If you’re craving an old-fashioned, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal, this Chicken & Dumplings Soup is for you. With juicy shredded chicken, tender vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings floating in a creamy, savory broth—this soup delivers warmth, comfort, and Southern-style flavor in every spoonful.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy bowl of nostalgia, this one-pot classic is as satisfying as it is simple.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
Preparation
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Cook for 1 more minute.
Step 2: Add Broth & Chicken
- Whisk 2 tablespoons of flour into the chicken broth until smooth, then pour into the pot. Stir in milk, cream, and shredded chicken. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 3: Make the Dumplings
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter and milk. Stir just until a sticky dough forms—do not overmix.
Step 4: Drop the Dumplings
- Using a spoon or small scoop, drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Try to space them out evenly. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Step 5: Serve
- After 15 minutes, check a dumpling with a toothpick—it should come out clean when cooked through. Gently stir and serve hot, garnished with parsley or black pepper if desired.
Variation
- Herbed Dumplings: Add chopped chives, rosemary, or dill to the dumpling dough
- Add Veggies: Stir in peas, green beans, or corn with the chicken
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the broth
- Rotisserie Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- Lighter Version: Use whole milk or half-and-half and skip the cream
Cooking Note
Do not lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking—this traps steam and helps them cook through properly. The dough will look sticky—that’s normal. Avoid stirring the dumplings once they’re in the broth to prevent breaking them.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm biscuits or cornbread
- Pair with a crisp green salad for balance
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
- Top with extra cracked pepper or fresh herbs
- Perfect with iced tea or a cozy mug of cider
Tips
- Make the soup base ahead and add dumplings right before serving
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat gently—avoid boiling to preserve dumpling texture
- Add a touch of grated Parmesan for extra richness
- To thicken more, mash some cooked veggies before adding dumplings
Time Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
- Fat: ~27g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~780mg
Nutrition varies based on milk/cream used and dumpling size.
FAQs
Can I use biscuit dough for dumplings?
- Yes! Store-bought biscuit dough works—just cut into pieces and simmer as directed.
Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
- Yes. Make the soup base in the slow cooker on LOW for 6 hours. Add dumplings in the last hour and cover to steam.
Can I make it dairy-free?
- Use dairy-free milk and a plant-based cream substitute. The broth will be thinner but still flavorful.
Can I freeze chicken & dumplings soup?
- It’s best fresh, as dumplings change texture when frozen. If freezing, do so without dumplings and make fresh when reheating.
What kind of chicken works best?
- Shredded rotisserie, leftover roast, or poached chicken breast or thighs all work beautifully.
Conclusion
Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the kind of soul-warming meal that brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen. With a rich, creamy base, tender chicken, and pillowy dumplings, this timeless classic is everything cozy in one big bowl.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or just need a comforting night in, this recipe will never let you down. Once you try it, it’ll earn a regular spot in your recipe rotation.