Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Soup

Creamy chicken and dumplings soup is a comforting, thick, and hearty one-pot meal that combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy, seasoned broth. It’s the ultimate cold-weather comfort food, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights indoors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers the heartwarming nostalgia of classic Southern cooking in one simple, satisfying bowl. The dumplings are pillowy and tender, the chicken is juicy and flavorful, and the creamy broth brings everything together in a rich, savory harmony. It’s both a complete meal and a soul-soothing dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for leftovers.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• chicken broth
• carrots, peeled and chopped
• celery, chopped
• frozen peas
• onion, chopped
• garlic, minced
• unsalted butter
• all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• whole milk or heavy cream
• salt and black pepper
• dried thyme or poultry seasoning
• bay leaf

For the dumplings:

• all-purpose flour
• baking powder
• salt
• unsalted butter, cold
• whole milk

directions

1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to make a light roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth and thickened.
5. Add chicken, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir in frozen peas and milk or cream. Simmer on low while you prepare the dumplings.
7. To make dumplings: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly. Stir in milk just until dough forms.
8. Drop tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering soup (do not stir). Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes without lifting the lid, until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
9. Gently stir once done, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Serves 6.
Prep time: 15 minutes.
Cook time: 40 minutes.
Total time: approximately 55 minutes.

Variations

• Rotisserie shortcut: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time.
• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth; omit dumplings or use dairy-free milk and butter.
• Herb dumplings: Add chopped parsley or chives to dumpling dough for extra flavor.
• Spicy version: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for gentle heat.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the soup and dumplings.

storage/reheating

• To store: cool the soup completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To freeze: remove dumplings before freezing, as they may become soggy. Store soup and dumplings separately in freezer-safe containers.
• To reheat: warm the soup over medium heat, stirring gently. Reheat dumplings separately or drop fresh ones into reheated soup.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken can be used. Just add it in after the broth thickens.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings soup?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze without the dumplings. They can become mushy when thawed.

How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

They should be puffed up and no longer doughy inside. Test by cutting one open after the cooking time.

Can I use canned biscuits for dumplings?

Yes, canned biscuit dough can be cut into pieces and used as a shortcut for dumplings.

What’s the difference between flat and drop dumplings?

Flat dumplings are rolled and cut like noodles; drop dumplings are spooned directly into the soup and puff as they cook.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives, or skip the cream for a lighter broth.

Why are my dumplings tough?

Overmixing the dough or lifting the lid while they cook can lead to tough dumplings. Keep the lid on and mix gently.

Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?

It’s best prepared just before cooking to maintain the right texture and rise.

How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

Let it simmer uncovered to reduce, or whisk a small amount of flour or cornstarch with water and stir it in.

What’s the best way to serve this soup?

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or cracked pepper, alongside crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

Creamy chicken and dumplings soup is a timeless comfort dish that offers everything you need in one bowl — protein, vegetables, richness, and warmth. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic meal or cooking for loved ones, this recipe promises satisfying flavors and a cozy experience. It’s the kind of soup that turns an ordinary night into something special.

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