Name: Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup milk; 2 tablespoons melted butter

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If you’re craving a hug in a bowl, nothing beats this Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a rich, savory broth with fluffy, cloud-like dumplings that melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of classic comfort food that warms your soul, brings everyone to the table, and leaves you feeling full and happy. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a lazy weekend, this recipe is everything you want in a heartwarming meal, plus it’s surprisingly simple to whip up from scratch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first image shows a white round pot filled with three layers of fresh chopped vegetables arranged side by side: bright orange carrot slices on the left, white onion pieces in the middle, and light green celery bits on the right, all sitting on a white marbled surface. In the second image, the same white pot contains a thick mixed stew with visible chunks of the softened carrots, onions, and celery, stirred by a red spatula with white polka dots. The colors inside the pot are a blend of creamy beige and small orange and green pieces, with a textured, creamy look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe proves that the best dishes often come from pantry staples and fresh veggies working in harmony. Each ingredient, from the aromatic onions to the fluffy dumpling mix, plays a special role in building that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this soup irresistible.

2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables for a flavorful base.
1 small onion, diced: Builds a sweet, aromatic foundation when cooked.
2 carrots, sliced: Adds a subtle natural sweetness and vibrant color.
2 celery stalks, sliced: Contributes a refreshing crunch and depth to the broth.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a gentle pungency that wakes up your taste buds.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the broth for that luscious, velvety texture.
8 cups chicken broth: The hearty liquid that ties the soup together with savory goodness.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Tender protein to make your soup filling and satisfying.
1/2 cup milk or heavy cream: Adds a creamy element that softens and rounds off flavors.
1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice note.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements chicken perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds freshness and a hint of earthiness.
Dumplings: The star components with 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup milk, and 2 tablespoons melted butter for perfectly light and fluffy bites.

How to Make Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables

Begin by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant, about five minutes. This is where your soup starts building depth, with the vegetables releasing their natural sweetness and aromas.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it just long enough to bring out its flavor—about 30 seconds. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggies and give everything a good stir. Cook it for one minute; this step removes the raw flour taste while starting to thicken the soup.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Slowly add the chicken broth while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. This creates a beautifully smooth base for your soup that’s ready to soak up all those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Stir in the shredded cooked chicken along with the milk (or cream), salt, black pepper, thyme, and parsley. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer. This simmering melds the herbs and chicken together, creating a deeply satisfying taste.

Step 5: Prepare Dumpling Dough

While your soup simmers, mix the dumpling ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make your dumplings tough.

Step 6: Drop Dumplings into Soup

Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough on top of your simmering soup. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings steam gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This creates those pillowy dumplings with a tender interior.

Step 7: Finish Cooking Dumplings

After the initial steam, uncover the pot and cook for another 5 minutes to ensure dumplings are cooked all the way through. Give the soup a little taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Now your soup is ready to enjoy—hot, hearty, and utterly comforting.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe

Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a fresh aroma to each bowl. For an extra touch, a dash of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can elevate the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with warm, crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich and creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe in charming rustic bowls, or even bread bowls for a cozy, comforting presentation. For a fun twist, garnish with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of paprika to enhance visual appeal along with taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep dumplings and soup together to preserve their tenderness and keep the flavors melding beautifully.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but dumplings will lose some of their texture. If freezing, it’s best to freeze the soup and add fresh dumplings when reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for a convenient, comfort-food meal later.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to a creamy consistency. Avoid boiling, which can toughen the dumplings and chicken.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves cooking time without sacrificing the heartiness of your Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe.

What can I substitute for milk or cream in the soup?

You can use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a lighter or dairy-free version. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and neutral in flavor to keep the soup savory.

How do I prevent dumplings from sticking together?

Drop them gently into simmering soup spaced apart as much as possible, and avoid stirring after they’ve been added. A tight lid helps steam them properly without sticking.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Peas, green beans, or corn make delightful additions that boost color and nutrition, tailoring the soup to your personal taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the soup base ahead of time, then add dumplings just before serving. This keeps your dumplings fresh and fluffy, perfect for dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade chicken and dumpling soup, and this recipe captures that magic perfectly. It’s cozy, comforting, and downright delicious—exactly what you want when you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug. I can’t wait for you to give this Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe a try and make it a beloved favorite in your own kitchen.