Chicken And Dumpling Soup From Olive Garden Recipe

Chicken and Dumpling Soup is one of those comforting dishes that feel like a warm hug in a bowl. If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, you’ve probably experienced their version, which is creamy, flavorful, and filled with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. It’s the kind of soup that’s perfect for chilly days, or anytime you need a hearty meal that satisfies both your stomach and soul. The best part? You can easily recreate this delicious dish at home!

In this article, we’re going to break down the recipe for Olive Garden’s Chicken and Dumpling Soup, dive into the essential ingredients, and explore tips for making this dish even more special. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, we’ll make sure you can prepare this cozy meal in your own kitchen, with the same rich taste and comfort you get from the restaurant.

Chicken And Dumpling Soup From Olive Garden Recipe

This recipe for Chicken and Dumpling Soup closely resembles the one served at Olive Garden, featuring a creamy broth loaded with tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings. It’s everything you want in a comforting bowl of soup – rich, filling, and satisfying.

Ingredients Needed

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or thighs for extra flavor)
• Carrots – diced or sliced thinly
• Celery – chopped
• Onions – diced
• Garlic – minced
• Chicken Broth – preferably low-sodium
• Heavy Cream – adds richness to the soup
• Milk – to balance the creaminess
• Flour – for thickening the broth

• Dumpling Ingredients

  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Baking Powder – to make the dumplings rise
  • Salt – for seasoning
  • Butter – adds richness to the dumplings
  • Milk – helps to bring the dough together
  • Parsley – fresh or dried, for flavor and garnish
• Seasonings – such as thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, to elevate the flavor profile
• Olive Oil – for sautéing the vegetables

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Chicken

   Start by cooking the chicken breasts (or thighs) until they’re fully cooked and easy to shred. You can either poach them in simmering water or roast them in the oven. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they’re tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

3. Make The Soup Base

   Sprinkle in the flour and stir it into the veggies to form a roux. This will help thicken the soup. Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Once the broth is incorporated, add the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine.

4. Simmer The Soup

   Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for about 15 minutes. The flavors will meld together, and the soup will begin to thicken.

5. Make The Dumplings

   In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and parsley. Add in the milk and melted butter, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be thick, but not too dry.

6. Add The Dumplings

   Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to cook for about 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as it can interfere with the dumplings’ cooking.

7. Finish The Soup

   Once the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy, stir in the shredded chicken and allow everything to heat through. Taste the soup, and adjust seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, and more herbs.

8. Serve And Enjoy

   Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a generous portion of chicken, vegetables, and those beautiful, fluffy dumplings. Top with a little fresh parsley for garnish and serve hot!

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs allows you to control the level of tenderness in your soup. Thighs tend to have a bit more flavor and moisture, while breasts are leaner.
• Heavy Cream: This is the secret to that silky, rich texture that makes this soup feel indulgent. If you want to cut back on fat, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but heavy cream is definitely the star ingredient in the original Olive Garden recipe.
• Dumplings: The dumplings in this recipe are fluffy and soft, thanks to the combination of baking powder, flour, and milk. You can’t skimp on this part! Dumplings are a key element, adding both texture and substance to the dish.
• Seasonings: Thyme and rosemary are commonly used in chicken soups, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like sage or oregano for a different flavor profile.

Expert Tips

• Shredding the Chicken: For easy shredding, use a hand mixer on low speed to break the chicken into pieces once it’s cooked. This works wonders, especially if you’re in a rush!
• Dumpling Texture: Be sure not to overmix the dumpling dough. Overworking it can result in tough dumplings. The dough should be just mixed until the ingredients come together.
• Make it Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. The flavors actually get better overnight, so don’t be afraid to prep it the night before and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
• Add a Little Zing: If you’re looking for a flavor boost, squeeze a little lemon juice into the soup just before serving. It brightens up the rich flavors and adds a fresh twist.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for tofu or another plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a full vegetarian version.
• Add More Veggies: You can bulk up the soup with other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and texture. Just add them in with the carrots and celery to cook them until tender.
• Spicy Chicken Dumpling Soup: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth. You could also use spicy sausage in place of the chicken for a bold kick.
• Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb spin, swap the dumplings for cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles. You can also skip the flour and make a keto-friendly version with almond flour.

Final Words

Chicken and Dumpling Soup is one of those dishes that can easily become a weekly favorite. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, it checks all the boxes for a meal that’s comforting, filling, and just downright delicious. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can tweak it based on what you have at home or adjust the flavor to suit your tastes.

Whether you’re serving it on a cold day, for a family dinner, or as part of a special meal, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.