Creamy Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and downright delicious, you’re in the right place. This Creamy Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s creamy, hearty, and filled with tender chunks of chicken and fluffy dumplings that soak up all the savory goodness. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together to make a soup that my whole family goes crazy for — I just have to share it with you!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe lies in the mix of fresh veggies, quality chicken thighs for flavor, and a little kitchen trickery like soy sauce to amp up the umami. Using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary brings an aromatic touch that makes the soup feel special.

• Olive oil: Great for sautéing — brings a mild flavor and helps brown the chicken without overpowering it.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: I love thighs here for their juiciness and rich taste compared to chicken breasts.
• Onion: Using a large onion finely chopped adds a sweet depth to the soup base.
• Carrots and celery: Classic soup veggies that add both texture and a touch of natural sweetness.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Basics for seasoning — kosher salt is my go-to for its clean flavor and easy measuring.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic wakes up the whole pot with its aromatic punch.
• All-purpose flour: Key for thickening the soup and forming the dumpling dough.
• Chicken broth: The heart of the soup — I prefer low sodium so I can control the seasoning.
• Fresh or dried thyme and rosemary: These herbs infuse a bright, woodsy note that balances the creaminess beautifully.
• Soy sauce: My secret ingredient that quietly adds depth and umami without tasting “soy-saucy.”
• Frozen peas: Added at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Whole milk: For making the dumpling dough tender and rich.
• Unsalted butter: Melted into the dumpling dough, it makes each bite melt in your mouth.
• Baking powder: Helps the dumplings puff up light and fluffy.

Variations

Since I’m all about making recipes your own, I love to tweak this Creamy Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe depending on what I have on hand or dietary preferences. It’s very forgiving and versatile, so you can get creative!

• Make it gluten-free: I tried using a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings and it still worked beautifully—just check the blend includes baking powder.
• Add veggies: I sometimes toss in mushrooms or green beans when I want to sneak in more veggies.
• Herb swaps: If you don’t have rosemary or thyme, sage or tarragon can give a nice twist.
• Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds warmth without overpowering the creaminess.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Chicken and Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs along with finely chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook this mixture for about 10 minutes until the chicken turns opaque and the veggies soften, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. When you add the garlic in the last minute of this step, the whole kitchen will fill with that irresistible aroma that tells you you’re on the right track.

Step 2: Add Flour and Create the Base

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the chicken and veggies. Stir well and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes — you’re looking for the flour to take on a lightly toasted, nutty scent without browning too dark. This step is crucial because it cooks out the raw flour taste and starts to thicken the broth for that creamy texture we love.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Herbs, Simmer to Perfection

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to keep things smooth. Add fresh or dried thyme and rosemary, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring occasionally and let it thicken up — this usually takes around 10 minutes. Taste along the way and add soy sauce for that umami boost plus any extra salt if needed. I usually add a splash of soy sauce here because it adds a depth of flavor without being obvious.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings and Cook Them Gently

While your soup simmers, mix the dumpling dough in a separate bowl: whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in whole milk and melted butter until combined. To form the dumplings, I find using a small cookie scoop or spoon helps keep them uniform in size — that’s a neat little trick I discovered so everything cooks evenly. Carefully drop each ball of dough into the simmering soup, cover the pot with a lid, and let the dumplings cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Be patient — they’ll float to the top when they’re perfectly cooked through.

Step 5: Finish with Peas and Final Seasoning

In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas. They brighten up the soup with color and sweetness but won’t suffer from overcooking this way. Give the soup a final taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed, then you’re ready to serve something truly special.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves — it adds a hint of brightness that lifts all the flavors. A grind of fresh black pepper on top is always a nice touch too. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil or even a dusting of grated Parmesan when I want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

For sides, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into that rich broth. I’ve also served this with a simple green salad or roasted veggies on the side when we want a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in rustic bread bowls — it’s such a fun and cozy presentation that impresses guests and cuts down on dishes. You can also ladle it into pretty bowls and add a cute bunch of fresh thyme on top for a bistro-style vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I keep the dumplings submerged in the broth to prevent drying out, and always cover it tightly to keep freshness locked in.

Freezing

I have frozen this soup before, but I recommend freezing without the dumplings if possible. Dumplings can get a little mushy when thawed. You can always make fresh dumplings when reheating — just drop them in the simmering soup and cook for 10 minutes.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If soup thickened too much in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. For dumplings, low and slow reheating keeps them tender and prevents them from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen whenever we need comfort food that’s easy to prep but feels like a special occasion. I love how the dumplings soak up the savory broth and how the fresh herbs add an unforgettable aroma. I’m confident that once you try this, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like I do. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones — you deserve a bowl of this cozy goodness.

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