There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of homemade chicken dumpling soup from scratch. The first time I made this soup, I was wrapped in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, and the aroma of savory broth filled my kitchen. As the dumplings gently floated to the surface, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me, reminding me of my grandmother’s kitchen on cold winter days. The dumplings are fluffy and tender, soaking up the rich, flavorful broth that’s packed with fresh vegetables. Each spoonful feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for when you need a little extra comfort in your life. Trust me, once you taste this delightful combination of hearty broth and pillowy dumplings, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less. Plus, making it from scratch means you can customize it to your liking! Whether you’re adding your favorite herbs or a splash of lemon for brightness, this soup is bound to become a cherished tradition in your home, just like it is in mine.

Ingredients for Chicken Dumpling Soup from Scratch

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating a delicious chicken dumpling soup that warms the soul! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Broth:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil – for sautéing the veggies and adding richness.
- 1 diced onion – this adds a sweet base flavor.
- 2 sliced carrots – for a pop of color and sweetness.
- 2 sliced celery stalks – adds crunch and depth.
- 4 cups of chicken broth – the heart of the soup, full of flavor!
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour – for the dumpling base.
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder – to make those dumplings fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon of salt – enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup of milk – brings moisture and richness.
- 1 beaten egg – binds everything together.

Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have at home. This soup is all about comfort and creativity!

How to Prepare Chicken Dumpling Soup from Scratch

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this scrumptious chicken dumpling soup from scratch! I promise, it’s a straightforward process that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your heart with warmth.

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by heating that tablespoon of olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. As it warms up, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and fragrant. This is where the magic begins! You’ll love how the onions turn translucent and the carrots soften, creating a beautiful base for your broth. Once they’re ready, pour in those 4 cups of chicken broth, bringing it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently while you whip up the dumpling mixture.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until well blended. Now, add in the cup of milk and that beaten egg, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix! You want the dumpling batter to be thick and slightly lumpy—this will ensure they turn out fluffy. If it feels too runny, sprinkle in a little more flour until you reach that perfect consistency. Set this aside as you prepare to drop the dumplings into the broth.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

With your broth simmering away, it’s time to add those delightful dumplings! Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture directly into the simmering broth. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped; they’ll puff up beautifully as they cook. Cover the pot with a lid and let them steam for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the dumplings cook through without losing their fluffiness. After the time’s up, uncover and check if they’re fully cooked—just poke one to see if it springs back. Serve hot, and enjoy every soothing bite of this wonderful chicken dumpling soup!

Tips for Success

To ensure your chicken dumpling soup from scratch turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the sautéing process; letting the vegetables soften really enhances the flavor of your broth. If you want to amp up the taste, try adding a bay leaf or some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley while the broth simmers.

For the dumplings, if you like a bit of a twist, feel free to incorporate herbs or spices into the batter—like dill or garlic powder! And if you want a heartier soup, toss in some shredded cooked chicken right before serving. Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness in this chicken dumpling soup from scratch! Each serving offers a balanced meal, with approximately 350 calories, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of protein. You’ll also get about 10 grams of fat, along with essential vitamins and minerals. This soup packs a punch with 500 IU of vitamin A and 150 mg of calcium!

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. If you customize the recipe, like adding cooked chicken or different veggies, the nutritional content will change, too. But no matter the variations, you can feel good about enjoying a comforting bowl of this delicious soup!

FAQ Section

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about making chicken dumpling soup from scratch, so let’s clear some things up!

Can I use store-bought chicken broth? Absolutely! While homemade broth is fantastic, using store-bought can save time and still give you a delicious flavor. Just look for a low-sodium option if you want to control the saltiness.

What if I don’t have all-purpose flour? No problem! You can substitute with whole wheat flour or even gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a bit different, but still tasty!

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember, the dumplings may absorb some broth as they sit, so you might want to add a splash of water when reheating.

What can I serve with this soup? This soup is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Homemade Comfort: There’s nothing like the taste of chicken dumpling soup made from scratch to warm your soul!
Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.
Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with nutrients and will keep you satisfied for hours.
Family Favorite: It’s a dish that brings everyone together, perfect for sharing with loved ones!

Equipment Needed

To whip up this delightful chicken dumpling soup from scratch, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable. First, grab a large pot for simmering the broth and cooking those lovely dumplings. This size ensures everything has room to bubble away without spilling over. You’ll also want a ladle to serve up generous portions of this hearty soup. These simple items will make your cooking experience a breeze!

Serving Suggestions

To create a complete meal around your chicken dumpling soup from scratch, consider pairing it with a simple side salad. A fresh mix of greens with a light vinaigrette will add a nice crunch and brightness to your meal. You can also serve some crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping—trust me, it’s the perfect way to soak up that delicious broth! For an extra touch, a slice of apple pie or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a delightful finish to your cozy dinner.

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