Picture a steaming bowl of chicken dumpling soup, its aroma filling the kitchen with warmth.
There’s something undeniably comforting about this dish, with its tender dumplings and rich, savory broth.
Despite its indulgent feel, it’s surprisingly simple to make.
As the ingredients meld together, they create a symphony of flavors that transforms from basic to extraordinary.
Let’s bring this cozy classic to life and savor every spoonful.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chicken Dumpling Soup, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (10 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (20 minutes)
- Chop the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
- Shred the cooked chicken if not already done.
- Measure out all other ingredients.
- Cooking (40 minutes)
- 0:00 – 5:00 minutes: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 5:00 – 15:00 minutes: Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until tender.
- 15:00 – 16:00 minutes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 16:00 – 18:00 minutes: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- 18:00 – 20:00 minutes: Add the shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- 20:00 – 25:00 minutes: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter to form the dough.
- 25:00 – 40:00 minutes: Drop spoonfuls of dough into the boiling soup, cover the pot, and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
- Final Steps and Resting (10 minutes)
- 40:00 – 42:00 minutes: Stir in the chopped parsley and remove the pot from heat.
- 42:00 – 52:00 minutes: Allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This timeline guarantees that you stay organized and efficient throughout the cooking process, allowing time for reading, preparation, and cooking activities.
Adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving. Enjoy your Chicken Dumpling Soup!
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until vegetables are tender.
Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Stir milk and melted butter into the flour mixture until a dough forms.
Drop spoonfuls of dough into the boiling soup.
Cover the pot and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
Stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.
Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Garden Salad: Pair with a fresh garden salad for a light and invigorating contrast.
- Steamed Vegetables: Complement with a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrients.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Fruit Salad: Finish the meal with a sweet and tangy fruit salad for a revitalizing dessert.
Storage
To store Chicken Dumpling Soup, transfer to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove.
Add broth if needed to maintain consistency.
Freezing
To freeze Chicken Dumpling Soup, cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers. Leave space for expansion.
Label with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Chicken Dumpling Soup, gently warm on the stove over low heat.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Avoid microwaving, as uneven heating might affect texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Dumpling Soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for any occasion.
The combination of tender vegetables, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings creates a satisfying meal.
It’s crucial to verify that the dumplings aren’t too large, as they’ll expand while cooking.
If you prefer a thicker broth, consider adding a tablespoon of flour mixed with water to the soup before adding the dumplings.
Finally, always taste the soup towards the end and adjust the seasoning as needed.
With a total preparation time of 70 minutes, including resting time, this recipe serves six and is a delightful choice for a main course in American cuisine.
Enjoy the warmth and comfort of Chicken Dumpling Soup with your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Vegetable Broth Instead of Chicken Broth?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Doing so will slightly alter the flavor profile, making it less meaty and more vegetal. Make certain the broth is well-seasoned to maintain the soup’s overall taste balance.
What Are Some Suitable Substitutes for Fresh Parsley?
You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley, using one-third the amount. Other suitable alternatives include cilantro for a bold flavor, or chives for a milder taste. Make certain you adjust quantities to suit your preference.
How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Confirm your baking powder is gluten-free too. Check all packaged ingredients for gluten, as cross-contamination can occur. Follow the same instructions for preparation.
Can I Make the Dumplings Ahead of Time?
You can make the dumplings ahead of time by mixing the dough, shaping them, and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Make certain they’re well-sealed to prevent drying out.
Is It Possible to Use Canned Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken in this recipe. Drain the chicken well before adding it to the soup. It’ll save preparation time and still provide a rich flavor. Adjust seasoning as canned chicken can be saltier.

Chicken Dumpling Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir milk and melted butter into the flour mixture until a dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into the boiling soup.
- Cover the pot and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
- Stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.
- Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.