Chicken and dumplings is pure Southern comfort in a bowl. Tender shredded chicken, aromatic vegetables, and pillowy drop dumplings swimming in rich, golden broth - this is the soup that cures all ailments and warms the soul.
The dumplings are the star here. Light, fluffy, and slightly doughy in the center, they soak up the delicious broth while maintaining their soft, cloud-like texture. The secret? Don't peek while they're cooking!
Perfect Dumplings
- Cold butter - Cut in for flaky texture
- Don't overmix - Lumpy dough is fine
- Keep the lid on - Steam makes them fluffy
- No peeking! - Dumplings need uninterrupted steam
Dumpling Styles
- Drop dumplings - Fluffy, biscuit-like (this recipe)
- Rolled dumplings - Flat, noodle-like (Southern style)
- Slick dumplings - Dense and chewy
Serving Suggestions
- Best served immediately
- Fresh parsley garnish
- Black pepper on top
- Complete comfort meal
Chicken Soup with Dumplings
Ultimate comfort soup with fluffy drop dumplings.
Nutrition per serving
365Calories
30gProtein
32gCarbs
12gFat
2gFiber
3gSugar
Ingredients
For the Soup:
For the Dumplings:
Instructions
-
Make the soup base. In a large pot, combine chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
-
Remove and shred chicken. Take chicken out of pot, let cool slightly, then shred meat discarding bones and skin. Set aside. Remove bay leaf.
-
Make dumpling dough. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using fingers or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and stir until just combined - don't overmix.
-
Cook dumplings. Bring soup to a gentle simmer. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto simmering soup, spacing them apart. Cover tightly and cook 15 minutes WITHOUT lifting lid.
-
Finish. Return shredded chicken to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley.
Recipe Notes
- Herbed dumplings: Add 1 tablespoon fresh herbs to dough.
- Creamy version: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream before adding dumplings.
- Bisquick shortcut: Use 2 cups Bisquick + 2/3 cup milk.
- Storage: Best served fresh. Dumplings get soggy when stored.
