Chicken Dumpling Soup: A Cozy, Hearty Comfort Food 🥣🐔🥟
1. Introduction
When it comes to classic comfort food, Chicken Dumpling Soup stands out as a warm and satisfying dish perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a homemade, hearty meal. This homemade dumpling soup dinner combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a flavorful broth, making it an ideal choice for an easy and delicious soup recipe with dumplings. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or a romantic night for two with chicken dinner ideas, this chicken dumpling soup is sure to impress.
2. Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Dumpling Soup
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or homemade chicken stock)
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Chicken Dumpling Soup
**Preparation of the Broth and Vegetables**
Begin by heating the chicken broth in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and simmer until tender. This creates a flavor-rich base for your homemade chicken dumpling soup.
**Cooking the Chicken**
If you haven’t prepared chicken yet, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shred or dice about 2 cups and add to the broth. For an even more flavorful broth, you can also include leftover cooked chicken from your fridge for a quick and savory touch.
**Making the Dumpling Batter**
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add 1/4 cup chopped parsley, milk, and melted butter. Mix until you get a soft, slightly sticky batter, perfect for forming dumplings.
**Forming and Cooking the Dumplings**
Drop spoonfuls of the batter directly into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes, until puffed and cooked through. Do not lift the lid during cooking to keep the steam trapped and ensure fluffy dumplings.
**Final Touches and Seasoning**
Once the dumplings are cooked, taste your chicken dumpling soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Serve hot for the best experience.
4. Storage Tips and Reheating Instructions
Leftover soup with dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore the soup’s consistency. Avoid freezing the dumplings, as they tend to become soggy upon reheating. For leftovers, consider keeping the broth and chicken separately from the dumplings for optimal texture.
5. Serving Suggestions for Chicken Dumpling Soup
This homemade chicken dumpling soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for added freshness. It’s also excellent as a light yet filling lunch or dinner option, especially when served alongside a [potato and dumpling soup](https://recipeswonders.com/tag/potato-and-dumpling-soup/) or a hearty cabbage fat-burning soup.
6. Variations and Tips for Perfect Chicken Dumpling Soup
For additional flavor, try using wild rice or other grains as a comforting addition. If you prefer a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Using rotisserie chicken simplifies the cooking process and infuses more flavor into your soup. This chicken dumpling soup homemade recipe distinguishes itself as an easy, hearty, family-friendly dish — perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
7. Why Choose Chicken Dumpling Soup?
Not only is this chicken soup with dumplings incredibly satisfying, but it’s also a nutritious choice packed with protein and vegetables. Its comforting taste and fluffy dumplings make it a preferred home-cooked meal everyone loves. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels, ensuring you’ll return to it whenever craving a hearty soup recipe with dumplings.
8. FAQs: Your Questions About Chicken Dumpling Soup Answered
Is chicken dumpling soup healthy?
Yes, especially if you use lean chicken and plenty of vegetables. To make it healthier, opt for low-sodium broth and whole wheat flour for the dumplings.
How do I keep the dumplings fluffy?
Ensure the broth is simmering gently before adding the dumpling batter and avoid lifting the lid during cooking to trap steam and allow the dumplings to puff up.
Can I freeze chicken dumpling soup?
It’s best to freeze the broth and cooked chicken separately from the uncooked or cooked dumplings to preserve texture. The dumplings tend to become soggy after freezing and reheating.
9. Conclusion
Enjoying a bowl of chicken dumpling soup is the perfect way to warm up and nourish your body. This homemade dumpling soup dinner combines ease, comfort, and incredible flavor, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you prefer a slow-cooker version or a quick stovetop method, this chicken soup and dumplings recipe delivers every time. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in a delightful bowl of homemade, comforting chicken dumpling soup — it’s a meal everyone will love!
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Chicken Dumpling Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: All Diets
Description
Enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of Chicken Dumpling Soup— a classic comfort food that combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this cozy soup offers a satisfying and easy-to-make meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or homemade chicken stock)
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
Instructions
- Heat the chicken broth in a large pot over medium heat and add the chopped vegetables. Simmer until tender to create a flavorful broth base.
- Add the cooked chicken to the broth, stirring to combine.
- Prepare the dumpling batter by combining flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, milk, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through, without lifting the lid during cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or herbs if needed. Serve hot for maximum comfort and flavor.
Notes
- Do not lift the lid during dumpling cooking to retain steam and ensure fluffy results.
- For storage, keep the broth and chicken separate from the dumplings to prevent sogginess.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop adding broth or water as needed.
- For added flavor, incorporate wild rice or other grains into the broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 270 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
