Name: Classic Chicken and Dumplings Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening); 6 cups chicken broth or stock; 1 cup milk (for dumplings); 2 cups all-purpose flour (dumplings); 1 tbsp baking powder; 4 tbsp butter, melted (for dumplings); Salt & pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

A rich, comforting bowl of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings floating in a savory broth – this classic chicken and dumplings soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s the kind of meal I crave on chilly evenings when I want something hearty and nostalgic.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between ease and tradition. I can put together a satisfying one-pot meal without sacrificing flavor. The dumplings are light and biscuit-like, cooking directly in the broth for a seamless, cozy dish. It’s a meal I’ll happily revisit again and again.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken (usually thighs or breast)
Yellow onion, chopped
Carrots, diced
Celery, diced
Garlic, minced
All-purpose flour (for thickening)
Chicken broth (or stock)
Milk (for dumplings)
All-purpose flour (dumplings)
Baking powder
Butter (melted, for dumplings)
Salt & pepper
Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

I melt butter in a large pot, then add chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and chicken. I cook until the onion is translucent and the chicken starts to brown.
I sprinkle flour over the veggies and chicken, stir well, then slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking to remove lumps. I simmer until the broth thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
In a bowl, I mix flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk until just combined into a sticky dough.
I drop tablespoons of dough into the simmering soup, ensuring they don’t touch, cover the pot, and cook for about 10–15 minutes over low heat until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
I taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, sprinkle chopped parsley on top (if using), and ladle into bowls, ensuring each serving has a few dumplings.

Servings and timing

This recipe typically makes 6 to 8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use cooked rotisserie chicken and biscuit mix for a quicker version.
For a dairy-free version, I replace the milk with chicken stock or a plant-based milk.
I like adding herbs like thyme or dill to the dumpling dough.
Sometimes I roll the dough flat and cut it into strips for a southern-style version.
Adding peas or corn gives a colorful, slightly sweet twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings soften more as they absorb the broth. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. I can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I prepare the soup ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the soup base ahead and add the dumplings fresh when ready to serve.

How can I thicken the broth more?

I make a quick flour and water slurry and stir it into the soup, letting it simmer until thickened.

Are flat or drop dumplings better?

It depends on texture preference. I like drop dumplings for their fluffiness, but flat dumplings are also great and more noodle-like.

How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

I check if they float and feel firm. I sometimes cut one open to ensure it’s fully cooked inside.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free flour and baking powder. The texture changes slightly, but it’s still delicious.

Conclusion

I adore this classic chicken and dumplings soup for its warmth, heartiness, and simplicity. It’s adaptable, straightforward, and deeply comforting. Whether I go traditional or use shortcuts, it always delivers that cozy, soulful meal I love.