There’s something incredibly satisfying about the aroma of a simmering pot of soup, especially when it’s filled with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. Picture this: cold weather swirling around outside as I cozy up in my kitchen, the tantalizing scent of garlic and herbs wafting through the air, transforming my home into a haven. This One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup is my answer to any gloomy day, effortlessly warming both body and spirit.
I stumbled upon this delightful recipe when I was searching for something hearty yet simple to whip up on a busy evening. With its vibrant mix of vegetables and creamy broth, it became an instant family favorite. What I love most about this dish is how easy it is to prepare—everything cooks together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy each other’s company.
Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply want a comforting meal that brings everyone to the table, this soup checks all the boxes. Get ready to indulge in a bowl of cozy goodness that celebrates the joys of homemade cooking!
Why You'll Love This One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup
- This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
- The rich and creamy flavor, combined with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, will warm your soul and leave everyone asking for seconds.
- It’s a versatile dish that can easily accommodate your favorite vegetables or pantry staples, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- With its beautiful presentation and enticing aroma, this soup is bound to impress guests while being a comforting choice for family dinners.
One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup Ingredients
Get ready to gather everything you need for this heartwarming dish!
For the Soup
- Chicken thighs or breasts – 1 ½ pounds, boneless and skinless; tender cuts give a rich flavor when simmered.
- All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons, for thickening soup; it helps achieve that comforting creamy texture.
- Butter – 4 tablespoons; this adds a luscious richness to the broth.
- Carrots – 1 cup, sliced; sweet and colorful, they enhance both flavor and nutrition.
- Celery – 1 cup, sliced; for a refreshing crunch that adds depth to the soup.
- Peas – ¾ cup; these little gems bring a burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Onion – 1 small, diced; the base flavor that enriches your soup.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced; for that irresistible aromatic touch.
- Chicken broth – 6 cups; the heart of the One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup, providing a savory base.
For the Dumplings
- All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups; the main ingredient for fluffy dumplings that soak up the soup flavors.
- Baking powder – 1 tablespoon; this helps the dumplings rise beautifully.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon; to enhance the overall flavor of the dumplings.
- Butter – 3 tablespoons, melted; adds a delightful buttery taste to the dumpling dough.
- Whole milk – ¾ cup; ensures the dumplings are moist and tender.
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped; for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon; a fragrant herb that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon; additional seasoning to taste.
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon; to add a dash of warmth and complexity.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup
-
Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and onions are translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute for a fragrant base.
-
Add chicken to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
-
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, then slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add peas and cook until the veggies are tender and chicken is cooked through.
-
Mix dumpling ingredients in a bowl by combining 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter, milk, and chopped parsley until just combined into a sticky dough.
-
Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to become fluffy and absorb the flavors.
-
Check dumplings for doneness after 15 minutes (they should be fluffy and fully cooked). Stir in whole milk or heavy cream to finish off the soup, adjusting seasoning to taste. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Optional: Serve with crusty bread for a delightful dipping experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup
Fridge: Store leftover One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space for expansion.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If the soup thickens upon freezing, add a splash of broth or milk while reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Serving Tip: When redistributing dumplings, give them a gentle stir to coat in the creamy broth—this ensures every bowl is filled with comfort!
What to Serve with One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup?
While the soup itself is a complete meal, pairing it with delightful sides can elevate your dining experience.
- Crusty Bread: A warm loaf, perfect for dipping, adds a satisfying crunch to each comforting spoonful.
- Simple Garden Salad: Crisp greens and a light vinaigrette contrast beautifully with the creamy soup, refreshing your palate.
- Roasted Vegetables: The caramelized sweetness of roasted carrots and parsnips complements the hearty flavors, creating a robust balance.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: These fluffy bites are ideal for scooping up the delicious broth and adding a comforting, cheesy twist.
- Herb-Infused Rice: A scoop of well-seasoned rice serves as a beautiful base, soaking up the rich flavors of the soup.
- Apple Crisp: For dessert, this warm fruit treat offers a sweet contrast that rounds out your hearty meal perfectly.
- Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc brightens the meal and enhances the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
These thoughtful pairings will have your family and friends asking for more while creating a warm atmosphere around the dinner table.
Make Ahead Options
These One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the soup base (steps 1-3) up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For the freshest quality, make the dumpling dough just before serving, since it’s best when cooked immediately. If you want to prep the dumplings ahead, drop spoonfuls of the dough into the soup and refrigerate separately for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stove and add the dumplings, cooking until fluffy and heated through. This way, you’ll have a comforting meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup Variations
Feel free to explore these creative twists to make the recipe your own and bring exciting new flavors to the table!
-
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs while keeping the dumplings fluffy.
-
Creamy Spinach: Add a couple of cups of fresh spinach at the end to enhance nutrition and create a vibrant green hue in the soup. It’s a simple yet delightful addition!
-
Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for an unexpected heat that awakens the taste buds. Just a little can take the flavor to spicy new heights!
-
Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like dill or basil instead of or alongside parsley for a fragrant twist that brightens every bite. The aroma alone is worth the switch!
-
Vegetable Medley: Swap in seasonal veggies such as sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or green beans, letting you customize based on preferences or what you have on hand.
-
Cheesy Dumplings: Incorporate shredded cheese into the dumpling dough for a rich, cheesy flavor that melts beautifully into the soup. Who can resist that gooey goodness?
-
Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest stirred in before serving adds brightness and elevates the entire dish with a refreshing contrast to the creamy broth.
-
Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, replace dumplings with zucchini noodles—just drop them in just before serving to keep them tender yet slightly crisp. They soak up the flavor wonderfully!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup, ensure your vegetables are evenly chopped for consistent cooking, allowing them to become tender evenly throughout the soup.
- Avoid adding too much chicken at once; this can cause steaming instead of browning, which enhances flavor.
- For the dumplings, mix the ingredients just until combined to keep them light and fluffy, overmixing can lead to tough dumplings.
- Be sure to keep the pot covered while the dumplings cook, as lifting the lid releases steam and can affect their fluffy texture.
One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for this soup?
Absolutely! You can use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts—both options are great. I often prefer thighs for their richer flavor and juiciness, especially when simmered in the broth. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, that would be a fantastic shortcut too!
How should I store leftover One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup?
For sure! Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave; be careful not to boil it again, as this can overcook the dumplings and make them tough.
Can I freeze One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup?
Yes, you can! To freeze, pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion, and stash it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and reheat over low heat on the stove. If it has thickened, simply stir in a splash of broth or milk to regain its creamy texture.
What if my dumplings turn out too dense?
Very common! If the dumplings become dense, it might be from overmixing the dough. When combining the ingredients, stir just until everything is mixed, resulting in a light, fluffy texture. Also, remember to keep the lid on while cooking, as lifting it can let too much steam escape.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, adjusting the amount slightly if needed for the dumpling dough. Always be mindful of any allergies to specific ingredients like dairy or certain vegetables. You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and omit or replace the butter with a vegan alternative!
One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and onions are translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute for a fragrant base.
- Add chicken to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, then slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add peas and cook until the veggies are tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Mix dumpling ingredients in a bowl by combining 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter, milk, and chopped parsley until just combined into a sticky dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to become fluffy and absorb the flavors.
- Check dumplings for doneness after 15 minutes (they should be fluffy and fully cooked). Stir in whole milk or heavy cream to finish off the soup, adjusting seasoning to taste. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
