Southern Chicken and Dumpling Soup – A Soul-Warming Classic

Welcome, soup lovers and comfort food enthusiasts! Today we’re diving spoon-first into a dish that embodies the very essence of home: Chicken and Dumpling Soup. This soul-soothing classic has graced Southern tables for generations, serving up nostalgia, comfort, and crave-worthy flavor in every bite. If you’ve ever wished chicken noodle soup had a cozier, creamier cousin—this is it.

This hearty soup is brimming with tender chicken, a medley of vegetables, and soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up every ounce of the rich, savory broth. Whether you’re battling cold weather or just in need of a hug in a bowl, this recipe delivers every time.

Why Chicken and Dumpling Soup Is the Ultimate Comfort Food

Sure, chicken noodle soup gets all the press—but chicken and dumplings is its luxurious cousin. The difference? Fluffy dumplings that float in a flavorful, creamy broth, giving each spoonful a doughy richness that noodles simply can’t match. It’s Southern comfort food at its best: nostalgic, satisfying, and always welcome.

Ingredients & What They Do

For the Soup Base:

2 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables.
½ large onion, finely chopped – Aromatic base for flavor.
3 stalks celery, finely chopped – Adds crunch and savory notes.
2 large carrots, sliced into ¼-inch rounds – Bring natural sweetness and heartiness.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Boosts flavor with a warm, savory depth.
½ tbsp dried parsley – Brightens and balances the broth.
½ tsp poultry seasoning – Infuses a classic chicken soup flavor.
1½ tbsp flour – Thickens the broth slightly for a heartier texture.
6 cups chicken broth – The flavorful foundation of your soup.
1 bay leaf – Adds subtle herbal undertones while simmering.
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed – Use rotisserie for ease or leftovers from a roast.
1 cup frozen peas – Added near the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
Salt & pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.

For the Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of your dumplings.
2 tsp baking powder – Ensures they rise into soft, fluffy pillows.
½ tsp salt – Balances the dough.
1 tsp sugar – Adds just a hint of sweetness.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – For tenderness.
½ cup milk (whole or 2%) – Binds the ingredients and softens the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
Add onions, celery, and carrots, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
Stir in garlic, parsley, and poultry seasoning; cook for another minute until aromatic.

2. Build the Broth

Sprinkle 1½ tablespoons of flour over the veggies and stir well to coat.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot.
Add the bay leaf, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 25 minutes.

3. Make the Dumpling Dough

While the soup simmers, whisk together:

1 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp sugar

Stir in 2 tbsp melted butter and ½ cup milk until a soft dough forms.
Set aside.

4. Finish the Soup

Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in cooked chicken and frozen peas, simmering for 5 more minutes.

5. Add Dumplings

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, gently drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough into the simmering soup.
Cover the pot with a tight lid and do not lift it for 15–20 minutes, allowing dumplings to steam and puff up.

6. Serve

Once dumplings are cooked through (they’ll be fluffy and no longer doughy), give the soup a gentle stir.
Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot.

Pro Tips for Perfect Soup

Keep the lid closed while cooking dumplings. Steam is essential for their rise.
Use rotisserie chicken for quick weeknight prep without sacrificing flavor.
Don’t overmix dumpling dough. Just stir until combined for soft results.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or chives for a finishing touch.
Pair with biscuits if you’re feeling indulgent—why not double the comfort?

Serving Suggestions

Pair this soup with:

Flaky Southern biscuits
Cornbread with honey butter
A simple green salad for contrast

Want to dress it up? A dollop of crème fraîche or a drizzle of hot sauce works wonders.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop gently.

Dumplings may soften slightly when reheated, but the flavor remains unbeatable.

Final Thoughts: A Soup That Feels Like a Hug

If ever there were a dish that tasted like love, warmth, and home, it’s this one. From the tender chicken to the fluffy dumplings soaking up every bit of savory broth, Chicken and Dumpling Soup is comfort personified. Whether you’re channeling grandma’s kitchen or crafting your own traditions, this recipe is one you’ll return to time and again.

So grab a spoon, pull up a chair, and savor the soul of Southern comfort—one bite at a time.