There’s nothing quite like Chicken & Dumplings Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. This classic dish combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, flavorful broth loaded with hearty vegetables. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl!

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, hearty, and so satisfying.
• Homemade Dumplings: Light, fluffy, and easy to make.
• One-Pot Meal: Simple to prepare and minimal cleanup.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that’s loved by kids and adults alike.

How to Make Chicken & Dumplings Soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Build the Soup Base

• Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme and parsley.
• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Add the Chicken

• Stir in the cooked chicken and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Make the Dumplings

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be slightly sticky.

5. Drop in the Dumplings

• Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering soup. Space them out slightly, as they will expand while cooking.
• Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure they puff up properly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the lid and check that the dumplings are cooked through (they should be firm and fluffy).
• Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure everyone gets plenty of dumplings, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad balances the richness of the soup.
• Extra Vegetables: Add steamed green beans or peas for more variety.

Tips for Perfect Chicken & Dumplings

1. Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough: Overmixing can make the dumplings dense rather than fluffy.
2. Keep the Lid On: Resist the urge to lift the lid while the dumplings cook—steam is essential for their fluffiness.
3. Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
4. Customize the Herbs: Add rosemary or bay leaves for extra depth of flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.
• Freeze: The soup can be frozen, but it’s best to make the dumplings fresh when reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavors that the whole family will love. Plus, those homemade dumplings take it to the next level of comfort food bliss!

Let me know how it turns out, and don’t forget to share your tips or variations—happy cooking! 🍲