The Ultimate Bowl of Cozy
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Chicken & Dumpling Soup to soothe the soul. Tender chunks of chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth come together in a comforting one-pot meal that brings warmth with every bite.
In 2024, this timeless classic is trending again—with home cooks searching for healthier, one-pot comfort meals that don’t sacrifice flavor. Our version lightens things up with garden vegetables, lean chicken, and easy drop-style dumplings, keeping it traditional while making it feel fresh.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or making a big batch for family, this soup never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- One-pot classic – A full meal in one dish
- Wholesome and filling – Chicken, veggies, and dumplings = satisfying
- Old-fashioned flavor – But made simple for modern cooks
- Family-friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike
- Freezer-friendly – Especially the broth and chicken base
Ingredients Overview
For the Soup:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp | Or butter for richness |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium | Base of the flavor |
| Carrots, sliced | 2 medium | Classic veggie pairing |
| Celery stalks, sliced | 2 | Optional but adds depth |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | Boosts aroma |
| Boneless chicken thighs or breasts | 1 lb, diced | Thighs = more flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 2 Tbsp | Helps thicken the broth |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Fresh thyme | 1 tsp | Or ½ tsp dried |
| Bay leaf | 1 | Optional but recommended |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Add at the end |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup | Stir in last for texture |
For the Dumplings:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Use 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | Makes dumplings rise |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Balances flavor |
| Milk (dairy or non-dairy) | ½ cup | Any unsweetened milk works |
| Olive oil or melted butter | 2 Tbsp | Adds tenderness |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | 1 Tbsp, chopped | For color and flavor |
How to Make Chicken & Dumpling Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Flour
Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned, 5–7 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and stir to coat evenly.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and broth thickens slightly.
Step 4: Mix and Drop Dumplings
In a separate bowl, mix all dumpling ingredients until just combined (do not overmix). Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the surface of the simmering soup.
Step 5: Cover and Steam
Cover the pot and let dumplings steam for 12–15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Remove bay leaf. Stir in peas, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – serves 6)
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | ~610 mg |
High in protein, iron, and immune-supporting vitamins from chicken and veggies.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days. The dumplings may thicken over time—add a splash of broth before reheating.
Freezer
Freeze soup base (without dumplings) for up to 3 months. Make fresh dumplings when reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat over low heat on the stove. Dumplings may soften but remain delicious.
Variations & Customizations
Herb Dumplings
Add rosemary, thyme, or dill to the dough for extra flavor.
Creamy Version
Stir in ½ cup coconut milk or light cream at the end.
Spicy Twist
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup base.
Low-Carb Swap
Skip dumplings and serve with cauliflower rice or zoodles.
Vegan Adaptation
Use chickpeas and vegetable broth, and make dumplings with almond milk and vegan butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes—stir in shredded rotisserie chicken during the final 10 minutes of simmering.
Can I use biscuit dough for the dumplings?
You can! Canned biscuit dough works in a pinch—just cut into small pieces and drop in like regular dumplings.
Why did my dumplings fall apart?
Overmixing or lifting the lid during cooking can cause them to break. Mix gently and steam undisturbed.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in both the soup and dumplings.
What herbs go best with this soup?
Fresh parsley, thyme, and a bit of sage or rosemary all complement the dish beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad
- Top with fresh herbs or cracked black pepper
- Serve with a side of garlic toast or cornbread
- Drizzle with chili oil or lemon juice for brightness
- Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or vegan cream
Share the Cozy Classic
Make this Chicken & Dumpling Soup, snap a picture of that fluffy dumpling goodness, and tag @YourFoodBlog with #DumplingSoupLove. Your bowl might get featured in our weekend favorites!
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