Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Looking for a comforting, hearty soup recipe? This Chicken and Dumpling Soup is the ultimate comfort food, filled with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and soft, homemade dumplings. Made with easy-to-find ingredients like chicken broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley, this recipe is perfect for chilly days. Whether you’re craving a warm dinner or need a cozy meal for the family, this homemade soup is simple to prepare and full of flavor. Learn how to make this delicious chicken soup with fluffy dumplings from scratch and enjoy a bowl of comfort!

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks of celery, finely diced
• 1 small/medium onion, finely diced
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 large carrots, thinly sliced
• 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 6 cups water
• 1 Tbsp salt (or to taste; sea salt recommended)
• 3-4 medium potatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs), peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 large chicken breast), diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 Tbsp chopped dill (optional) and/or 2 Tbsp chopped parsley (optional; I used both)

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups flour, sifted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp sour cream
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) melted butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base: In a 5-quart soup pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced celery and onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Then, add the sliced carrots and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, until the onions and celery are golden.
2. Add the liquids: Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and 6 cups of water into the pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the chopped potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are nearly tender.
3. Make the dumplings: While the soup is cooking, sift 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon sugar into a medium bowl. Create a well in the center and add 2 eggs and 1 tablespoon of sour cream. Gently fold together with a spatula. The dough will initially appear clumpy. Add 6 tablespoons of melted butter and stir until the dough becomes smooth and uniform. It should be soft but not sticky.
4. Shape the dumplings: Transfer the dough to a clean cutting board and divide it into two portions. Roll each portion into a long, slim log and cut small bite-sized pieces. The dough will not stick to the knife or cutting board due to the butter, making this step easier.
5. Combine and cook: Once the potatoes are nearly tender, keep the pot at a gentle boil. Add 2 bay leaves, the diced chicken, and the dumplings. Continue boiling for another 10 minutes or until the dumplings are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Season and serve: Taste the soup and add more salt if needed (about 1/2 teaspoon more). Stir in the fresh dill or parsley (or both). Remove from heat and serve.

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Tips

• Sifting the flour: Make sure to sift your flour for the dumplings. This ensures a lighter, fluffier texture for the dumplings.
• Dumpling size: Keep the dumplings bite-sized since they expand as they cook. Cutting them too large can make them harder to cook evenly.
• Chicken options: If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken for extra flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the chicken for a meatless option. Add extra vegetables like peas or green beans for variety.
• Gluten-Free: Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings gluten-free.
• Herb variations: If you don’t have dill or parsley, thyme or rosemary can make excellent substitutes for added flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots, peas, or corn in place of fresh vegetables. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly as frozen veggies cook faster.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
This soup can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just keep in mind that the dumplings may absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add extra liquid when reheating.

How can I make this soup creamy?
For a creamier version, you can add a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half when adding the chicken and dumplings. This will give the soup a richer texture.

Serving Suggestions

• This soup is perfect on its own as a hearty meal.
• Serve it with a warm, crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for a complete comfort meal.
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of this soup nicely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken and Dumpling Soup is the ultimate comfort food—packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings. It’s a warming and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days. The combination of fresh herbs and savory broth creates a rich, flavorful soup that’s both filling and nourishing. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as a cozy weekend meal, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household!