Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup 🍲✨

 

“The Perfect Bowl of Comfort for Chilly Days!”

This Chicken & Dumplings Soup combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth. It’s warm, comforting, and sure to become a family favorite for cozy nights at home.


Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened.
  3. Stir in the garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Cream

  1. Stir in the shredded chicken and milk (or cream). Simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

Step 3: Make the Dumplings

  1. While the soup simmers, prepare the dumplings: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Stir in the melted butter, milk, and parsley (if using) until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

  1. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough (about 1 tablespoon each) into the simmering soup. Avoid overcrowding.
  2. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 12–15 minutes. They should be light, fluffy, and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
  2. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of dumplings and chicken.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, hearty, and satisfying—perfect for cold days.
  • One-Pot Meal: Easy cleanup and fuss-free cooking.
  • Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
  2. Keep the Lid On: While cooking the dumplings, avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain steam.
  3. Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, add peas, green beans, or corn during the last 5 minutes.

Storage and Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens.

This Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl—perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little warmth and love. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad, and enjoy! 🍲❤️✨