Chicken & Dumpling Soup - Recipes By Clare

A Homestyle Hug in a Bowl

When the temperature drops, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Chicken & Dumpling Soup to warm the soul. This dish combines the tender goodness of chicken, garden-fresh vegetables, and light, pillowy dumplings—all gently simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s the type of comfort food that transports you to your grandmother’s kitchen, reminding you that sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a gathering, or simply seeking solace in a bowl of something nourishing, this soup delivers on all fronts: taste, nostalgia, and heartwarming satisfaction.

Ingredients (US Cups & Measures)

This recipe breaks down into two main components: the soup base and the dumplings. Together, they form a harmonious medley of flavor and texture.

For the Soup:

6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed (leftover or rotisserie chicken works great)
½ large onion, chopped (or 1 small onion)
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 bay leaf
1 cup frozen peas
½ tablespoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup milk (whole or 2% preferred)

How to Prepare Chicken & Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by heating the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.

Add the minced garlic, dried parsley, and poultry seasoning, stirring for another minute until fragrant. These foundational flavors form the aromatic base of your soup.

Tip: You can also toss in a pinch of thyme or rosemary at this stage to add earthier undertones.

Step 2: Make the Soup Base

Sprinkle 1½ tablespoons of flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. This step helps thicken the soup later without needing cream or cornstarch.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Drop in the bay leaf and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 25 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the vegetables fully soften.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Peas

After 25 minutes, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 5 minutes so everything is evenly heated and combined.

Making the Dumplings

Step 4: Make the Dough

While the soup simmers, prepare your dumplings.

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt

Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the ½ cup milk until a sticky dough forms. Do not overmix; you want it just combined.

Tip: Cold butter is key—it creates little steam pockets as the dumplings cook, making them fluffier.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Once the dough is ready and the soup is gently bubbling, drop heaping spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly onto the surface of the soup. Try to space them apart, as they will puff up during cooking.

Cover the pot tightly with a lid and do not lift it for 15 minutes. The steam inside is what cooks and fluffs the dumplings—lifting the lid will let it escape and result in dense dumplings.

Tip: Set a timer! It’s tempting to peek, but patience is part of the magic here.

Step 6: Serve

After 15 minutes, remove the lid and test the dumplings with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re done. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot. Garnish with extra parsley or a crack of black pepper if desired.

Prep Time & Nutrition

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Calories (Per Serving)
20 mins	50 mins	1 hr 10 mins	~350 kcal

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

Tips, Variations & Make-Ahead Notes

Time-Saving Tips:

Use Rotisserie Chicken: It cuts prep time significantly and adds delicious flavor.
Prep Veggies in Advance: Chop your carrots, celery, and onion the day before and store in the fridge.
Make the Dumpling Mix Ahead: Dry ingredients can be mixed and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Flavor Enhancements:

Herbs: A pinch of thyme, rosemary, or tarragon adds depth.
Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup of cream or milk before adding dumplings for a creamier base.
Smoky Twist: Add a splash of smoked paprika or diced bacon while sautéing the vegetables.

Storage & Reheating:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Dumplings may soften slightly but still taste great.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.

Why This Chicken & Dumpling Soup Works

There are a few reasons this dish remains a staple across generations and regions:

Simplicity: With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can create something extraordinary.
One-Pot Meal: Less mess, less fuss. Everything cooks in a single pot.
Balanced Comfort: The broth is light yet flavorful, the veggies are tender but vibrant, and the dumplings are soft and satisfying.
Versatility: Easy to adapt for dietary needs—use gluten-free flour for dumplings or swap chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian.

Perfect For Any Occasion

This soup is more than just a meal—it’s a gesture of love. Whether you’re caring for a sick friend, feeding a hungry family, or savoring a quiet evening alone, this dish speaks volumes. It works well for:

Cozy fall and winter dinners
Post-holiday cleanout meals
Lazy Sundays
Family gatherings
Potlucks and community suppers

Pair it with: Buttermilk biscuits, a crisp green salad, or crusty sourdough bread.

Final Thoughts

Chicken & Dumpling Soup is a testament to the power of classic comfort food. It’s warm, familiar, and incredibly nourishing. The dumplings are the heart of this soup—so simple, yet so satisfying. Combined with a soul-soothing broth and hearty vegetables, this dish hits all the right notes.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe belongs in your collection. It’s customizable, forgiving, and consistently delicious. So next time you’re looking for a feel-good dinner that brings people together, let this Chicken & Dumpling Soup be your go-to.