- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Add Garlic and Spices:
- Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, bay leaves, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Chicken:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then add the shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Making the Dumplings
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried herbs (if using). Stir in the milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the dumplings dense.
- Shape the Dumplings:
- Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to portion the dough into tablespoon-sized pieces. Set aside; they will cook directly in the soup.
Step 3: Cooking the Dumplings
- Add Dumplings to the Soup:
- Bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Drop the dumpling dough pieces directly into the simmering soup, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Cook the Dumplings:
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This traps steam and ensures they cook evenly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Check the Dumplings:
- After 15 minutes, remove the lid and check the dumplings. They should be puffed up and fully cooked, with a fluffy interior.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Optional Thickening:
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering soup and cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Serving the Chicken & Dumplings Soup
- Plate the Dish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include plenty of vegetables, chicken, and dumplings in each serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and add a pinch of cracked black pepper for an elegant touch. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken & Dumplings Soup
- Make It Creamy:
- For a richer soup, stir in ½ cup heavy cream or milk at the end of cooking.
- Dumpling Variations:
- Add grated cheese or chopped herbs to the dumpling dough for added flavor.
- Chicken Options:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier bite, or poach chicken breasts directly in the broth.
- Meal Prep:
- The soup base can be made a day ahead. Prepare the dumplings fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
A Comfort Food Classic
This Chicken & Dumplings Soup recipe is not only a delightful meal but a heartwarming experience. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory broth, tender chicken, and melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or to a crowd at a family gathering, this dish is bound to impress and leave everyone craving more.