Name: One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American Comfort
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening soup); 4 tablespoons butter; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 cup celery, sliced; ¾ cup peas; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; ¾ cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Creamy, cozy, and downright soul-soothing, this One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup is everything you crave on a chilly night. It’s a comforting bowl full of tender chicken, fluffy biscuit-style dumplings, and a rich, herb-speckled broth that warms you from the inside out.

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Everything comes together in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. And the flavors? Think classic chicken pot pie vibes but with pillowy dumplings that soak up all that savory goodness. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just need a hug in a bowl, this soup delivers.

What Kind of Dumplings Should I Use?

For this soup, you want soft, drop-style dumplings. These are made from a biscuit-like dough that you scoop and drop directly into the simmering soup. As they cook, they puff up into light, fluffy cushions that float like little clouds. If you’re tempted to use canned biscuit dough, it can work in a pinch—but homemade dumplings add an unbeatable texture and flavor.

Ingredients for the One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup

Chicken Thighs or Breasts – Boneless and skinless, these provide the hearty base and protein for the soup. Thighs are extra tender but breasts work just as well.

Flour – Used to thicken the broth and also essential for making the dumplings.

Butter – Adds richness and depth to the broth. Also used in the dumpling mix.

Carrots and Celery – Classic soup vegetables that add subtle sweetness and texture.

Peas – A pop of green and gentle sweetness that balances the savory base.

Onion and Garlic – Aromatics that infuse the broth with bold, savory flavor.

Chicken Broth – The soul of the soup. Use a good-quality broth for the best results.

Whole Milk or Heavy Cream – Makes the soup luxuriously creamy.

Baking Powder – Gives the dumplings their fluffy rise.

Thyme and Parsley – Herbs that give this soup its warm, comforting aroma.

Salt and Black Pepper – To season every layer of the dish just right.

How To Make the One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions are translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken thighs or breasts to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until the chicken is browned on the outside, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Broth

Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the peas and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the soup simmers, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, milk, and chopped parsley in a bowl until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—just combine until the dough is sticky but holds together.

Step 5: Drop the Dumplings

Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop dollops of dough into the simmering soup. Try to keep them roughly the same size for even cooking. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

After 15 minutes, uncover the pot and check the dumplings. They should be puffed up and cooked through (cut one open to be sure). Stir in the cream or milk, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Serving and Storing Chicken Dumpling Soup

Serve your One Pot Chicken Dumpling Soup piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a crack of black pepper. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but a simple green salad or crusty bread makes a wonderful pairing.

For storing, let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will absorb some of the liquid over time, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive that creamy consistency. This soup doesn’t freeze well with dumplings, but you can freeze the base before adding them and make fresh dumplings when you reheat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just stir it in after the broth thickens and before dropping in the dumplings.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Whole milk works just fine. You can also use half-and-half for a middle-ground creamy finish.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

Dumplings are best made fresh. If you want to save time, mix the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container. Add wet ingredients just before cooking.

Are the dumplings supposed to be dense?

Nope—they should be light and fluffy! Avoid overmixing the dough and don’t peek while they’re steaming.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for both the soup base and dumplings. Make sure your baking powder and broth are also certified gluten-free.

How can I add more flavor?

A splash of white wine before adding broth or a dash of smoked paprika can deepen the flavor profile beautifully.

Want More Cozy Soup Recipes?

If this creamy chicken dumpling soup hit the spot, check out these other satisfying one-pot wonders:

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for a pasta-lovers’ twist.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup if you’re craving beefy, cheesy comfort.
Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup with a bold, spicy kick.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup for a crustless classic.
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon if you’re in the mood for seafood with a creamy twist.

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And let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you use fresh herbs? Did you sneak in extra veggies? I love seeing your versions and hearing your tips.

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