Soul-Warming Savory Chicken and Herb Dumplings Soup Recipe

Steaming bowls of comfort await when you dive into this hearty chicken and herb dumplings soup that promises warmth and flavor in every spoonful.

Tender chicken, soft herbed dumplings, and a rich broth combine into a classic comfort meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this recipe, passing down techniques that create deep, satisfying flavors.

The herbs infuse each bite with aromatic goodness, making this soup more than just a meal – it’s a culinary embrace.

Chunks of juicy chicken nestle alongside pillowy dumplings, creating a balanced and nourishing dish.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to maximize taste and texture.

Prepare to savor a bowl that feels like a loving hug from the kitchen.

How to Cook Chicken Herb Soup the Easy Way

• Vegetable Foundation

Melt butter and olive oil in a large stock pan. Dance onions, celery, and carrots around the pan until they soften and release their sweet aroma. Sprinkle garlic for an extra flavor punch.

• Liquid Magic

Dust the vegetables with flour and thyme, creating a silky base. Pour chicken stock slowly, whisking to create a smooth landscape. Add shredded chicken and let the flavors mingle. Lower the heat and let the soup whisper softly.

• Dumpling Cloud Creation

Mix flour, salt, baking powder, and thyme in a bowl. Drizzle melted butter and milk, transforming the ingredients into a tender, pillowy dough. Gently drop soft dumpling clouds onto the simmering soup’s surface.

• Steamy Transformation

Seal the pot with a tight lid, trapping all the delicious moisture. Allow the dumplings to float and transform for 15 minutes. The soup will develop rich layers of comfort and warmth, turning simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal.

Tips for Light, Fluffy Dumplings

• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine or dry sherry to the vegetable sauté for deeper, more complex flavor notes. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a rich undertone.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or leftover roasted meat for a quick weeknight meal variation. Each protein brings its own unique character to the soup.
• Vegetable Flexibility: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like parsnips, leeks, or sweet potatoes to give the soup a fresh twist. Chop them roughly to maintain a rustic, homemade feel.
• Herb Garden Trick: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for an incredible burst of flavor. Rosemary, sage, or fresh parsley can elevate the dumpling's taste profile dramatically. Chop herbs finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or vegetable broth in the dumpling mixture for those with dairy restrictions. The key is maintaining the right moisture level for fluffy dumplings.

Plating Dumpling Soup for Comfort Nights

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty soup in large, deep ceramic bowls to showcase the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. Pair with warm, crusty bread for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Rustic Farmhouse Style Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green color and added herbal freshness. Sprinkle some cracked black pepper on top to enhance the visual appeal and flavor profile.
• Winter Comfort Meal Companion: Add a small side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, warm soup. Consider serving with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for adult diners seeking a complete dining experience.
• Meal Prep Champion: This soup stores beautifully in airtight containers and tastes even better the next day. Pack individual portions for easy lunch options during the week, keeping the dumplings separate to maintain their perfect texture.

How to Store This Soup for Later Enjoyment

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep dumplings separate from liquid to prevent soggy texture, maintaining their delightful fluffy consistency.
• Freezer-Friendly Batch: Freeze soup without dumplings for maximum quality. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months for best flavor profile.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Warm gently on stovetop, adding fresh dumplings during the last 15 minutes of heating. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
• Smart Portioning: Divide soup into individual meal-sized containers for quick lunch or dinner options. Label with date and contents to track freshness. Perfect for meal prep enthusiasts seeking convenient, delicious solutions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 7

Savory Chicken and Herb Dumplings Soup Ingredient List

• Butter: Adds rich, velvety flavor and helps create a smooth foundation for the soup.
• Olive Oil: Provides a subtle fruity undertone and prevents butter from burning.
• Onions: Deliver a sweet, aromatic base that builds depth in the soup's flavor profile.
• Celery: Introduces a gentle, fresh crunch and subtle herbal notes to the soup.
• Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Garlic: Offers a punchy, robust flavor that enhances the entire soup's complexity.
• Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create a silky, luxurious texture.
• Thyme: Contributes an earthy, slightly minty herbal essence that complements the chicken.
• Chicken Stock: Serves as the liquid foundation, infusing deep, savory flavor throughout.
• Shredded Chicken: Provides hearty protein and makes the soup more substantial.
• Salt: Elevates and balances all the other ingredients' flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds a gentle, warming heat and rounds out the seasoning.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structural base for light, fluffy dumplings.
• Salt: Enhances the dumpling's overall taste and helps activate other ingredients.
• Baking Powder: Ensures dumplings rise and become wonderfully airy.
• Thyme: Introduces a delicate herbal complexity to the dumpling texture.
• Melted Butter: Contributes richness and helps bind the dumpling ingredients.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender dumpling consistency.

Dumpling Tools That Make Soup a Hit

• Large Stock Pan: Wide, deep pot perfect for simmering soup and cooking dumplings.
• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized container for combining dumpling dry ingredients and forming dough.
• Cookie Scoop: Small utensil for creating uniform, perfectly shaped dumpling portions.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring vegetables and soup base without scratching pan.
• Cutting Board: Surface for chopping vegetables before adding to the soup.
• Sharp Knife: Used for dicing onions, celery, and carrots into small, even pieces.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurately measuring ingredients like flour and spices.

Hearty Chicken and Herb Dumplings Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and herb dumplings soup delivers comfort from grandma’s kitchen. Delicate herb-infused dumplings nestled in rich broth promise warmth you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (960 ml) shredded chicken
• 8 cups (1.9 L) chicken stock
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (28 g) butter
• 2 cups (240 g) flour (for dumplings)
• ¼ cup (30 g) flour (for soup base)
• 3 large carrots, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• ½ small onion, diced
• 2 tsp dried and ground thyme
• ½ tsp dried and ground thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt (for dumplings)
• Salt and pepper to taste (for soup base)
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 4 tbsps (56 g) melted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk

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Instructions

1. Preparing the Base: Heat a large stockpot over medium flame, blending butter and olive oil to create a smooth cooking foundation. Introduce a trio of chopped onions, celery, and carrots, sautéing until they soften and release their aromatic essence.
2. Layering Flavors: Add minced garlic to the vegetable blend, stirring until its intense aroma fills the kitchen. Dust the mixture with flour and thyme, creating a light coating that will transform into a rich, velvety soup base.
3. Developing the Broth: Gradually whisk chicken stock into the pot, ensuring a smooth, lump-free liquid. Incorporate shredded chicken and season generously with salt and pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile.
4. Crafting Dumplings: In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and thyme. Introduce melted butter and milk, gently folding until a soft, slightly sticky dough emerges.
5. Cooking Process: Delicately drop dumpling portions onto the gently simmering soup surface. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, allowing the dumplings to steam and expand undisturbed for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring a light, fluffy texture.

Notes

• Butter Blend Tip: Mixing butter and olive oil creates a richer flavor base and prevents butter from burning during initial sautéing.
• Vegetable Softening Secret: Cook onions, celery, and carrots slowly to develop deep, sweet undertones that enhance the soup’s overall complexity.
• Dumpling Texture Trick: Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough to maintain a tender, light consistency; gentle folding prevents tough dumplings.
• Steam Sealing Strategy: Keep the lid tightly closed during dumpling cooking to trap moisture and ensure perfectly steamed, fluffy dumplings without disrupting the cooking process.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg