There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of soup on a chilly day, and when that soup is filled with hearty chunks of chicken, tender dumplings, and a rich broth, it becomes a meal that can soothe both your body and soul. Chicken Dumpling Soup with Biscuits is the perfect recipe to bring warmth to your table, combining the best of both worlds: the satisfying, soft dumplings that soak up the flavor of the broth, and the flaky, buttery biscuits that add a touch of indulgence.
This recipe is not just about filling your belly-it’s about elevating the classic chicken soup to something even more special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to something cozy, this dish will quickly become a go-to for all occasions. The magic happens when the comforting chicken soup meets soft, pillowy dumplings, all accompanied by golden-brown, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits. Let’s dive into the ingredients, instructions, and tips to make this meal your new favorite.
Chicken Dumpling Soup With Biscuits Recipe
This recipe balances simplicity with a little indulgence, giving you a dish that feels elevated but doesn’t require hours of work. We’ll start by crafting a robust, flavorful chicken soup that’s hearty and satisfying. Then, we’ll add in the dumplings to bring texture and heartiness, along with biscuits for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients Needed
To create this deliciously comforting dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For The Chicken Dumpling Soup
- Chicken breast or thighs (2-3 pieces): You can use either depending on your preference. Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs bring more flavor.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): These will add sweetness and color to the soup.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced): A classic addition for flavor and texture.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds depth to the soup’s base.
- Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced): For a savory base with a hint of warmth.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): The heart of the soup. You can opt for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Bay leaves (2 leaves): For aromatic flavor that lingers in the soup.
- Thyme (1 teaspoon): A fresh, herbal addition that complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): To sauté the vegetables and create a rich base.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): For thickening the broth just a bit and giving it a silky texture.
For The Biscuits
- Bisquick or self-rising flour (2 cups): This shortcut helps make biscuits without the hassle.
- Milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and helps bind the dough.
- Butter (1/4 cup, melted): For richness and flavor.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): For that perfect rise in your biscuits.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s walk through the process of making this delicious Chicken Dumpling Soup with Biscuits, step-by-step.
Prepare The Chicken
- In a large soup pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, cooking until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent-about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the vegetables are ready, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add the bay leaves, thyme, and salt & pepper. Let this mixture simmer on low heat while you prepare the chicken.
- Add the chicken breast (or thighs) into the broth, cooking for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken, shred it with a fork, and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Prepare The Dumplings
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir until the butter is broken down and the mixture is crumbly.
- Slowly add in 1 cup of milk, stirring to form a sticky dough. This is your dumpling batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of this batter directly into the simmering soup, covering the surface. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the dumplings have doubled in size and are cooked through.
Make The Biscuits
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of Bisquick (or self-rising flour) with 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Add in 1 cup of milk and 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir just until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve
- Serve the Chicken Dumpling Soup hot, with a freshly baked biscuit on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley, for an added touch of color and flavor.
Ingredient Insights
When preparing this dish, the ingredients play a crucial role in balancing texture and flavor.
- Chicken: For the most flavorful soup, thighs are ideal as they have more fat and collagen, making the broth richer. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work fine but may yield a lighter broth.
- Carrots & Celery: These vegetables are more than just for flavor-they also contribute to the soup’s heartiness. Their natural sweetness balances the savory elements of the broth.
- Flour for thickening: Adding flour to the broth before simmering helps thicken the soup slightly, giving it a velvety consistency that coats the chicken and vegetables.
- Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs are key to giving your soup a comforting, aromatic flavor. Don’t skip them!
Expert Tips
- For extra flavor: Sear the chicken before adding it to the soup for a deeper, richer taste.
- Don’t overwork the dumpling dough: When mixing the dumplings, stop stirring as soon as everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings, and we want them light and fluffy.
- Add some cream: For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half toward the end of cooking.
- Make ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Just store the soup and dumplings separately, as the dumplings can get soggy when stored with the soup.
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts about this dish is its versatility. Here are some ideas for mixing things up:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add tofu or chickpeas for protein.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the soup.
- Herbed Biscuits: Instead of plain biscuits, add some dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the biscuit dough for an herbaceous twist.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit mixture for a cheesy surprise in every bite.
Final Words
Chicken Dumpling Soup with Biscuits is a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and warmth in every spoonful. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or a hearty lunch to enjoy on a cool afternoon. The layers of tender chicken, flavorful broth, pillowy dumplings, and buttery biscuits come together to create a meal that’s satisfying in every way. Plus, it’s easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that transform into something special.