Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Broth: A great base for the soup! If you prefer a lighter option, use low-sodium broth. You can also make your own by simmering chicken bones and veggies!

Cooked Chicken: I often use rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience. You can also use leftovers or poach chicken breast for a fresher touch. Shredded or cubed works well in this soup.

Vegetables: The classic trio of onion, carrot, and celery gives the soup depth. You can substitute with other veggies like peas or corn based on what you have available.

Dumpling Ingredients: All-purpose flour is standard, but whole wheat flour can work too for a healthier spin. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free flour blend.

How Do You Ensure Your Dumplings are Fluffy?

Cooking dumplings can be tricky, but follow these tips for fluffy results! First, mix your dumpling batter just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make them tough.

• When ready to add the dumplings, drop spoonfuls right onto the simmering soup. Gently cover the pot to trap steam, which helps cook the dumplings perfectly.
• Avoid lifting the lid while cooking for the full 12-15 minutes; this will keep the heat and steam in.

With these tips, your dumplings should come out light and airy, adding the perfect touch to your soup!

Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled chicken breast)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

How Much Time Will You Need?

This comforting soup takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes to have a delightful pot of chicken and dumpling soup ready!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Vegetables:

Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they’re nice and tender. Then, toss in the minced garlic, cooking for 1 extra minute until you can smell its lovely aroma.

2. Make the Soup Base:

Pour the chicken broth into the pot and mix in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, parsley, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Bring this delicious mixture to a boil! Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer so all those flavors can meld together.

3. Prepare the Dumpling Batter:

While your soup is bubbling away, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, stir in the milk and melted butter. Just mix until everything is combined—don’t overmix or the dumplings won’t be fluffy!

4. Cook the Dumplings:

With the soup still simmering, drop spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each) of the dumpling batter right onto the top of the soup. It’s okay if they’re not perfect, they will fluff up beautifully as they cook. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for about 12-15 minutes without lifting the lid during this time—this is important for them to cook completely!

5. Finish and Serve:

Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now, scoop yourself a big bowl of this warm, comforting chicken and dumpling soup, and enjoy the deliciousness!

FAQ for Easy Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight or using the quick method of submerging it in cold water (in a sealed bag). Once thawed, cook it until fully done before shredding.

What If I Don’t Have Baking Powder for the Dumplings?

If you find yourself out of baking powder, you can make a simple substitute by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for each teaspoon needed. Keep in mind, this will change the taste slightly, but it will still work well for your dumplings!

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dumplings will absorb some broth over time, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to restore the soup’s consistency.

Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the chicken. You can add more vegetables or beans for added protein and texture. The dumplings will remain the same and still fluffy!