This classic Chicken and Dumpling Soup recipe is made with creamy broth, succulent chicken, sweet carrots, and light fluffy dumplings. It will satisfy your longing for a good home-cooked meal.
My family loves this recipe, and I can feel great about its wholesome ingredients. This is comfort food at its best, like Biscuits and Gravy, Chicken Noodle Soup, or Loaded Potato Soup.
Sometimes, life just calls for a healthy bowl of hot chicken soup. There is just something very comforting about chicken and dumplings. This tasty soup is just what the doctor ordered, with plenty of fresh veggies, roasted chicken, and soft, fluffy dumplings. This particular recipe calls for already roasted rotisserie chicken found at almost any local grocery store or warehouse store.
How do you make Chicken and Dumpling Soup?
Melt a little butter in a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat. Now add the onions, celery, and carrots, cooking for several minutes. Then reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, parsley, and poultry seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring continuously. Now sprinkle with 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour and continue cooking for another minute while stirring. Then, stir in the chicken stock and bay leaf and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes.
Now remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Next, add the cooked chicken and peas. Simmer for just a few minutes while you make the dumplings.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Using a pastry cutter, cut in the butter until crumbly. Next, add the milk and stir until just combined. Drop the dumpling dough, using a large soup spoon or a rounded tablespoon, into the simmering stew and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 15 minutes. Don’t peek! They need to remain undisturbed. For best results, serve promptly, sprinkled with a few fresh thyme leaves!
Tips for making Chicken and Dumpling Soup
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot with a tight-fitting or heavy lid.
- The bay leaf should be removed from the soup before eating as they have sharp edges and could pose a choking hazard. I find it easier to remove it before making the dumplings.
- As tempting as it may be, do not lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking, as the air in the pot must remain hot and steamy to cook the dumplings properly.
- If you’re looking for an easy way to add chicken to this recipe, using shredded rotisserie chicken can be a great option. Ready-cooked rotisserie chickens are available in almost every local grocery store, warehouse store, and even Walmart and Target.
- While cooking the dumplings, keep the heat down to a low simmer so as not to scorch the soup.
- If the dumplings do not puff up quite enough, quickly cover the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat your food, you can either use the stovetop on low heat or microwave it with reduced power.
- To freeze, first cool completely, then spoon into a freezer-safe storage container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave at reduced power.
No need to go home and visit Mom! You got the recipe right here! Enjoy my food-loving friends.
Other chicken recipes you will love!
Chicken and Dumpling Soup
The ultimate comfort soup combines hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and homemade dumplings for loads of fresh comfort food flavor just like grandma used to make.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: soup
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: southern
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 large onion chopped
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 2 large carrots sliced in 1/4 inch rounds
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
- 6 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked chicken cut in small cubes
- 1 cup frozen peas
Dumpling Recipe
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk (2% or whole)
Instructions
- Melt butter over medium heat in a Dutch oven or stockpot. Add onion, celery, and carrots and cook until fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add garlic, parsley, and poultry seasoning; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Sprinkle in 1 1/2 tablespoon flour; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in chicken stock and bay leaf; simmer for 25 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chicken and frozen peas and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter. When crumbly, add milk and stir just until combined. Drop by small spoonfuls into simmering soup. Cover and cook for 15 minutes without removing the lid.
Notes
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot with a tight-fitting or heavy lid.
- The bay leaf should be removed from the soup prior to eating as they have sharp edges and could pose a choking hazard. I find it easier to remove it before making the dumplings.
- As tempting as it may be, do not lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking, as the air in the pot must remain hot and steamy to cook the dumplings properly.
- If you’re looking for an easy way to add chicken to this recipe, using shredded rotisserie chicken can be a great option. Ready-cooked rotisserie chickens are available in almost every local grocery store, warehouse store, and even Walmart and Target.
- While cooking the dumplings, keep the heat down to a low simmer so as not to scorch the soup.
- If the dumplings do not puff up quite enough, quickly cover the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat your food, you can either use the stovetop on low heat or microwave it with reduced power.
- To freeze, first cool completely, then spoon into a freezer-safe storage container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave at reduced power.
On the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
WestieMom
This was superb! Way better than I anticipated. I made my broth with a roast chicken carcass that had been stuffed with sage and lemon – I definitely think the sage enhanced the broth (threw the carcass into a stock pot with water, carrots, celery, onion, parsley and salt). I added some frozen chicken thighs to the broth pot and used that for the meat for the soup since there was little meat left from the roast chicken… the dumplings were fantastic. The whole flavor was great. I’m always dubious about recipes from websites I haven’t visited before but this…was a winner. Cheers!
Beth Pierce
Thank you WestieMom! I am so happy that you liked the soup! We love it too! I wish I had the ingredients right now to make it. It is cold and snowy here today.
Sasha
The soup is delicious! My husband compared it to a soup version of chicken pot pie. I used instant dumpling mix and rotisserie chicken.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sasha! So glad that you liked it!
Lucy
Will it still be good if you just quarter some ready made biscuits and lay them on top?
Beth Pierce
Yes it will!
Dan Z
OMG. This is amazing, honestly tastes like someone’s grandma had made it. I made my own broth with the better than bullion stuff, not sure how much of an impact that had but my two year old destroyed this. Will definitely make this again.
Beth Pierce
That is awesome! Thanks, Dan. You know if it is toddler approved it must be good.
Fransic
I loved your easy-to-follow directions for this soup. It was delicious and creamy and the dumplings were light and fluffy. I will make this soup again. Thank you for sharing!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Fransic! I am so glad that you enjoyed the soup!
Mel
One of our favorite soups. We love it so much! Thanks for recipe, Beth!
Mary
What a great, cozy soup recipe. Perfect for these cooler months!
Olga
I love creamy chicken soups like this. It was so yummy! So glad that it is finally soup season.
Debbie
This chicken and dumpling soup recipe was the ultimate comfort food. I can’t wait to make this delicious soup again on a chilly, winter day.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Debbie! So glad that you liked it.
Edgar
This is quite a unique soup, from what I am used to. It’s been ages since I last had dumplings or anything like them. I will surely try this out.
Sonia
This Chicken and Dumpling Soup recipe sounds absolutely delicious! I love that it includes wholesome ingredients like succulent chicken and sweet carrots. It definitely sounds like the perfect comfort food, especially on a chilly day. I’ll have to give this recipe a try and add it to my list of go-to home-cooked meals. Thanks for sharing! I really need to try this. I miss winter, its soup season for me.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sonia! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Laura
I am so excited that the weather is finally starting to cool down slightly because it means I get to start making soup again! This is one of my favorites and I can’t wait to make it again soon.
Heather
This is such a comforting soup recipe. It’s creamy and filled with flavor. So cozy for fall.
Claudia
This is my new favorite soup. So easy and delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie
I actually have chicken and dumplings on my meal plan for this week. It’s my husband’s favorite meal and he just had surgery so it will be good comfort food. I never thought about making it into a soup, though. I’ll have to see if he’s up for that this time or if not I will definitely be trying this soon as the weather cools down for meals like this.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stephanie! I hope your husband is doing well!
Teresa Crane
Absolutely delicious! I really wanted to eat the entire thing by myself. Yes, it’s that good! The dumplings turned out perfectly. I will be making this a LOT this winter!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Teresa! So glad that you liked it.
Jim
Hi, does the soup call for (1) 1/2 tablespoon of flour or 1 and one half tablespoons?
Beth Pierce
One and one half tablespoons.
Lindy Hartman
Made the dumplings with whole wheat flour and they were delish!! Soup part of the recipe is amazing! Followed it exactly as said. Will keep this as a family favorite! Thank you!
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it, Lindy, and thanks for the tip on the wheat flour!
Mary
Can this be made ahead and reheated?
Beth Pierce
The dumplings should not be. The soup can be reheated, and the dumplings can be cooked fresh upon reheat.
Jin
The dumplings rehest just fine.
Amie
This was delicious! My friends and I all loved it.
Allyssa Potkanowicz
Could I substitute something for the milk in the dumplings? My mom is lactose intolerant 🙃
Madison
Can you make the soup 2 days in advance
And just do the dumplings right before serving?
Beth Pierce
Yes, you can!
Sarah
Can the leftovers be frozen?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can but completely thaw the soup in the fridge before reheating. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at a reduced power.
Angela Wenrich
Thank you for the recipe! I am a horrible cook so I need guidance (directions) when it comes to cooking. Followed this easy recipe to a T and it was perfect. My family and I absolutely loved it. Very hearty and delicious! The foot notes were also a big help. Thank you so much for the recipe will be making again for sure!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Angela. So glad that you and your family liked it! It is a good time of the year for chicken and dumpling!
Anita Bowles
I made this with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. It is incredibly tasty. Thank you for the recipe and the thorough explanation. It is a great warm winter soup.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Anita! So glad that you liked the soup!!
Cheryl A Porter
The ingredients list differing amounts of flour as the instructions.
4-1/2 T flour in soup. Instructions say 1-1/2 T flour.
Dumplings ingredients say 3 cups flour. Instructions say 1 cup flour.
Beth Pierce
I just checked it and it says 1 1/2 tablespoons in the soup portion and 1 cup in the dumpling portion in both the ingredients and the instructions. Please take another look. I also had my daughter look at it in case my old eyes were playing tricks on me.
Debbie Chasteen
You are correct, the measurements are for 2x recipe.
Christina Piccoli
I forgot to give my last comment stars. This is a definite 5 stars!
Christina Piccoli
The only bad thing about this soup is that there isn’t enough. Making double next time. It’s flavorful, comforting, warm, and filling without being too heavy. It’s near perfect.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Christina! So glad that you liked it!!
Sibyl Peterson
This is the most requested meal in my house right now. My two kids BEG for me to make this at least once a week. It is so simple and yet so delicious! I substitute buttermilk for the milk in the biscuits which gives them a heartier but oh so yummy flavor. Even doubling this recipe there is never leftovers!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Sibyl! So glad that you and kids like it! We love it too!
Eat real food
Started what ended up being 1 gallon of broth yesterday with a pasture raised chicken from a local farm – used the whole chicken (feet and all), and then used 6 cups of the that and about half the meat to make the this soup.
It was soup-er easy! Just strain the broth into a bowl like always, and pick out the chicken meat and dump in 2 cups of it. Followed the rest of the recipe and it was so rich and flavorful!
Maxine
It was very good and quite easy to make, definitely well make again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Maxine! So glad that you like it!
Danielle
This recipe is killer!!! I had to share it with friends and family because I’m not sure I want to share the pot of soup I made… Lol. My new favorite soup! Thank you for sharing this deliciousness!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much much Danielle! So glad that you liked it! 😉
Jess
One of my favorite meals in a soup version. Perfect for those chilly nights!
Charla
Wonderful! I’m here freezing my butt off and could do with a bowl of your chicken and dumpling soup.
Valerie
I love chicken and dumpling soup! Yours sounds super easy to make and your dumplings look terrific.
Dannii
Now this is my kind of comfort food! So hearty and delicious. It looks really easy to make too.
Elaine
Easy to make and came out supper good
Beth Pierce
Thanks Elaine! So glad that you liked it!!
Lubna
Wish I could grab that bowl and finish off clean. Looks so delicious and perfect for the weather here….
Beth Pierce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Jack
The dumplings here are amazing! This soup is packed with flavour 🙂
Jack
The dumplings here are amazing! This soup is packed with flavour 🙂
Anita
Such a delicious chicken dumpling soup. Easy, healthy, and very filling. Perfect option for lunch too.
Irina
I made this chicken and dumpling soup for our lunch today! OMG. The taste was yummy and delicious. I will be making it again, for sure.
Cate
YUM! This looks so comforting and flavorful, definitely saving to try soon!
Priya
Thank you so much for this recipe..my cousin is a fan of dumpling soup..have shared your recipe with her.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Priya! So glad that you liked it! Thanks for sharing.
Robin Wheeler
I am making it tonight, it smells wonderful! I will let you know how it came out.
Beth Pierce
Awesome! Thanks Robin! Enjoy!!
Blanche
The soup is awesome. The recipe was easy to follow. My husband loves soup and said it was the best he’s ever tasted. This is definitely a keeper . Thank You for all your amazing recipes I always have great success with all your recipes I try.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Blanche! So glad that you and your husband liked it! So glad that you like my recipes. Have a fabulous Sunday!!
Jen
This is a lot like matzoh ball soup, which I learned to make recently! Just the dumplings are a little different! And I add some parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, usually fresh from my garden or dried/frozen after summer. I think this is what poultry seasoning consists of. It’s kind of surprising how so many cultures have similar foods!
Beth Pierce
True so many cultures have similar recipes and food. I love fresh herbs too. I can’t wait to plant them in my garden!
Dolores
I will use the poultry seasoning. Thanks so much.
Dolores
In earlier comments Some people were talking about sage in the recipe. I do not see that ingredient in the recipe.
Beth Pierce
I removed it and replaced it with poultry seasoning which I think has a better balance for this soup and does not turn the broth an unattractive color. Feel free to add a little but I would only add maybe 1/8 teaspoon.
Suzy
Really love how this uses simple ingredients but is so tasty! The dumplings are easy to put together too! Perfect!
Paige
This looks absolutely delicious and I am looking forward to making it, looks great
Sammy
The perfect comfort food for the family! Adding this to my dinner line up for the week! Delish!
Lisalia
Yummy classic recipe! Love this. Thanks for something so comforting and familiar!
Charlotte Harless
Can you use the chicken broth in the box(swanson)?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can! Enjoy!
Mira
Hello! Do we simmer both times with the lid on or uncovered? Thank you
Beth Pierce
You are going to simmer the broth, vegetables and chicken with the lid off. Once you add the dumplings put the lid on and simmer on low (a very low simmer). Don’t lift the lid until 15 minutes.
Mira
Thank you for replying. You’re the best!
Pat
Made this today from broth I made 2 days ago. It is yummy.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Pat! I am so glad that you liked it!
Carlie
Never heard of adding sugar to the dumplings. What purpose does it serve?
Beth Pierce
Just adds a tiny touch of sweetness. You certainly can omit it if you like.
Annie
I’ve never had much luck making dumplings that didn’t fall apart, I can’t wait to try this it looks perfect!
Sadie
Comfort food at its finest! This is just what I was looking for to enjoy for dinner tonight! Excited to give this a try!
Lora
I just love chicken and dumplings! So much comfort in every bite!
Dorothy
This is exactly the kind of meal I want as soon as the weather turns colder! It’s a bowl of comfort food!
Amanda
This was so tasty. Such a hearty meal!
Kaylea Schauer
How much servings does this make?
Beth Pierce
4 servings. Sorry about the delay. I changed host companies last night and a couple of things went haywire.
Beth Pierce
Yes I sure can. I will do that today on Facebook!
trisha
i haven’t tried it yet but it smelled wonderful. i have to say my broth is very dark from the sage?!
bpierce
You must have good fresh sage!! Well what did you think?
Bob Bowling
Can you use powered sage
Beth Pierce
Yes but it is far more concentrated. Cut back to 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon. Add a little taste and then add a little more if desired
Donald Young
I love those soup recipes and have tried some of them . I really like your site.
bpierce
Thanks so much!!! I appreciate it!!
Bekah
Thank you!
TOTALLY AWESOME!
I’M doing Trim Healthy Mamas & this is great as the family enjoys the dumplings & the soup is GREAT FOR ME!!
bpierce
I must have missed this wonderful complement. Thank you so much!
Susan Turley
OMG! This soup was a big hit with hubby! Great flavor! Followed recipe as is, used rotisserie chicken! Can’t wait to enjoy another bowl for lunch tonirrow!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Susan! So glad that you liked it! We love it too!