Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings Soup: A Cozy and Comforting Classic

Nothing beats a warm bowl of Chicken & Dumplings Soup when you need a comforting, hearty meal. This classic Southern favorite features tender chicken, a rich and creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors.

Whether you’re making it on a chilly evening or just craving a taste of home, this easy one-pot recipe is sure to warm your heart and soul!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Ultimate Comfort Food – Warm, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying!
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients come together in one pot.
✔ Hearty & Filling – Packed with protein, veggies, and dumplings.
✔ Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

•  2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
•  2 carrots, sliced
•  2 celery stalks, chopped
•  1 small onion, diced
•  3 cloves garlic, minced
•  6 cups chicken broth
•  1 cup heavy cream or whole milk (for a creamy texture)
•  1 teaspoon dried thyme
•  1 teaspoon dried parsley
•  Salt & black pepper to taste
•  1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• ½ cup milk

How to Make Chicken & Dumplings Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1️⃣ In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add Broth & Chicken

3️⃣ Pour in chicken broth, then add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Stir in shredded chicken, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

Step 3: Make the Dumplings

5️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6️⃣ Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7️⃣ Stir in milk until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Add Dumplings & Simmer

8️⃣ Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup. (No need to shape them perfectly!)
9️⃣ Cover and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes, until they are fluffy and cooked through.

Step 5: Make It Creamy & Serve

 Stir in heavy cream for a rich and creamy broth.
 Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

✅ No Heavy Cream? – Use whole milk or even a cornstarch slurry for a lighter version.
✅ Want Extra Flavor? – Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of cayenne for a little kick!
✅ Dumpling Shortcut – Use refrigerated biscuit dough for a quicker option.
✅ Gluten-Free? – Swap flour for a gluten-free blend and use cornstarch to thicken the broth.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: The soup can be frozen without the dumplings. Just add fresh dumplings when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the definition of comfort food at its best. With a creamy broth, tender chicken, and homemade dumplings, it’s a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out!