A pot of chicken and dumpling soup isn’t just a meal—it’s a story told through every spoonful.

It’s the kind of dish that feels like a quiet conversation on a rainy day, where the steam rising from the bowl carries with it a sense of care and tradition.

Tender pieces of chicken and soft, golden dumplings soak up a rich, savory broth, making every bite a reminder that simplicity often holds the most flavor.

Whether you’re serving it to warm hearts around the table or enjoying it as a moment of peace in your day, this soup brings together the familiar and the comforting in the best way possible.

Let’s bring this timeless classic to life in your kitchen.

Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks with leaves, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk, divided
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried), plus extra for garnish
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and lightly brown.
2. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the vegetables. Stir until everything is evenly coated and the raw flour smell dissipates.
3. Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup of milk and the cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
4. In a medium bowl, mix together the remaining 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon thyme. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and stir until the mixture looks crumbly. Slowly pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of milk and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
5. Using a tablespoon or small scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Make sure the dumplings have enough space to expand. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently on low heat for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid to ensure the dumplings cook through and stay fluffy.
6. Once the dumplings are cooked and floating on top, remove the pot from heat. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Expert Tips For The Fluffiest Dumplings

Making perfect, fluffy dumplings every time is easier than you might think. Follow these expert tips to get light and airy dumplings that melt in your mouth:

• Use cold butter and liquid: Cold butter and milk help create a tender texture. When mixed with flour, the cold fat forms tiny pockets, making the dumplings fluffy.
• Handle the dough gently: Stir the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Over-mixing can make the dumplings dense and heavy.
• Rest the dough: Let the dough rest for a few minutes before cooking. This gives the baking powder a chance to activate and create lift.
• Simmer on low heat: Cook your dumplings over low heat to avoid them becoming tough. High heat can cause them to cook too quickly and collapse.
• Don’t peek while cooking: Keep the lid on the pot while your dumplings cook. Lifting the lid lets the steam escape and can prevent them from puffing up properly.

What To Serve With Chicken And Dumpling Soup?

While chicken and dumpling soup is hearty enough on its own, pairing it with the right sides can make your meal complete. Here are some simple and tasty options:

• A crisp salad
• Roasted veggies (carrots, sweet potatoes, or roasted Brussels sprouts)
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls
• Steamed rice
• Fresh fruit (apples, pears, or grapes)

How To Store Chicken And Dumpling Soup?

Storing chicken and dumpling soup properly ensures you can enjoy it later without losing flavor or texture. Here’s how:

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the dumplings) in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat and add fresh dumplings to maintain their texture.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on low heat to prevent it from becoming too thick or the dumplings from falling apart. Add a little extra broth if needed.

Will Dumplings Dissolve In Soup?

A common concern is whether dumplings will dissolve in soup, but with the right technique, this won’t happen:

• Properly made dumplings will stay intact if cooked at a gentle simmer. High heat or overcooking can cause them to break apart.
• Fluffiness counts: The fluffier the dumpling, the less likely it is to dissolve. If your dumplings are dense, they’re more likely to fall apart.
• Add dumplings last: Wait until the soup is simmering and ready before adding the dumplings. Let them cook gently, and they will stay intact and soft.

What Is The Proper Way To Eat Soup Dumplings?

Soup dumplings are a delicious treat, but they require a little technique to enjoy properly:

• Use a spoon: Place the dumpling in a spoon to catch the hot broth inside. This prevents you from burning your mouth on the steaming liquid.
• Bite a small hole: Gently bite into the top of the dumpling to release the broth. Let it cool for a moment.
• Sip the broth: Drink the flavorful broth from the dumpling carefully, taking small sips.
• Finish the dumpling: Once the broth is gone, you can eat the rest of the dumpling with a spoon or chopsticks.

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