Homestyle Chicken ’n’ Fluffy Dumpling Soup – A cozy, classic bowl of tender chicken and pillowy dumplings

Homestyle Chicken ’n’ Fluffy Dumpling Soup – A cozy, classic bowl of tender chicken and pillowy dumplings

Homestyle Chicken ’n’ Fluffy Dumpling Soup is the kind of comforting, rustic dish that warms you all the way through. Tender chicken, soft vegetables, a rich creamy broth, and perfectly fluffy dumplings come together to create a nostalgic, soul-soothing meal. This recipe is designed to be simple, deeply flavorful, and perfect for weeknights, Sundays at home, or anytime you’re craving a warm hug in a bowl. With just one pot and everyday ingredients, you’ll have a classic comfort meal that feels homemade, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Chicken & Broth

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion diced
2 carrots diced
2 celery stalks diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Creamy Finish
1 cup milk or half-and-half
2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
Optional: 1–2 cups fresh spinach

Dumplings

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
⅔ cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter

Equipment

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board & knife
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups & spoons
Ladle

Method

Step 1: Sauté the vegetables

Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.

Step 2: Add chicken and broth

Place chicken breasts or thighs into the pot.
Add chicken broth, thyme, parsley, pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer until chicken is tender

Simmer 20–25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and add it back to the pot.

Step 4: Make the dumpling batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
Add milk and melted butter, stirring just until combined — do not overmix.

Step 5: Thicken the soup

In a small bowl, whisk flour (or cornstarch) with milk to create a slurry.
Pour into the soup and stir over medium heat until broth becomes slightly creamy.

Step 6: Drop the dumplings

Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter gently on top of the simmering soup.
Try to keep them evenly spaced.

Step 7: Steam the dumplings

Cover the pot with a lid and cook 15 minutes, without lifting the lid, until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Step 8: Add optional greens

Stir in spinach until wilted, if using.

Step 9: Serve

Ladle soup and dumplings into bowls and serve warm.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Reheat over medium-low heat; dumplings soften slightly but remain delicious.

Add broth if the soup thickens during storage.

(Not recommended for freezing — dumplings lose texture.)

🥄 Variations

Herbed Dumplings
Mix fresh parsley or chives into the dumpling batter.

Creamier Version
Add extra milk or stir in a small handful of cheddar cheese.

Veggie-Loaded
Add peas, corn, or diced potatoes with the vegetables.

Chicken Thigh Upgrade
Use thighs for an even richer flavor and tenderness.

Brothy Style
Skip the cream slurry and enjoy a lighter, broth-based version.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely — add pre-cooked chicken in Step 3.

Can I cook dumplings separately?
Yes, but steaming them in the soup gives the best flavor.

Why didn’t my dumplings rise?
Check that your baking powder is fresh.

Can I use biscuit dough instead?
Yes — cut into pieces and simmer for 10–12 minutes.

Can I add dairy-free milk?
Yes, use coconut milk or a thick unsweetened option.

How do I know dumplings are done?
They should be fluffy and no longer doughy inside.

Can I make this ahead?
Make the soup ahead and the dumplings fresh for best results.

Can I add spices?
Paprika, rosemary, or extra garlic powder work well.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — add dumplings during the last 45–60 minutes on HIGH.

🏁 Conclusion

Homestyle Chicken ’n’ Fluffy Dumpling Soup is the definition of cozy comfort food — warm, creamy, hearty, and full of nostalgic flavor. The tender chicken, soft vegetables, and cloud-like dumplings create a perfect balance of satisfaction and simplicity. Whether for a chilly night or a family meal, this recipe promises to bring comfort with every spoonful.