Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the garlic, thyme, and sage, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Thicken the Soup
- Prepare a slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a few tablespoons of the warm broth until smooth. Gradually stir the slurry back into the soup to thicken the broth.
- Add chicken and cream: Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently while you prepare the dumpling dough.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. If using, stir in the fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
- Add wet ingredients: Gradually pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
- Drop dumplings into the soup: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small spoonfuls of the dough directly onto the surface of the simmering soup. Leave a little space between each dumpling, as they will expand as they cook.
- Cover and cook: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 12–15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook evenly.
- Check for doneness: To test if the dumplings are cooked, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of one — it should come out clean.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each portion gets plenty of chicken, vegetables, broth, and dumplings. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe. It adds rich flavor and cuts down on prep time.
- Don’t overmix the dumplings: Overmixing can make them dense. Gently combine the dough until it just comes together.
- Customize the soup: Add frozen peas or corn for extra veggies, or stir in a splash of white wine to enhance the flavor of the broth.
- Reheat carefully: When reheating, do so over low heat to avoid breaking apart the dumplings.
Storage and Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup (without dumplings) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Add fresh dumplings when reheating for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup is the perfect recipe to bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen. With tender dumplings, creamy broth, and savory chicken, every spoonful is a reminder of home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re preparing it for a quiet family dinner or sharing it with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!