When chilly weather rolls in, nothing beats a big bowl of homemade chicken and dumpling soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, flavorful broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. If you’ve ever wondered how to make this classic dish from scratch, you’re in the right place. This easy-to-follow guide breaks down each step so you can create a hearty, satisfying chicken and dumpling soup that your family will love.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll typically need:
– Chicken: Bone-in thighs or breasts work well. Thighs stay juicy and tender.
– Vegetables: Onion, celery, carrots, and garlic for a flavorful base.
– Broth: Chicken broth or stock to create a rich soup.
– Herbs and Seasonings: Thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, pepper, and optionally poultry seasoning.
– Flour and Butter: For thickening the soup and making the dumpling dough.
– Milk or Cream: Adds creaminess to the broth.
– Dumpling Ingredients: Flour, baking powder, salt, milk, sour cream or butter, and fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken and Dumpling Soup
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating a bit of oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots, and sauté them until they become soft and fragrant—about 3 to 5 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma. This veggie base is what gives your soup that wonderful depth of flavor.
2. Create the Soup Base with Broth and Seasonings
Sprinkle flour over the sautéed veggies and stir well. This helps thicken the soup later. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add your herbs—thyme, sage, rosemary—and season with salt and pepper. Nestle the chicken pieces into the pot, bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. This allows the chicken to cook through and infuses the broth with rich flavor.
3. Prepare the Dumpling Dough
While the soup simmers, make your dumpling dough. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the center and add milk, sour cream (or melted butter), and fresh herbs. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your dumplings light and fluffy.
4. Shred the Chicken and Add Cream and Veggies
Once the chicken is cooked (about 15-20 minutes), remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with any additional veggies like frozen peas or carrots. Pour in some cream or evaporated milk to add richness. Let the soup come back to a gentle simmer.
5. Drop the Dumplings into the Soup
Using a small spoon or your fingers dipped in water (to prevent sticking), drop small spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook gently for 12-15 minutes. They will puff up and float to the top when done. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the steam trapped inside for perfect dumplings.
6. Final Touches and Serving
Once the dumplings are tender and cooked through, give the soup a gentle stir to break up the dumplings slightly if you like a more rustic texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumpling Soup
– Use bone-in chicken: It adds more flavor to your broth.
– Don’t overmix dumpling dough: Overworking it can make dumplings tough.
– Simmer gently: A low simmer cooks the dumplings evenly without breaking them apart.
– Customize your herbs: Fresh or dried herbs both work; adjust to your taste.
– Make it creamy or clear: Add cream for richness or skip it for a lighter soup.
Why You’ll Love Making Chicken and Dumpling Soup at Home
This soup is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, nourishing experience that brings comfort and joy. It’s perfect for cold days, family dinners, or anytime you crave something hearty and homemade. Plus, it’s versatile and forgiving, so you can tweak the recipe to suit your pantry and preferences.
Making chicken and dumpling soup from scratch is easier than you think, and the reward is a bowl full of cozy goodness that’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every spoonful!
Chicken and dumpling soup is a timeless comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to make. With fresh ingredients, a flavorful broth, and tender dumplings, you’ll have a delicious, heartwarming meal ready in no time.