Steam rises from the pot like winter morning fog, carrying that unmistakable scent of herbs and simmering chicken. This creamy chicken and dumpling soup wraps you in pure comfort with every spoonful. It’s the kind of recipe that makes kitchens feel like home again.
Think tender chicken swimming in velvety broth with fluffy drop dumplings that soak up every bit of goodness. This homemade version uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in one pot. Like grandma’s Sunday dinner, but ready in under an hour. Full details in the blog!
My own family has been making versions of this dish for three generations, each adding their own little twist. I’ve tested countless ratios to get these dumplings just right – light as clouds but sturdy enough to hold their shape. Trust me, you’ll be making this all winter long.
PrintCreamy Chicken and Dumpling Soup: Easy Recipe Secrets
This Creamy Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a cozy and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Enjoy a creamy chicken dumpling soup recipe with fluffy homemade dumplings in a rich broth. A true homemade chicken dumplings comfort soup that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 3 tablespoons reserved bacon fat or melted butter
- 5 strips bacon diced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 leek white and light green parts only sliced
- 3 carrots peeled and diced
- 3 ribs celery diced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups chicken stock homemade is best
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream
- kosher salt to taste
- freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a 4 quart dutch oven over medium-low and cook the bacon until crisp, then remove bacon and save 3 tablespoons bacon fat in a small heatproof bowl.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and chives for dumplings. Stir sour cream, milk, and saved bacon fat together then fold into dry ingredients until just combined. Cover and set aside.
- Melt butter in the dutch oven over medium heat, add onion, carrot, leek, and celery, cooking until vegetables soften about 3 to 4 minutes. Add sage and thyme, cook for one more minute.
- Sprinkle flour over veggies and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes to cook the flour.
- Gradually add chicken stock, stirring well after each cup, then bring mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in shredded chicken, cream, and crispy bacon, then gently simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dumplings carefully into soup leaving space between them. Lower heat to low, cover and simmer 15 to 17 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Serve soup in bowls and optionally garnish with extra chives.
Notes
- Dumplings taste best fresh but leftovers can be stored separately in airtight containers
- Reheat dumplings in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes before adding back to soup
- Store soup without dumplings in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat on the stove
- Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months
- thaw in the refrigerator before warming
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Why This Recipe Will Win Your Heart
There’s something magical about watching fluffy dumplings bob in a pot of golden, creamy broth. This creamy chicken and dumpling soup brings back those childhood memories of coming inside from cold afternoons to find the kitchen filled with warmth and the promise of something truly satisfying.
- One-pot wonder: Everything happens in your trusty Dutch oven, meaning less cleanup and more time to savor.
- Make-ahead friendly: The soup base can be prepped hours ahead, then just add dumplings when you’re ready.
- Comfort in a bowl: Tender vegetables, rich bacon, and those pillowy dumplings create the ultimate cozy meal.
Breaking Down the Magic Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating layers of flavor. The bacon fat provides a smoky foundation, while sour cream in the dumplings creates an incredibly tender texture that my grandmother would have envied.
Fresh chives brighten every bite, and the combination of sage and thyme whispers of autumn evenings. The leeks add a gentle sweetness that makes this soup feel both rustic and refined.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | Smoky base flavor + fat for dumplings | Turkey bacon or butter |
| Sour cream | Creates tender, fluffy dumplings | Greek yogurt (not quite as rich) |
| Heavy cream | Velvety soup texture | Half-and-half for lighter version |
| Fresh chives | Bright, oniony finish | Green onion tops |
How It All Comes Together
This recipe follows a beautiful rhythmstart with the bacon, build the aromatics, create your roux, then gently simmer everything together. The key is patience when adding the chicken stock, one cup at a time, whisking between each addition like you’re making the world’s most comforting gravy.
The dumpling magic happens when you drop spoonfuls of that tender dough right into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let steam work its wonder for 15-17 minutes. No peekingtrust the process!
- Pro tip: Use a cookie scoop for perfectly uniform dumplings that cook evenly.
- Temperature matters: Keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid tough dumplings.
- Timing is key: Add dumplings just before serving for the fluffiest results.
Troubleshooting Your Soup
Even the most experienced cooks sometimes face little hiccups. If your soup feels too thick, thin it with warm chicken stock. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or whisk together a tablespoon each of flour and butter for a quick thickening boost.
- Dumplings sinking? Your heat might be too highreduce to low and keep that lid on.
- Soup breaking? Remove from heat and whisk in the heavy cream gradually.
- Need more flavor? A splash of white wine with the vegetables adds lovely depth.
Making It Your Own
This homemade chicken dumplings comfort soup welcomes your personal touches. Sometimes I’ll toss in leftover roasted vegetables or add a handful of frozen peas in the last few minutes. During mushroom season, sautéed creminis make it feel extra earthy and satisfying.
For busier weeknights, rotisserie chicken works beautifully here. Just shred it and add it with the cream so it doesn’t overcook. The flavors meld just as wonderfully, and dinner happens even faster.
Serving and Storage Secrets
Ladle this into your deepest bowls and watch faces light up around the table. I love serving this with crusty bread or simple oyster crackers, though honestly, it’s complete all on its own.
Storage note: Dumplings are happiest when fresh, so if you’re planning leftovers, store them separately from the soup base. They’ll stay fluffy when reheated in a low oven, then nestled back into the warmed soup.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (soup only) | 5 days | Remove dumplings first |
| Freezer (soup only) | 3 months | Cool completely before freezing |
| Dumplings separate | 2-3 days | Reheat in 350°F oven, 5-7 minutes |
Expert Says
This creamy chicken and dumpling soup benefits from using bone-in chicken, which not only enhances flavor but also adds collagen. The slow simmering process extracts nutrients, resulting in a rich, comforting broth that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Don’t rush; let the flavors meld for the best results.
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The Journey to My Creamy Chicken and Dumpling Soup
After countless attempts to capture my grandmother’s creamy chicken and dumpling soup, I finally found the magic blend. I learned the importance of letting the dumplings rest and that a touch of thyme elevates the flavor beautifully. Each pot I simmered brought back warm memories of family gatherings, and now this recipe feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
FAQs ( Creamy Chicken and Dumpling Soup )
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save time. Just shred the meat and add it to the soup along with your vegetables and broth for a flavorful and quick meal.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings and ensure your broth is also gluten-free. You can easily enjoy the comforting textures without compromising your dietary needs.
What vegetables work well in this creamy soup?
Carrots, celery, and peas are classic choices that complement the flavors beautifully. You can also add mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and texture in this comforting soup.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just be aware that the dumplings may absorb some liquid, so you might need to add a bit of broth when reheating.
Is this dish freezable?
This meal can be frozen for up to three months. For optimal results, freeze the soup without the dumplings and add fresh dumplings when you reheat it. This helps maintain the perfect texture.
This creamy chicken and dumpling soup comes together in about 45 minutes and delivers pure comfort in every spoonful. You’ll love how those tender dumplings soak up the rich, herb-scented broth while the bacon adds just the right smoky depth. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes everyone linger a little longer around the table.
Here’s a trick I learned from my grandmother’s kitchen: drop the dumplings in a circle around the pot’s edge first, then fill the center. For busy nights, prep the soup base ahead and add fresh dumplings when ready to serve. Try stirring in leftover roasted vegetables or swap the chives for fresh dillboth add lovely flavor without changing the soul of this dish.
I’d love to see your version of this cozy bowl! Share a photo and tell medid you grow up with chicken and dumplings on cold nights? There’s something magical about recipes that connect us across kitchens and generations. Save this one for the people you love most, and watch it become part of your own family story.
