This classic chicken and dumplings soup is the kind of meal that warms your soul and fills your kitchen with the aroma of comfort. Tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft homemade dumplings simmer in a flavorful broth for a cozy, filling dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a touch of home.
🕒 Total Time:
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Total: ~1 hour
🍲 Servings:
6–8 servings
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed; use rotisserie or boiled chicken)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional, adds color and flavor)
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (cold, cubed)
- ¾ cup milk (or buttermilk for richer flavor)
🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Base
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Broth & Chicken
- Pour in chicken broth and water. Stir well.
- Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead lightly just until combined — don’t overmix!
Step 4: Add the Dumplings
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Drop spoonfuls (or small rolled pieces) of dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth.
- Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 15 minutes, without lifting the lid — this helps the dumplings steam properly.
- After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Step 5: Adjust & Serve
- Stir gently to mix, but avoid breaking the dumplings.
- Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or thyme for a fresh finish.
🍗 Optional Add-Ins:
- Peas or corn: Add ½ cup during the last 10 minutes for extra color and sweetness.
- Creamier version: Stir in ½ cup of cream or evaporated milk before serving.
- Protein boost: Add ½ cup Greek yogurt into the broth after cooking for creaminess and added protein.
💡 Tips:
- Don’t lift the lid while dumplings cook — it releases the steam they need to puff up.
- For a thicker soup, mash a few dumplings or veggies in the broth before serving.
- To make it high-protein, use chicken breast and add collagen powder or unflavored whey protein into the broth before adding dumplings.
🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving)
(Approximate values based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
