Ther’s something profoundly satisfying about a warm bowl of homemade chicken and dumpling soup-a timeless dish that wraps comfort and nourishment into every spoonful. Whether you’re seeking a cozy midday escape or a hearty lunch to fuel your day, this classic recipe offers a perfect balance of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory broth. In this article, we’ll explore how to create your own comforting bowl of chicken and dumpling soup, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable meal that feels like a hug from the inside out.
Comfort in a Bowl: Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Lunch invites you to experience a heartwarming classic that simply warms both body and soul. This timeless recipe, cherished across generations, combines tender chicken simmered in a fragrant broth with pillow-soft dumplings that float delightfully on the surface. Originating from Southern American kitchens, this soup acts as a culinary hug-perfect for chilly afternoons or whenever you crave something truly nurturing.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield
Serves 6 generous bowls
Difficulty Level
Easy to Medium – approachable for home cooks, with helpful tips to master dumpling texture
Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (preferably from a roasted chicken for depth)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Dumplings:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup whole milk (cold)
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large heavy-bottom pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots.Sauté until softened and fragrant,about 7-8 minutes,stirring often to prevent burning.
- Add garlic and thyme: Stir in minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 1 minute until aromatic.
- Thicken the broth: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
- Pour in chicken broth: Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking to eliminate lumps.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add chicken and season: Fold in shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently while you prepare dumplings (about 10 minutes).
- Make dumpling dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. using a pastry cutter or your fingers, quickly cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl,beat the egg with cold milk. Pour this into the flour mixture and stir gently just until everything comes together – a little lumpy is perfect. Avoid over-mixing to keep dumplings tender.
- Add dumplings to soup: Using a spoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering soup surface. Leave enough space for dough to expand.
- Cook the dumplings: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer gently (do not boil) for 15-18 minutes until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through. Resist lifting the lid during cooking to prevent the dumplings from collapsing.
- Final touches: once cooked,taste and adjust seasonings. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness.
Chef’s Notes
- Ingredient tips: Use bone-in chicken thighs or a whole roasted chicken carcass for deeper flavor in your broth.
- Flour alternatives: for gluten-free dumplings, try a cup of gluten-free flour blend but expect slight texture changes.
- Dumpling consistency: The dough should be thick enough to hold shape without spreading rapidly; too thin, and dumplings will dissolve.
- Make-ahead: Soups like this deepen in flavor overnight. Store soup and dumplings separately if possible and combine when reheating.
- Broth richness: Skim off any excess fat from the broth’s surface before adding dumplings to keep the texture light.
Serving suggestions
Serve this comforting soup piping hot in rustic bowls to showcase the golden dumplings floating in rich broth. Pair with a slice of crusty sourdough bread or a simple side salad for balance. Freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top enhances the savory profile. For a touch of brightness,a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be offered as an optional finishing touch.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
For those looking to explore more hearty, comforting recipes, check out our Hearty Winter Stews collection. Learn more about the health benefits of chicken with authoritative insights from Healthline’s guide to chicken nutrition.
Q&A
Q&A: comfort in a Bowl – Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup Lunch
Q: What makes homemade chicken and dumpling soup a comforting meal?
A: Chicken and dumpling soup combines warm, savory broth with tender chicken and soft, fluffy dumplings-creating a rich, hearty texture that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. it’s the perfect balance of nourishment and indulgence, ideal for a comforting lunch.Q: How difficult is it to make chicken and dumpling soup from scratch?
A: Surprisingly approachable! While it involves a few steps like preparing the broth, cooking the chicken, and making dumplings, the process is straightforward. most home cooks can create this satisfying dish with some patience and basic kitchen skills.
Q: What ingredients are essential for the best chicken and dumpling soup?
A: Fresh chicken (often bone-in for flavor), aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, a flavorful broth, and simple dumpling dough-usually made with flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley add a subtle brightness.
Q: Can chicken and dumpling soup be customized to dietary preferences?
A: Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with gluten-free alternatives for the dumplings. You can also adjust the herbs and spices, or swap chicken for turkey or even plant-based proteins, tailoring the soup to your tastes and needs.
Q: When is the best time to enjoy chicken and dumpling soup?
A: This soup shines as a midday pick-me-up during cooler months, offering warmth and sustenance. It also works well as a comforting dinner or a weekend lunch when you have time to savor a slow-cooked,homemade meal.
Q: What makes the dumplings in this soup stand out?
A: The dumplings are tender pillows that soak up the broth without falling apart. Their light, fluffy texture contrasts perfectly with the rich soup, making each spoonful deliciously satisfying.
Q: How can leftovers be stored and reheated?
A: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to preserve the dumplings’ texture. Alternatively, freeze the broth and chicken separately, then add freshly made dumplings when ready to enjoy again.
Q: Is homemade chicken and dumpling soup better than store-bought?
A: Homemade offers unmatched freshness, customization, and heartiness. The love and effort infused into making it from scratch elevate the experience beyond what canned or pre-packaged versions can provide.
Q: Any tips for someone making chicken and dumpling soup for the first time?
A: Take your time with the broth-simmering it slowly develops a deeper flavor. When making dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough to keep them light and tender. And don’t forget to season generously! A pinch of salt and pepper can make all the difference.
Q: What emotions or memories does chicken and dumpling soup typically evoke?
A: Often, this soup conjures feelings of home, family gatherings, and care. It’s a nostalgic dish for many that recalls chilly afternoons warmed by a simmering pot on the stove, sharing stories over a nourishing, soulful meal.
Insights and Conclusions
As the final spoonful of warm, tender chicken and pillowy dumplings disappears, you’re left with more than just a satisfied appetite-there’s a lingering sense of comfort that only a homemade bowl can bring. This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a gentle embrace on a chilly day, a reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients, when combined with care, create a feast for both body and soul. Whether enjoyed solo or shared with loved ones, each bite is a pause-a moment to nourish, reflect, and savor the quiet joy found in a humble bowl of homemade chicken and dumpling soup.
