As the first chilly winds of fall blew through my kitchen, I found myself craving something warm and fulfilling. That’s when the idea for this Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup danced into my mind. Picture this: rich, savory broth enveloped with tender chunks of chicken, crisp vegetables, and exquisite, fluffy dumplings that create a heartwarming embrace with every spoonful. This dish isn’t just comfort food; it’s a stellar one-pot meal that brings a symphony of flavors to your table, all while being effortless to whip up with basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.
I initially stumbled upon a similar recipe during a bout of meal-prepping gone wrong, but that experiment ignited my passion for creating my own comforting version. Whether you’re looking to soothe those winter blues or simply need a remedy after a long day, this easy soup caters to both your belly and your soul. Let’s create something magical together!
Why is Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup a must-try?
Comforting and satisfying, this dish is the ultimate hug in a bowl. One-pot meal convenience means less cleanup for you, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Hearty ingredients like chicken and veggies ensure everyone’s taste buds are happy, while fluffy dumplings add an extra touch of joy. Plus, it’s adaptable—swap in your favorite proteins or veggies effortlessly. This soup not only warms you from the inside out but also turns any gathering into a cozy feast, encouraging seconds for all!
Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup
For the Soup
• Butter – Adds richness to the broth and dumplings; use unsalted for better salt control.
• Fresh Thyme – Infuses the soup with aromatic herbal notes; dried thyme can be substituted with 1 teaspoon.
• Garlic – Provides robust flavor; always use fresh for best results.
• Bay Leaves – Contributes depth in flavor; remember to remove before serving.
• Sweet Onion – Adds sweetness and complexity; can be replaced with yellow onion if needed.
• Olive Oil – Used for cooking the chicken and vegetables; can be omitted for a lighter dish.
• Chicken Stock – Serves as the soup’s base; both homemade and store-bought stock work well.
• Chicken Breasts – Main protein choice; using thighs offers a richer flavor.
• Celery Stalks – Adds crunch and flavor; can swap with leeks for a different taste.
• Medium Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and color; can replace with parsnips for a unique twist.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste preference.
• Dried Parsley – Offers a subtle herbal flavor; can be omitted or replaced with fresh herbs.
For the Dumplings
• Egg (Room Temperature) – Binds the dumpling dough; flaxseed meal mixed with water can be used as a vegan substitute.
• Cream – Enhances the texture of the dumplings; feel free to omit for lighter dumplings.
• Milk – Adds moisture to the dumplings; non-dairy milk serves as a good substitute.
• Flour (All-Purpose) – Creates the structure for dumplings; consider using whole wheat for a heartier option.
• Salt – For seasoning the dumpling dough; adjust according to your taste.
For the Noodles
• Frozen Egg Noodles – Provides heartiness; cooking them separately prevents cloudiness in the broth.
This Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup is sure to become a favorite in your home, bringing smiles and warmth with every spoonful!
How to Make Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup
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Prepare Ingredients: Begin by dicing your sweet onion, celery, carrots, and garlic; also, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This prep sets a strong, flavorful foundation for your delicious soup.
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Make Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, cream, milk, and salt. Gradually add in the flour until a thick, doughy consistency forms. This dough will create those fluffy dumplings you crave!
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Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, then add garlic for an additional 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant.
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Cook Chicken: Push the sautéed veggies to the side of the pot and add the chicken pieces. Sear until golden brown on each side, roughly 3 minutes per side, ensuring the meat is cooked through.
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Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock, followed by fresh thyme and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
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Shred Chicken: After simmering, remove the herbs from the pot and shred the chicken back into the broth. Season to taste with salt and pepper, inviting all the savory elements together.
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Cook Noodles: While the soup is simmering, prepare the frozen egg noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. This ensures they stay hearty throughout the cooking process.
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Boil Soup: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil, ready for the dumplings’ entrance!
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Add Dumplings: Gently drop spoonfuls of the prepared dough into the boiling soup. Allow them to cook until they float and are tender, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
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Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls, making sure each serving is filled with chicken, vegetables, noodles, and, of course, those delightful dumplings!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup?
Gathering around a bowl of homemade soup is made even more delightful with the perfect sides to complement it.
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Buttery Dinner Rolls: Soft and warm, these rolls are perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, savory broth of the soup.
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Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the comforting soup.
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Roasted Vegetables: Tossed with olive oil and seasonings, roasted veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts bring a caramelized sweetness that enhances the meal.
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside with a buttery garlic spread, it pairs wonderfully with the soup’s warm, hearty flavors.
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Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche adds a luxurious touch, with ingredients like spinach and cheese seamlessly blending with the soup’s flavor.
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Herb-Infused Rice: Serve fluffy rice on the side, infused with herbs to compliment the aromatic notes in your soup.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp white wine brings an inviting brightness to the dinner table, harmonizing beautifully with the rich broth.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, warm, gooey cookies add a sweet finish to a comforting meal, promising smiles all around.
Each pairing adds a unique texture or flavor that elevates your Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup experience into a memorable meal shared with loved ones.
Storage Tips for Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days to keep the flavors fresh and the soup delicious.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but store dumplings separately to help maintain their fluffy texture during thawing.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding extra chicken stock as needed to adjust the consistency of the Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup.
- Thawing: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Expert Tips for Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup
- Cook Chicken Slowly: Ensure you avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer; remove at 165°F for tender results.
- Separate Noodles: Always prepare egg noodles separately to prevent cloudiness in your chicken noodle dumpling soup; they maintain a better texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Remember, overmixing the dumpling dough can lead to tough dumplings; mix just until combined for that fluffy texture.
- Maintain Boil: Keep the soup at a rolling boil while adding dumplings, and avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like dill or rosemary to give your chicken noodle dumpling soup a unique twist!
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup preparations are perfect for busy cooks wanting to save time during hectic weeknights! You can chop the vegetables and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator to enhance flavor without compromising quality. Furthermore, the dumpling dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours—just cover it well to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, simply sauté the prepped veggies (with the chicken) and follow the remaining steps as written. The result will be just as comforting and delicious, with minimal effort on your part!
Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this cozy dish to match your taste preferences!
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Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein twist. Both options bring a deliciously distinct flavor to the soup.
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Vegetable Boost: Add peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and a pop of color. These veggies offer a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
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Herb Upgrade: Experiment with fresh dill or rosemary to impart a unique flavor profile. A sprinkle of these aromatic herbs can elevate the soup to new heights!
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Creamy Dream: Use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of regular cream for an extra luscious texture in the dumplings. Your taste buds will thank you for the rich indulgence.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you crave a little heat. It adds a wonderful zing to your comforting soup.
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Whole Wheat Dumplings: Use whole wheat flour for your dumplings for a heartier version that’s equally satisfying and nutritious. It’s a simple swap that enhances the flavor.
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Zucchini Ribbons: Add thinly sliced zucchini as a noodle substitute for a low-carb and nutrient-packed option. This slight tweak keeps the dish light yet satisfying.
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Savory Broth: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetable-focused soup that maintains all the comforting deliciousness without sacrificing flavor.
Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use in Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup?
You can use chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Thighs offer a richer flavor, but if you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic quick substitute. Just shred it and add it to the simmering broth for a quicker meal.
How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
You’ll know the dumplings are cooked when they float to the top of the soup and are tender to the touch—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them; overcooking can lead to a less fluffy texture!
How should I store leftover Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. It’s best to store the dumplings separately to maintain their fluffiness.
Can I freeze Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze, first cool the soup to room temperature. Then, ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. For the best quality, store dumplings separately in a zip-top bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove, adding water or stock to adjust the consistency if needed.
What can I add to customize my Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup?
The more the merrier! You can easily swap out the chicken for turkey or even tofu for a plant-based version. Add in veggies like peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and color. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs like dill or rosemary to put your unique spin on this classic dish!
Are there any common issues I should watch out for?
Certainly! Overcooking the chicken can make it tough—always use a meat thermometer and remove it once it reaches 165°F. Also, avoid adding egg noodles directly into the soup as it can cause cloudiness; always cook them separately first. Lastly, to ensure your dumplings come out fluffy, mix the dough just until combined—overmixing can lead to dense dumplings!
Comforting Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup for Chilly Nights
Equipment
- - Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- - Meat thermometer
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons Butter unsalted for better salt control
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cloves Garlic fresh
- 2 leaves Bay Leaves remove before serving
- 1 medium Sweet Onion or yellow onion if needed
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil optional
- 6 cups Chicken Stock homemade or store-bought
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts or thighs for richer flavor
- 2 stalks Celery or leeks
- 2 medium Carrots or parsnips
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley optional
For the Dumplings
- 1 large Egg room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Cream optional
- 1 cup Milk or non-dairy milk
- 2 cups Flour all-purpose or whole wheat
- 1 teaspoon Salt for seasoning
For the Noodles
- 12 ounces Frozen Egg Noodles cook separately
Instructions
How to Make Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup
- Begin by dicing your sweet onion, celery, carrots, and garlic; also, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, cream, milk, and salt. Gradually add in the flour until a thick, doughy consistency forms.
- In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Push the sautéed veggies to the side and add the chicken pieces. Sear until golden brown, roughly 3 minutes per side.
- Pour in the chicken stock, followed by fresh thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
- Remove the herbs from the pot and shred the chicken back into the broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the frozen egg noodles according to the package instructions until just tender.
- Increase heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil.
- Gently drop spoonfuls of the prepared dough into the boiling soup. Cook until they float and are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Ladle the warm soup into bowls, ensuring each serving includes chicken, vegetables, noodles, and dumplings.