Chicken Noodle And Dumpling Soup Recipe

There are few dishes that can bring the kind of comfort that a steaming bowl of Chicken Noodle and Dumpling Soup offers. The rich, savory broth, tender chicken, hearty noodles, and the soft, pillowy dumplings combine to create a meal that not only nourishes the body but also soothes the soul. Whether you’re curled up on a rainy day, recovering from a cold, or simply in the mood for something wholesome and satisfying, this soup is a timeless classic. It’s a dish that reminds you of family kitchens, warm homes, and simple pleasures.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can make it as hearty or as light as you like, adjust the flavors to suit your personal preferences, and customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. If you’ve been craving a bowl of comfort, you’ve come to the right place.

Chicken Noodle And Dumpling Soup Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate mashup of two comfort food classics-chicken noodle soup and dumplings. Combining tender, shredded chicken with hearty egg noodles and soft, fluffy dumplings, this soup is a one-bowl meal that covers all the bases. The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of flavors and textures: the warm, savory broth, the slight chew of the noodles, and the cloud-like consistency of the dumplings. Each bite is a new discovery of comfort.

Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, you will need to gather a variety of ingredients that work harmoniously together to create the perfect bowl of soup.

• For The Broth

  • 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor)
  • 10 cups of chicken broth or stock (preferably homemade for a richer flavor)
  • 1 large onion, peeled and halved
  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

• For The Dumplings

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but adds depth)
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

• For The Chicken And Noodles

  • 1 ½ to 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from the broth)
  • 1 ½ cups egg noodles (or your favorite noodles)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional squeeze of lemon juice (to add brightness)

Cooking Instructions

This soup may seem like a lot of steps, but it’s actually quite simple. The key is to build up layers of flavor while keeping things easy and stress-free.

1. Make The Broth

   • Place your chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme (if using), and chicken broth in a large stockpot.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours (or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender).
   • Skim off any foam or impurities that float to the top during simmering. This helps keep the broth clear and flavorful.

2. Cook The Chicken

   • After the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
   • Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones and skin.

3. Prepare The Dumplings

   • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
   • Add the milk, melted butter, and beaten egg. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm.

4. Assemble The Soup

   • Bring the broth back to a simmer, then add the shredded chicken and egg noodles.
   • Once the noodles are tender (about 5-7 minutes), it’s time to drop in the dumplings. Using a spoon, gently scoop out small spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture and drop them into the soup, one by one.
   • Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam helps the dumplings rise and become light and fluffy.

5. Finishing Touches

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
   • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for an added pop of color.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the success of this soup:

• Chicken: The chicken is the heart of the soup. It provides not just protein, but also infuses the broth with rich flavor. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken enhances the depth of the broth, while shredded chicken adds texture to the soup.
• Broth: Opt for a high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock if possible. It serves as the base for all the flavors and really sets the tone for the entire soup.
• Dumplings: These are the pièce de résistance of the soup. When made correctly, they should be light, fluffy, and absorb the flavors of the broth without becoming soggy. They are the soul-soothing component that elevates the dish.
• Noodles: Classic egg noodles are a perfect match for this dish, offering that chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the dumplings. However, any noodle you prefer can work here!

Expert Tips

• Broth Flavor: To make your broth even more flavorful, roast your chicken parts (if using bone-in pieces) in the oven for 20-30 minutes before adding them to the pot. This caramelizes the skin and bones, adding a deeper, roasted flavor to the broth.
• Dumpling Texture: If you want super fluffy dumplings, be careful not to overwork the dough. The more you mix, the denser they’ll be. Aim for a lumpy texture for the best results.
• Seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Broths and soups always need a little extra salt to bring out the full depth of flavors.
• Keep the Lid Closed: When cooking the dumplings, resist the urge to peek! Letting the steam stay inside the pot helps the dumplings puff up properly.

Recipe Variations

While the classic recipe is unbeatable, here are a few twists you can experiment with:

• Add Vegetables: Include more vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Spicy Version: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to give your soup a little heat.
• Herb Variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or add a few sprigs of sage for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dumplings and gluten-free noodles to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Words

This Chicken Noodle and Dumpling Soup is the kind of meal that’s perfect for almost any occasion. It’s hearty, comforting, and downright delicious. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of a little soul food, this recipe has your back. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that gets better with time, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers the next day.