Comforting Chicken and Dumpling Soup for Cozy Nights

This Chicken and Dumpling Soup blends tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich broth, making it a perfect comfort food.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Soups

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Soup

4 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds richness and flavor; use unsalted to control saltiness.
1 medium onion Provides aromatic depth; substitute with shallots for a milder taste.
2 stalks celery Contributes a fresh crunch and aromatic flavor; can be replaced with leeks.
2 medium carrots Adds natural sweetness and color; use parsnips for a different flavor profile.
3 cloves garlic Enhances overall flavor; garlic powder can be used if fresh isn’t available.
1/4 cup fresh parsley Offers brightness and freshness; dried parsley can be substituted, but the flavor will be less intense.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme Contributes herbal notes that deepen the broth; dried thyme can be used in a pinch, at about 1/3 the amount.
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning Adds a savory flavor profile reminiscent of home cooking; a blend of dried herbs can be used as a substitute.
1/3 cup all-purpose flour Thickens the soup and makes dumplings; can be substituted with gluten-free flour if needed.
6 cups low sodium chicken broth Serves as the soup base, allowing control of sodium levels; homemade broth is recommended for the best flavor.
2 leaves bay leaves Adds depth to the broth; remember to remove them before serving.
to taste salt and pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
2 cups cooked chicken Provides protein and hearty texture; rotisserie chicken is recommended for convenience and flavor.
1 cup frozen peas Adds color and sweetness; fresh peas can be used if available.

For the Dumplings

2 cups flour Forms the base of the dumplings; substitutions not recommended, as this is essential for structure.
1 tablespoon baking powder Leavening agent for dumplings, helping them rise; no substitutions suggested.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar Adds a hint of sweetness to balance flavors; can be omitted for a savory version.
1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor in dumpling dough; use kosher salt for more even seasoning.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter Contributes tenderness to the dumpling texture; can be replaced with margarine if desired.
3/4 cup milk Provides moisture to the dumplings; non-dairy milk can be used for a lactose-free option.

Equipment

Dutch oven

Method

Cooking Instructions

Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, celery, and carrots, cooking until tender and aromatic, about 7-8 minutes.
Reduce heat to low, add minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh thyme, and poultry seasoning. Sauté for about 1 minute.
Sprinkle 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables, mixing well to coat, and cook for another minute to create a roux.
Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add 2 bay leaves. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil, then reduce and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes.
Remove bay leaves and season broth with salt and pepper. Stir in 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken and 1 cup of frozen peas. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Pour in 3/4 cup of milk to form a soft dough, mixing gently.
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the bubbling soup. Cover and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes on low heat.
After 15 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness and ladle soup into bowls, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Mix dumpling dough just until combined to avoid tough dumplings. Don't lift the lid while cooking dumplings to keep them fluffy. Use homemade broth for best flavor.

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