Name: Chicken & Dumplings Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons Butter; 1/2 cup Chopped Onion; 2-3 pieces Carrots, chopped; 3 stalks Celery, sliced; 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic; 8 cups Chicken Broth; 2 pounds Cooked Chicken, shredded; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 2 pieces Bay Leaves; 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley; 3 tablespoons Cornstarch; 3 tablespoons Water; 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 3 tablespoons Cold Butter, cubed; 3/4 cup Milk

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a bowl of pure comfort, look no further than Chicken & Dumplings Soup. This classic dish is warm, creamy, and packed with hearty flavors that instantly make you feel at home. Imagine fluffy dumplings and juicy chicken floating in a rich, savory broth—it’s like a hug in a bowl! When I was a child, my grandmother would serve us her beloved chicken & dumplings on rainy days, and we’d gather around the table, savoring every spoonful while the windows fogged up from all the steam. That tradition still continues in my home, and I hope it finds a place in yours, too. What makes this recipe truly stand out is its simplicity—minimal prep, everyday ingredients, and it comes together faster than you’d expect. If you like my Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll love this, too—it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or cozy family dinners. Get ready to grab your ladle and cook up something everyone will love!

What is Chicken & Dumplings Soup?

So, what’s behind the quirky name “Chicken & Dumplings Soup”? If you’ve ever wondered whether this dish is more about the chicken, the dumplings, or the soup, you’re in good company! Legend has it that fluffy dumplings swimming alongside tender chicken in a savory broth were the ultimate answer to, “What’s for dinner?” Maybe that’s why some say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—after all, everyone adores hearty food that warms the soul. The name may sound simple, but with every spoonful, you’ll see why it’s a family favorite. Curious? Don’t just wonder—whip up a batch and let your tastebuds decide!

Why You’ll Love This

First and foremost, this Chicken & Dumplings Soup shines for its creamy, comforting texture, brimming with flavors that remind you of childhood. There’s something truly magical about making dumplings from scratch (no need to buy canned soup!), and watching them puff up as they simmer in a rich broth alongside juicy chicken pieces. Secondly, making this dish at home helps you save money compared to ordering out or buying store-bought versions—plus, you can customize it with veggies or spices you love. The homemade dumplings and savory broth give you control over flavor and nutrition, too. Finally, those little touches—like a sprinkle of dried parsley and a generous helping of fresh veggies—elevate the soup to something truly special. If you enjoy my Creamy Turkey and Rice Soup, you’ll find this recipe to be just as inviting and easy to make. So, grab your favorite spoon—this dish deserves a place in your recipe rotation!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the epitome of easy comfort food. With just a handful of simple everyday ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful soup that’s hearty enough to fill hungry bellies and bring smiles to the dinner table. One of the best parts? It takes around 45 minutes from start to finish, yet tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The combination of fluffy dumplings and savory chicken, all simmered in a creamy broth, makes this recipe perfect for beginner cooks and busy families alike. With minimal prep and a stress-free cooking process, it’s easy to see why this dish is a weeknight favorite.

A steaming bowl of chicken & dumplings soup with fluffy dumplings and vibrant vegetables.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
2-3 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
8 cups chicken broth
2 pounds cooked chicken, shredded
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon dried parsley
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water

For the Dumplings:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
3/4 cup milk

Step-by-Step

Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the cooked shredded chicken, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and dried parsley. Stir well.
Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 10-12 minutes so the flavors can meld, stirring occasionally.
While the soup simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the milk and stir just until combined; do not overmix.
In a small bowl, blend the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the soup to help thicken the broth.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dumpling dough and gently drop them on top of the simmering soup. Don’t worry—they will expand as they cook!
Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid so they stay nice and fluffy.
Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve piping hot.

What to Serve Chicken & Dumplings Soup With

Chicken & Dumplings Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with warm, crusty bread or flaky buttermilk biscuits to soak up every last drop of broth. A crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette complements the soup’s creamy texture. For drinks, unsweetened iced tea or sparkling water with lemon keep things light and refreshing. If you’re serving guests, add a simple fruit salad or steamed green beans for a pop of color and nutrition.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use leftover rotisserie chicken for even faster prep—just shred and add to your pot.
For fluffiest dumplings, handle the dough as little as possible and resist the urge to peek while they’re steaming!
If you want a richer broth, swap a cup or two of chicken broth for whole milk or half-and-half.
Love veggies? Add peas, corn, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
To avoid gummy dumplings, make sure the soup is at a gentle simmer (not a rapid boil) before dropping in the dough.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Let any leftover soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm portions on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short increments, stirring in between. If freezing, ladle soup (without dumplings) into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months—when ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and making a fresh batch of dumplings. Keep in mind, reheated dumplings may be softer but will still taste delicious!

FAQs

How can I make this gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings, and check that your cornstarch and broth are certified gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor—just make sure they’re fully cooked and shredded before adding.

Can I make this soup in advance?
You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. For best results, make the dumplings fresh before serving.

Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Toss in peas, corn, green beans, or even chopped spinach to make the soup heartier and more colorful.

My dumplings turned out dense—what went wrong?
Overmixing the dough or lifting the lid while steaming can cause dense dumplings. Handle the dough gently and keep the lid closed until they’re cooked through.

Conclusion

Chicken & Dumplings Soup is a timeless recipe that brings comfort, warmth, and plenty of flavor to your table. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet satisfying enough to serve to guests. Between the creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy homemade dumplings, every bite feels special. Plus, with easy tweaks and clever tips, you can tailor it just the way your family likes. Try it today, and you might just have a new family tradition! If you loved this recipe, explore more cozy soups on the blog for your next delicious adventure.