Description
Chicken and Dumplings Soup is a hearty, soul-warming classic combining tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth. This comforting recipe is perfect for cozy days and family meals, delivering satisfying flavors and textures that nourish both body and spirit.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Broth
- 2 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing vegetables)
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and carrots, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Add chicken pieces, chicken broth, bay leaves, and fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 25-30 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let cool slightly. Discard bones and skin, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your fingers. Set aside.
- Make the Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk or buttermilk until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep dumplings light and tender.
- Drop and Cook the Dumplings: Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer and remove bay leaves and thyme stems. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly and cook without lifting the lid for about 15 minutes, until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
- Final Touches: Gently stir the shredded chicken back into the soup. Season with additional salt, pepper, and fresh thyme if desired. Stir gently to combine flavors and heat through.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken to enrich the broth with natural gelatin and deep flavor.
- Do not overmix dumpling dough to prevent tough dumplings.
- Keep dumplings covered during cooking to allow steam to help them rise.
- Season the broth well before adding dumplings to ensure balanced flavor.
- Add fresh herbs at the end for bright, fresh aroma and taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken soup, dumplings, comfort food, hearty soup, family meal, homemade soup
