Hearty One-Pot Chicken and Dumpling Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort and joy, especially when it features tender chicken and plump, homemade dumplings. This one-pot chicken and dumpling soup recipe is a true classic, delivering incredible flavor with surprisingly simple ingredients. It’s a complete meal in itself, perfect for a cozy evening, and a guaranteed hit with both adults and the little ones, making it an essential addition to your family meal rotation.

This beloved recipe, originally inspired by my mother-in-law’s traditional cooking and adapted over time, brings a taste of authentic, home-cooked goodness. It shares a heritage with dishes like Halusky (галушка), a type of soft noodle or dumpling dish frequently found in Eastern European cuisine. While our version embraces the spirit of these traditional dumplings, its straightforward preparation means you don’t need to be an expert to master this deliciously satisfying soup. We’ve kept the broth light and flavorful, resisting the temptation to add cream or flour, allowing the natural richness of the chicken and broth to shine through. The homemade dumplings, often perceived as complicated, are surprisingly easy to prepare and cook quickly while your soup simmers, requiring only about 5-7 minutes of cooking time. Get ready to experience a truly delicious and wholesome soup that will become a new family favorite!

Why This Chicken and Dumpling Soup Stands Out

Our one-pot chicken and dumpling soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease and maximum flavor. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe book:

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything from sautéing the chicken to cooking the dumplings happens in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and making meal prep a breeze.
• Homemade Goodness: While store-bought dumplings exist, making them from scratch adds an incomparable tenderness and freshness that elevates the entire dish. Plus, it’s easier than you think!
• Kid-Friendly & Wholesome: With simple, recognizable ingredients and a comforting texture, this soup is a fantastic way to get your family, especially picky eaters, to enjoy a nutritious meal.
• Rich, Clear Broth: Unlike some heavier versions, this recipe focuses on a clean, flavorful broth without added cream or thickeners, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken, onion, and garlic to truly shine.
• Adaptable & Versatile: Easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or even adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Perfect Comfort Food: Ideal for chilly evenings, a simple weeknight dinner, or when you need a hearty, soul-warming meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Bowl

The beauty of this homemade chicken and dumpling soup lies in its straightforward ingredients. You likely have many of these on hand already!

For the Flavorful Soup Base:

• 1 Chicken Breast, diced: We use boneless, skinless chicken breast for lean protein and easy dicing. You could also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even leftover cooked chicken (add it later in the process).
• 1 Large Onion, diced: The foundation of flavor. Sautéing it until translucent adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 tsp Salt, divided: Essential for seasoning both the soup and the dumplings.
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best for a more vibrant flavor.
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics and chicken. Any neutral oil will work.
• 8 cups Broth (or water and 1/2 tbsp of chicken bouillon powder): Chicken broth is preferred for maximum flavor. If using water and bouillon, ensure the bouillon is dissolved well. Homemade broth elevates this even further.
• 1/3 cup Fresh Dill: A critical herb that adds a bright, fresh, and slightly anisy note. Don’t skip it!
• 6 cloves Garlic, crushed: Fresh garlic provides a pungent aroma and robust flavor that complements the chicken and dill perfectly.

For the Plump, Buttermilk Dumplings:

• 1 3/4 cups Buttermilk: This is the secret to tender, fluffy dumplings. The acidity reacts with baking soda to create lightness.
• 1 tsp Baking Soda: The leavening agent that works with buttermilk to make the dumplings rise and become tender.
• 3 cups Flour + 3 TBSP: All-purpose flour is ideal. The additional 3 tablespoons help achieve the right dough consistency, and a little extra for dusting your work surface.

Step-by-Step Directions to Your Comfort Food Heaven

1. Prepare the Soup Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and diced onion. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and the onions become soft and translucent. This step is crucial for building a deep, savory flavor foundation for your soup.

2. Simmer the Broth: Pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth (or water with bouillon). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a consistent, light simmer while you prepare the dumplings. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully without overcooking the chicken.

Meanwhile, Master the Homemade Dumplings:

3. Form the Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, baking soda, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and 3 cups plus 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix with a spoon or your hands until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; overworking the dough can lead to tough dumplings. The dough will be a bit tacky, which is perfectly normal.

Shape the Dumplings: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Dust your hands with flour as needed to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Take each piece and roll it out into a log approximately 22 inches long. Then, cut each log into 1-inch thick pieces. These will be your homemade, plump dumplings.

4. Cook the Dumplings and Finish the Soup: Gently drop the prepared dumplings into the simmering soup. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and have floated to the surface. You can test one to ensure it’s tender. Once cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh dill and crushed garlic. The residual heat will warm the garlic and wilt the dill, releasing their aromatic flavors without overcooking them. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Homemade Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Achieving a consistently delicious chicken and dumpling soup is easy with a few insider tips:

• Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough: This is crucial! Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough, rubbery dumplings. Mix just until combined. A slightly lumpy dough is fine.
• Ensure Broth is at a Gentle Simmer: When adding dumplings, the soup should be simmering, not boiling vigorously. A strong boil can break apart delicate dumplings.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: If you have a smaller pot, consider cooking the dumplings in two batches. They need space to expand and cook evenly.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your broth before adding the dumplings. Different broths have varying salt levels. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Buttermilk Substitutes: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own. Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the rest of the way to 1 3/4 cups with regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or peas for added nutrition and flavor. Add heartier vegetables like carrots and celery along with the onions, and delicate ones like peas or corn towards the end of the cooking process.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried dill can be used, fresh dill adds an unparalleled brightness to the soup. If using dried, use about 1/3 less than fresh and add it with the broth to allow it to rehydrate.

Variations to Explore

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end, after turning off the heat.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the onions or a dash of hot sauce when serving for a touch of heat.
• Herb Garden: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a touch of thyme to complement the dill.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian dumpling soup.
• Different Dumpling Shapes: Instead of rolling and cutting, you can simply drop spoonfuls of dough directly into the simmering soup for more rustic “drop dumplings.”

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This chicken and dumpling soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Crusty bread or cornbread for dipping.
• A light side salad to balance the richness.
• A sprinkle of extra fresh dill or parsley for garnish.

Storage: Leftover chicken and dumpling soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dumplings will absorb more broth and soften over time, which some people prefer!

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of extra broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

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Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe

Servings: 6 -8

Author: Alyona’s Cooking

A chicken based soup with plump homemade dumplings all made in one-pot! This chicken dumpling soup has simple ingredients, tastes delicious and happens to be kid friendly! A soup to keep in your meal rotation!

Ingredients

• 1 Chicken breast diced
• 1 large onion diced
• 2 tsp salt divided
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 8 cups broth or water and 1/2 tbsp of chicken bullion powder
• 1/3 cup dill
• 6 cloves garlic crushed
• DUMPLINGS:
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3 cups flour + 3 TBSP

Instructions

• In a large pot sauté chicken and onion with 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper in 1/4 cup of oil until onions are translucent.
• Add in the broth and bring to a simmer over medium/low heat.
• Meanwhile MAKE DUMPLINGS: Combine together the baking soda, buttermilk, 1 tsp of salt and 3 cups plus 3 TBSP of flour. Form a dough. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and cut into 6 equal pieces (dough will be tacky just dust flour as your working.) Roll out each piece to a 22-inch log and cut 1-inch thick pieces.
• Throw into the pot of boiling soup and cook for 5-7 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the dill and crushed garlic.

Conclusion: Your Next Favorite Comfort Meal

This one-pot chicken and dumpling soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to create warmth and comfort in your kitchen. With its simple steps, fresh ingredients, and the satisfying texture of homemade dumplings, it embodies everything you love about classic comfort food. Whether you’re seeking a hearty dinner for a cold evening, a kid-friendly option, or simply a delicious and wholesome meal, this recipe delivers every time. Don’t be intimidated by homemade dumplings – they’re quick, easy, and truly elevate this soup to something extraordinary. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a treasured part of your family’s culinary traditions!