reheated. When ready to eat, warm the salmon gently to prevent it from becoming dry or rubbery.

Freezing

For best results, freeze the salmon fillets without the sauce to preserve the fish’s delicate texture. Place the fillets in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. If you’d like to freeze the sauce, store it in a separate container, leaving room for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Tip

Reheat the sauce over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore its smooth consistency. Avoid microwaving the salmon directly, as it can overcook easily. Instead, warm it in a skillet with a lid on low heat, adding a bit of water or broth for moisture.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Family Dinner

Pair Creamy Salmon Piccata with buttery mashed potatoes and a medley of roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts. The rich sauce complements starchy sides, while the roasted vegetables add earthy undertones for a well-balanced meal.

Dinner Party

Serve the salmon on a bed of linguine or angel hair pasta, coated in the luscious piccata sauce. For an added touch of elegance, garnish each plate with freshly grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and a sprig of parsley. Provide garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad to complete the dining experience.

Holiday Gathering

Make this dish the highlight of your festive table by presenting it on a large platter, garnished with thin lemon slices and capers. Pair it with wild rice pilaf and green bean almondine, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and colors perfect for special celebrations.

Meal Prep

Divide cooked salmon fillets, sauce, and a side of steamed asparagus or roasted zucchini into individual meal prep containers. The dish reheats beautifully and offers a high-protein, flavorful lunch option. To keep everything fresh, pack the sauce separately and pour it over the salmon just before reheating.

Special Equipment

Large Skillet

A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet is essential for achieving even heat distribution while cooking the salmon. This ensures a perfect sear on the fillets and provides ample space for the sauce.

Whisk

A sturdy whisk is indispensable for blending cream, broth, and wine into a smooth sauce without lumps. A balloon whisk is particularly effective for incorporating air, creating a lighter texture.

Zester

A microplane zester makes it effortless to add fine lemon zest, which enhances the bright, citrusy notes of the piccata sauce. It also works well for grating Parmesan cheese directly over the plated dish.

Fish Spatula

A fish spatula’s thin, flexible design makes it ideal for flipping and transferring delicate salmon fillets without breaking them apart. Its slotted design allows excess oil or sauce to drain, ensuring a clean presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds a roasted flavor to the soup.

2. How do I know the dumplings are cooked?
The dumplings should be firm to the touch and no longer doughy in the center. Test one by cutting it in half to check for doneness.

3. Can I make the soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free.

4. What if my dumplings sink?
Sinking dumplings may result from the dough being too heavy or the soup not simmering gently. Ensure the dough is light and fluffy, and maintain a consistent simmer.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Potatoes, peas, or green beans are excellent additions to this versatile recipe.

6. Can I make the dumpling dough in advance?
It’s best to prepare the dough fresh for optimal fluffiness. However, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and add the wet ingredients just before cooking.

7. What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the dumplings from breaking apart.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles well, but you may need to cook the dumplings in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.

Conclusion

Chicken Dumpling Soup is the perfect combination of homestyle comfort and culinary versatility. From its tender chicken to its fluffy dumplings, every bite is a reminder of why classic recipes endure. Whether you’re serving it as a warming meal for your family or as part of a festive spread, this soup delivers on both flavor and satisfaction.

Try this recipe today, and let it become a cherished favorite in your home. Customize it with your own twists, savor the richness of homemade dumplings, and enjoy the cozy comfort that only a hearty bowl of soup can provide!

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