One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup

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When the air turns crisp and comfort food calls, there’s nothing more soothing than a steaming bowl of One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup. This dish wraps you in a blanket of rich, creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the flavor. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to warm my soul—and the kitchen—with its cozy aroma and hearty texture.

What I love most about this soup is how it comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and the cooking process even more satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, sit at the table a little longer, and enjoy every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this soup delivers in both flavor and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup

This recipe is all about simplicity meeting satisfaction. You’ll love how the dumplings gently steam right in the soup, absorbing the creamy, herb-laced broth. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but cozy and filling enough to serve as the centerpiece of a weekend meal. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—no one turns down a bowl of this goodness.

What Kind of Dumplings Should I Use?

For this soup, I use a classic biscuit-style dumpling made from scratch with flour, baking powder, and milk. They’re dropped directly into the simmering soup where they puff up into soft, tender pillows. You could use canned biscuit dough in a pinch, but homemade dumplings offer that fluffy, slightly chewy texture that’s hard to beat.

Options for Substitutions

Not a fan of peas or out of fresh herbs? No problem. You can substitute frozen corn, green beans, or even chopped spinach in place of the peas. If you don’t have fresh thyme or parsley, dried versions will work—just reduce the amount by half. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and skip the cream. And if you’re short on chicken, shredded rotisserie or even turkey works just as well.

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Ingredients for this One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup

• Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts) – Provides hearty protein and a rich base for the soup.
• Carrots, celery, and onion – The classic mirepoix trio builds a flavorful foundation.
• Garlic – Enhances the savory profile with aromatic depth.
• Butter – Used for sautéing and adding richness to the broth.
• All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the soup and forms the base of the dumplings.
• Chicken broth – Delivers body and depth to the soup’s base.
• Heavy cream – Adds luxurious creaminess to the soup.
• Frozen peas – Bring in a pop of color and slight sweetness.
• Thyme and parsley (fresh or dried) – Add layers of herby flavor.
• Baking powder – Essential leavening for fluffy dumplings.
• Milk – Combines with flour for tender dumplings.
• Salt and black pepper – To enhance and balance the flavors.

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Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Build the Base

Add the cubed chicken to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat everything evenly, cooking for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the soup simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and chopped parsley. Stir in milk until a sticky dough forms. Do not overmix—just combine until the flour disappears.

Step 5: Drop the Dumplings Into the Soup

Using a spoon, drop small dollops of dough into the simmering soup, spacing them evenly. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. They’ll puff up and cook through with steam.

Step 6: Add Cream and Peas

Once dumplings are cooked, gently stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Let it simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a few dumplings. Garnish with fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper for the perfect finish.

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How Long to Prepare the One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup

Prep Time

Prepping the ingredients—chopping vegetables, mincing garlic, and cutting the chicken—takes about 15–20 minutes. Making the dumpling dough adds another 5 minutes, especially if you’re mixing it by hand.

Cooking Time

The cooking process takes approximately 35–40 minutes total. Sautéing the veggies and browning the chicken takes 10–12 minutes, simmering the soup takes another 10–12 minutes, and finally, cooking the dumplings requires 15 minutes. Add a few minutes more for the cream and peas at the end.

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Tips for Perfect One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup

• Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier meat.
• Don’t overmix the dumpling dough; this keeps the dumplings soft and tender.
• Keep the lid closed while the dumplings are cooking to trap the steam.
• Taste your broth before adding the dumplings—it’s your last chance to adjust the seasoning.
• Add the cream at the end to avoid curdling and to maintain its smooth texture.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Opening the lid during dumpling steaming: This releases the steam and can result in undercooked or dense dumplings.
• Overcooking the chicken: Since it continues to cook while simmering, browning it briefly is enough.
• Too thick or thin soup: If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth. Too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Using cold milk or broth: Cold liquids can affect the dumpling rise and the soup’s consistency.
• Crowding the pot with dumplings: Space them out so they have room to expand.

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What to Serve With One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup?

1. Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast

Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.

2. Simple Green Salad

A light side balances the richness of the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Caramelized veggies like Brussels sprouts or squash are hearty complements.

4. Apple Slaw

A sweet and tangy slaw cuts through the creaminess nicely.

5. Pickled Vegetables

A tangy pickle platter brings a zesty contrast to the warm, rich soup.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dumplings will soak up more broth, so you may want to thin the soup with a bit of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

While the soup itself freezes well for up to 2 months, dumplings tend to change texture. If planning to freeze, consider cooking and freezing the soup base without dumplings, then making fresh dumplings when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add extra broth or cream as needed to restore the desired consistency.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~420 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 690mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for flavor and tenderness, but breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to make the dough fresh just before adding to the soup, as it doesn’t store well and can lose its rise.

How do I know the dumplings are done?

They should be puffed and firm to the touch. You can insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Can I use store-bought biscuit dough?

Yes, you can. Drop small pieces into the soup just like the homemade version, but the texture will be slightly different.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the roux and the dumplings. Also ensure your broth is labeled gluten-free.

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Conclusion

One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup is the kind of meal that feeds both body and soul. It’s rich, comforting, and satisfying—perfect for chilly nights, lazy weekends, or any time you crave something hearty. With simple ingredients, a one-pot method, and adaptable options, this dish earns a top spot in my comfort food lineup.

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