There’s nothing quite like the warm, savory aroma of a pot bubbling away on the stove, filling the home with cozy memories. This CREAMY CHICKEN AND DUMPLING SOUP has been making waves on TikTok and Pinterest, and it’s no wonder. Who doesn’t love a dish that wraps them in a hug while comforting the soul?
This recipe brings together tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, soothing broth that feels like a home-cooked dream. It’s like your grandma’s classic version but made easier for a busy weeknight. Pantry-friendly ingredients mean you probably have what you need on hand. Full details in the blog!
Growing up, my mom would whip up this dish on chilly evenings, laughing at how our kitchen turned into a delightful mess. It’s these family memories that inspired my love for cozy cooking. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
This Creamy Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a cozy and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Enjoy a creamy chicken dumpling soup recipe with fluffy homemade dumplings in a rich broth. A true homemade chicken dumplings comfort soup that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
2/3 cup sour cream
1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon whole milk
3 tablespoons reserved bacon fat or melted butter
5 strips bacon diced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion diced
1 leek white and light green parts only sliced
3 carrots peeled and diced
3 ribs celery diced
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
6 cups chicken stock homemade is best
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup heavy cream
kosher salt to taste
freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat a 4 quart dutch oven over medium-low and cook the bacon until crisp, then remove bacon and save 3 tablespoons bacon fat in a small heatproof bowl.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and chives for dumplings. Stir sour cream, milk, and saved bacon fat together then fold into dry ingredients until just combined. Cover and set aside.
Melt butter in the dutch oven over medium heat, add onion, carrot, leek, and celery, cooking until vegetables soften about 3 to 4 minutes. Add sage and thyme, cook for one more minute.
Sprinkle flour over veggies and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes to cook the flour.
Gradually add chicken stock, stirring well after each cup, then bring mixture to a simmer.
Stir in shredded chicken, cream, and crispy bacon, then gently simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Using a cookie scoop, drop dumplings carefully into soup leaving space between them. Lower heat to low, cover and simmer 15 to 17 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Serve soup in bowls and optionally garnish with extra chives.
Notes
Dumplings taste best fresh but leftovers can be stored separately in airtight containers
Reheat dumplings in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes before adding back to soup
Store soup without dumplings in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat on the stove
Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months
thaw in the refrigerator before warming
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 bowl
Calories:450 kcal
Sugar:3g
Sodium:850mg
Fat:28g
Saturated Fat:14g
Unsaturated Fat:8g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:24g
Fiber:2g
Protein:25g
Cholesterol:110mg
Why It’s a Family Favorite
This creamy chicken and dumpling soup recipe is a cherished favorite in our home, and it’s easy to see why! It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings when you crave a cozy bowl of goodness. Here are a few reasons this dish has earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation:
Easy Prep: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up this comforting soup without any hassle.
Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Kid-Friendly: Fluffy dumplings paired with creamy soup? That’s a sure winner at the dinner table!
Memorable Moments: Making this dish brings back warm memories of cooking with family, making each bite feel like home.
Ingredients Breakdown
The heart of this cozy meal lies in its ingredients, each contributing to the irresistible flavor and texture:
Dumplings: Made with all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and chives for a gentle zing. The sour cream and milk keep them airy and moist.
The Soup Base: Diced bacon, butter, onions, leeks, carrots, and celery create a depth of flavor, enhanced by sage and thyme.
Stock and Chicken: Chicken stock is the lifeblood of this recipe, so opt for homemade if possible! Shredded cooked chicken makes it hearty.
Finish with Cream: Heavy cream adds that luxurious, creamy finish that brings everything together beautifully.
Start by frying diced bacon in a 4-quart Dutch oven until crispy. Set the bacon aside and reserve some fat.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and chives. In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream and milk with the reserved bacon fat.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and fold gently until no flour streaks remaincover it and let it rest.
Melt butter in the same Dutch oven. Add diced onion, carrots, leeks, and celery, cooking until they’re soft. Sprinkle in flour, stirring for a minute.
Gradually add chicken stock, stirring well. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add the shredded chicken, cream, and bacon back into the pot.
Drop dumplings into the simmering soup using a cookie scoop, cover, and gently simmer for about 15-17 minutes until they’re fluffy.
Pro Tips & Variations
Here are some handy tips to ensure your soup turns out perfect every time, along with a few fun variations!
Pro Tip: Make your soup ahead of time! The flavors intensify, and it’s a fantastic dish to bring to a gathering.
For a Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in peas or corn for extra texture and a lovely pop of color!
Spice It Up: A splash of hot sauce adds a delightful kick if you’re feeling bold.
How to Serve & Store
This creamy chicken dumpling soup is best served warm on a chilly night. Here are some tips for serving and storing:
Storage Method
Tips
Refrigerate
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding water if needed.
Freeze
Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Best enjoyed within 3 months.
For the dumplings, always store them separately from the soup to keep their delightful fluffiness intact. Just pop them in the oven to warm before serving again!
Expert Says
The creamy chicken and dumpling soup benefits from using a rich stock, which enhances both flavor and nutrition. A well-made stock provides essential collagen, supporting joint health, while the combination of chicken and vegetables boosts the meal’s protein and vitamin content, making it a hearty choice for comfort food.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Road to Creamy Chicken and Dumpling Soup
After multiple attempts and a few kitchen disasters, I finally perfected my Creamy Chicken and Dumpling Soup recipe. From forgetting the dumplings to adding way too much salt, each mishap brought me closer to this cozy bowl of comfort, rich with flavor and memories of family gatherings on chilly evenings.
FAQs ( Creamy Chicken and Dumpling Soup )
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save time. Just shred the meat and add it to the soup along with your vegetables and broth for a flavorful and quick meal.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings and ensure your broth is also gluten-free. You can easily enjoy the comforting textures without compromising your dietary needs.
What vegetables work well in this creamy soup?
Carrots, celery, and peas are classic choices that complement the flavors beautifully. You can also add mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and texture in this comforting soup.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just be aware that the dumplings may absorb some liquid, so you might need to add a bit of broth when reheating.
Is this dish freezable?
This meal can be frozen for up to three months. For optimal results, freeze the soup without the dumplings and add fresh dumplings when you reheat it. This helps maintain the perfect texture.
Conclusion
So there you have it! This creamy chicken and dumpling soup recipe offers comfort in every delicious spoonful. With just a little prep, you’ll have a pot full of savory, heartwarming goodness that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Trust me, the aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like home!
Looking to switch things up? Try adding some spinach for a pop of color, or go wild with a sprinkle of cheese just before serving. Remember, leftovers make for a tasty lunchjust store them in an airtight container and reheat gently for the best results. It’s the kind of dish that only gets better with time, much like those cherished family memories.
I’d love to hear how your soup turns out! Did you grow up with a similar recipe? Snap a picture and share your cozy twist! And don’t forget to save this recipe for a rainy dayit’s one you’ll want to whip up and share with all your loved ones. Happy cooking, friends!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
