Chicken and Dumpling Soup: Comforting & Easy!

Hey there, my fellow kitchen warriors! Vivien from Mommy Made Meals here, ready to share another sanity-saving recipe that’s become a total staple in our household. I’m talking about Chicken and Dumpling Soup. Yep, that warm, comforting bowl of goodness that magically makes everyone happy (even the picky eaters!).

I remember the first time I tried making Chicken and Dumpling Soup. It was a rainy Sunday, the kids were bouncing off the walls, and my husband was glued to a football game. I needed something hearty and satisfying that wouldn’t take all day. I found a chicken dumpling recipe online and decided to give it a whirl. Let’s just say the first attempt was…interesting. The dumplings were a little too chewy and the broth needed some oomph. But you know what? The family devoured it anyway! That’s the beauty of Chicken and Dumpling Soup – it’s forgiving and always a crowd-pleaser.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected my Chicken and Dumpling Soup recipe. I’ve learned a few mom hacks along the way that I can’t wait to share. I’m all about easy, delicious meals that bring the family together. I’ve found the perfect balance between flavor and convenience. Now, it’s my go-to meal for busy weeknights. The recipe is so simple, even my oldest can help!

So, if you’re looking for a chicken dumpling recipe that’s both comforting and easy, stick around! I’m going to guide you through every step. I promise, even on your craziest days, you can whip up a batch of Chicken and Dumpling Soup that your family will love. Let’s get cooking, shall we?

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, let’s gather our supplies. This Chicken and Dumpling Soup ingredient list is short and sweet because mama doesn’t have time for fancy ingredients!

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is your friend!)
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium is always a good choice)
• 1 cup diced carrots (grab a bag of baby carrots for a shortcut!)
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup (shhh, it’s our secret weapon!)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Mom-Tested Ingredient Swaps: No worries if you don’t have fresh celery or carrots. I use a bag of frozen mixed veggies all the time in my Chicken and Dumpling Soup. It cuts down on prep time and the kids don’t even notice! You can grab almost everything at Target while doing your regular grocery run. This Chicken and Dumpling Soup doesn’t have to break the bank either. Using canned chicken is a great budget-friendly alternative if you don’t have leftover rotisserie chicken.

Ingredient Prep Shortcuts for Busy Families: Pre-shredded rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver. Also, use pre-cut veggies to save even more time. My family loves when I add extra carrots. They add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors. If you happen to have leftover broth, freeze it for later. I always portion mine in freezer bags for easy storage.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, kitchen warriors, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make this delicious and easy Chicken and Dumpling Soup:

1. Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the carrots, celery, and onion over medium heat until softened. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Here’s where I used to mess up my Chicken and Dumpling Soup – don’t skip this step! Sautéing the veggies brings out their flavor and adds depth to the soup.
2. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. While this is coming to a simmer, you can start on your dumplings.
3. Mix the Dumpling Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing will cause tough dumplings.
4. Drop the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot. I usually do about 6-8 dumplings at a time.
5. Simmer and Cover: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid! This is crucial for the dumplings to cook properly. Your Chicken and Dumpling Soup should smell amazing by now.
6. Add the Chicken and Soup: Gently stir in the shredded chicken and condensed cream of chicken soup. Heat through. Don’t panic if your Chicken and Dumpling Soup looks a little thick at this point. It will thin out as it simmers.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Chicken and Dumpling Soup into bowls and serve hot.

While your delicious Chicken and Dumpling Soup is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! In my chaotic kitchen, this **comforting Chicken and Dumpling Soup** usually takes around 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect time to fold that laundry pile. I swear, that thing never ends!

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings – Spend With Pennies are also a great option for busy families! I love using the crockpot when I know I’ll be out all day.

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, now for the fun part: serving this delicious Chicken and Dumpling Soup! My family enjoys this **easy Chicken and Dumpling Soup** with a side of crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches. The kids devour this Chicken and Dumpling Soup when I serve it with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. I like to add a little hot sauce for a kick!

This Chicken and Dumpling Soup is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and satisfying. It’s also a great option for a cozy weekend lunch. I love to serve it with a simple green salad.

Presentation tips that actually matter to families: use colorful bowls, add a garnish of fresh parsley, and let everyone customize their own bowl with their favorite toppings.

Leftover ideas (because we always have them!): Chicken and Dumpling Soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You could also try freezing any leftovers.

For a seasonal variation, try adding roasted butternut squash to your Chicken and Dumpling Soup in the fall. It adds a touch of sweetness and warmth that’s perfect for chilly evenings. My friend raved about how creamy and delicious this soup was when I made it for her family last winter!

This Chicken and Dumpling Soup reminds me of another family favorite, my Pretzel Crusted Chicken. Both are easy to make and always a hit with the kids. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my Spicy Black Bean Soup. It’s packed with flavor and super easy to customize.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making Chicken and Dumpling Soup.

Q: Can my picky eater handle this Chicken and Dumpling Soup?

A: Absolutely! The beauty of Chicken and Dumpling Soup is that it’s so customizable. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your picky eater’s preferences. Try adding more carrots or celery, or using a milder broth. You can also cut the chicken into smaller pieces or even puree some of the soup for a smoother texture.

Q: What if I burn my Chicken and Dumpling Soup? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

A: We’ve all been there! If you burn your Chicken and Dumpling Soup, don’t panic. First, immediately remove the pot from the heat. Then, carefully transfer the unburned soup to a clean pot. Avoid scraping the bottom of the burned pot. You can also try adding a little milk or cream to mask the burned flavor.

Q: Can I make this Chicken and Dumpling Soup ahead for meal prep?

A: Yes, you can! Chicken and Dumpling Soup is a great meal prep option. Simply prepare the soup according to the instructions, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I use Bisquick for the dumplings?

A: Sure! If you’re short on time, you can definitely use Bisquick for the dumplings. Just follow the instructions on the box for making drop dumplings. Keep in mind that Bisquick dumplings may be a little denser than homemade dumplings.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can! To make slow cooker chicken and dumplings, simply combine the chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker. Add the chicken and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Then, drop the dumplings into the slow cooker and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a great resource.

Q: My dumplings are too doughy, what did I do wrong?

A: Doughy dumplings usually mean they weren’t cooked long enough. Make sure you simmer the soup, covered, for the full 15-20 minutes (or longer, if needed). Also, avoid lifting the lid too often, as this can release steam and lower the temperature of the soup.

Q: How do I make creamy chicken dumpling soup?

A: For a creamy chicken dumpling soup, try adding a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking time. You can also use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the soup. Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Dumplings. – Half Baked Harvest is a great article.

Final Thoughts:

This **homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup** is special to my family because it’s a reminder of simpler times. It’s a dish that brings us all together around the table. It’s also a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s just one of those meals that makes everyone feel warm and cozy inside.

Here are my Chicken and Dumpling Soup Mom Hacks:

• Rotisserie Chicken is Your Friend: Save time and effort by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• Frozen Veggies for the Win: Don’t be afraid to use frozen veggies to cut down on prep time.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasonings to your family’s preferences.

Here are a few family-tested **Chicken and Dumpling Soup** variations:

• Spicy Chicken and Dumpling Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• Cheesy Chicken and Dumpling Soup: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Vegetarian Chicken and Dumpling Soup: Use vegetable broth and add extra veggies like mushrooms, potatoes, or green beans.

My son loves the cheesy version, while my daughter prefers the classic **chicken dumpling recipe**. My husband is all about the spicy version. I encourage you to make it your own!

For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my White Chicken Chili. It’s another family favorite that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

I hope you give this **Chicken and Dumpling Soup** a try. I know you and your family will love it! Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating memories with your loved ones. So, go ahead, embrace the beautiful chaos and whip up a batch of this comforting soup. You got this, mama!

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