Chicken & Dumplings Soup

Table of Contents

Introduction
Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Notes
Variations
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion

Introduction

Few dishes evoke comfort quite like a warm bowl of Chicken & Dumplings Soup. With tender pieces of chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings cooked in a rich, savory broth, this classic soup is the ultimate cozy meal for any chilly day. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just craving some homemade comfort food, this dish is sure to warm you from the inside out.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to create this timeless recipe, including step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and keto-friendly alternatives.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Dumplings Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the dried thyme and rosemary. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add Chicken and Peas: Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.
Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be slightly sticky.
Add Dumplings to the Soup: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 12-15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings steam properly and become fluffy.
Finish the Soup: Stir in the heavy cream, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Notes

Dumpling Tip: When adding the dumpling dough, make sure the soup is simmering gently. The steam from the soup helps cook the dumplings and makes them fluffy.
Chicken Options: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast to save time. Shredded dark meat can also be used for a richer flavor.
Creamy Texture: Adding heavy cream at the end gives the soup a velvety, creamy consistency. You can adjust the amount of cream based on your preference.

Variations

Herbed Dumplings: Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to the dumpling dough for extra flavor.
Vegetable Additions: Add diced potatoes, green beans, or corn for a heartier soup with extra veggies.
Spicy Chicken & Dumplings: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

To make this Chicken & Dumplings Soup keto-friendly or low-carb, here are some adjustments:

Dumpling Substitute: Replace the flour-based dumplings with almond flour and cheese-based dumplings to keep them low-carb.
Vegetable Substitute: Use low-carb vegetables like cauliflower and zucchini instead of carrots and peas.
Thickening the Soup: Instead of flour, use xanthan gum or heavy cream to thicken the soup without adding carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Prepare and add the dumplings just before serving to ensure they are fresh and fluffy.

Can I Freeze Chicken & Dumplings Soup?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the dumplings. The dumplings can become soggy when frozen and reheated. Prepare fresh dumplings when reheating the soup.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding more broth or water if needed to reach the desired consistency.

What Should I Serve with Chicken & Dumplings Soup?

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad or a slice of crusty bread for a complete dinner.

Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a timeless comfort dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something comforting and homemade. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and share your favorite version!