The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, and today I’m sharing a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day: Southern Chicken Dumpling Soup. Growing up, I always loved soups that filled the house with amazing aromas and brought everyone together. I remember one rainy afternoon when I tried making this dish for my family for the first time. The smell of simmering chicken, fresh herbs, and soft dumplings made everyone gather in the kitchen, plates in hand, ready to taste.
This soup isn’t just food it’s comfort, tradition, and happiness all in one bowl. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights at home, or when you just want something heartwarming and simple. The secret to the best Southern Chicken Dumpling Soup? Fresh ingredients, tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a lot of love.
I love how versatile it is: you can add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste. Every spoonful brings a mix of flavors that feels both classic and a little creative, just like my cooking style.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts, bone-in, skin-on 🍗
- 6 cups chicken broth 🍲
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 🥕
- 3 celery stalks, sliced 🌿
- 1 medium onion, diced 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
For the Dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk 🥛
- 2 tablespoons melted butter 🧈
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and sear until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic, thyme, and parsley, cooking another minute.
- Simmer: Return chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred chicken: Remove chicken from the pot, shred the meat, and discard bones. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
- Make dumplings: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
- Cook dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern Chicken Dumpling Soup pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty bread or cornbread 🥖
- Steamed green beans or peas 🥬
- A light side salad with tomatoes and cucumbers 🥗
Tips for Perfect Southern Chicken Dumpling Soup 🍴
- Time Cook ⏱️: 50–60 minutes total, including dumpling cooking time
- Ingredients 📝: Fresh chicken and vegetables make a huge difference in flavor
- Instruction 👩🍳: Don’t stir dumplings once dropped into soup; let them steam undisturbed
- Note ⚠️: Cover the pot while dumplings cook to ensure fluffiness
- Nutrition 🥗: Approx. 400 calories per serving, rich in protein and fiber
💡 Pro Tip: For extra richness, add a splash of cream or a handful of frozen peas right before serving.
Conclusion
Southern Chicken Dumpling Soup is more than just a meal it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth, family, and joy to your table. Soft, fluffy dumplings floating in savory chicken broth make it a perfect dish for any day you want to feel cozy and satisfied. Simple, heartwarming, and full of flavor, this soup will become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine. Gather your ingredients, simmer your soup, and enjoy a taste of Southern comfort tonight! 🍲💛
Short 100-Word Version
Warm up with Southern Chicken Dumpling Soup, a classic comfort dish perfect for cozy nights. Tender chicken, fresh carrots, celery, and onions simmer in flavorful broth, topped with soft, fluffy dumplings. Made with simple ingredients like chicken, broth, herbs, and a quick homemade dumpling batter, this soup is easy to prepare and brings the family together. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. Every bite is rich, heartwarming, and full of love, making it perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a comforting bowl of goodness. 🍲🐔