The first chill of autumn typically brings cravings for something warm and inviting—like a steaming bowl of Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup. This recipe has quickly become my go-to for those days when the wind howls outside, and all I want is the comforting embrace of homemade goodness. The cozy aroma of simmering chicken stock mingled with fresh vegetables and fluffy dumplings transforms my kitchen into a haven.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. Whether you opt for tender chicken breasts, succulent thighs, or even a rotisserie chicken for added convenience, the flavors meld together seamlessly. Plus, whipping up those pillowy dumplings is a breeze, turning an ordinary soup into a heartwarming meal for the whole family.
So grab your favorite pot, and let’s embark on this culinary journey. Whether you’re snuggled on the couch alone or hosting friends for a cozy gathering, this one-pot wonder is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.
Why is Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup a must-try?
Comforting warmth: This Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup envelops you in a cozy embrace on chilly evenings.
Simple preparation: You’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip together, making meal time stress-free!
Adaptable delight: Whether you choose chicken breast, thighs, or even leftover rotisserie, customization is at your fingertips.
Crowd-pleaser: A hit with the whole family, it’s perfect for gatherings or just a soothing solo night.
One-pot magic: Clean-up is a breeze, letting you savor each delightful bite without the hassle.
This dish truly embodies the heart of comfort food, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it, maybe by trying some of our variation ideas!
Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup Ingredients
Note: Gather these essentials to create your nourishing Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup.
For the Soup
- Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the soup; can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Fresh Thyme – Provides a fragrant herbal note; dried thyme can be used (1/3 of the needed amount).
- Garlic – Enhances depth of flavor; fresh is preferred, but you can substitute with garlic powder (reduce quantity).
- Sweet Onion – Offers sweetness to balance flavors; any onion variety can work.
- Olive Oil – Aids in sautéing and adds flavor; can replace it with any cooking oil.
- Black Pepper – Adds spice to taste; freshly ground is ideal.
- Chicken Stock – Provides the soup’s base flavor; homemade or store-bought both work well.
- Chicken Breasts – Main protein source; can substitute with thighs for more flavor or use rotisserie chicken for speed.
- Dried Parsley – For seasoning; fresh can be used for a more vivid flavor.
- Celery – Adds crunch and depth to the soup; can replace with other vegetables such as zucchini.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste based on broth saltiness.
- Carrots – Contributes sweetness and texture; other root vegetables like parsnips can work as substitutes.
- Frozen Egg Noodles – Creates heartiness in the soup; can substitute with fresh noodles or other styles of pasta.
For the Dumplings
- Egg (Room Temperature) – Binds dumpling ingredients; can skip for egg-free dumplings.
- Cream and Milk – Adds richness to the dumpling mixture; replace with any dairy alternative if desired.
- Flour (All-Purpose) – Provides structure to the dumplings; gluten-free flour blend can be used.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup
Prep Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion, celery, and carrots into small pieces. Mince the garlic and cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. This will ensure everything cooks evenly and blends together beautifully.
Make Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the room-temperature egg, cream, milk, and salt. Gradually stir in flour until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms—this will create fluffy dumplings that float perfectly in your soup!
Cook Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sear Chicken: Push the sautéed vegetables to the edge of the pot. Add the chicken pieces and sear them for about 3 minutes on each side, until they have a nice golden color. This helps seal in the juices and enhances the flavor.
Simmer Soup: Pour in the chicken stock and toss in fresh thyme and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Shred Chicken: After 30 minutes, remove the thyme and bay leaves. Shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks. Season the soup with dried parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Cook Noodles: In a separate pot, cook the frozen egg noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and add them to the chicken soup, making it hearty and satisfying.
Add Dumplings: Bring the soup to a rolling boil and then drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the broth. Cook until the dumplings float to the top, about 3-5 minutes—this indicates they’re perfectly cooked!
Serve: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, making sure each serving has noodles, chicken, vegetables, and those fluffy dumplings. Serve up hot for the ultimate comfort experience!
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup preparations are a game-changer for busy weeknights! You can chop the vegetables and refrigerate them for up to 3 days in advance, which saves you a significant amount of time when you’re ready to cook. Additionally, you can make the dumpling dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before adding them to the soup. Ensure that your dumpling mix is tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to serve, simply simmer your prepared ingredients with chicken stock, cook the noodles, and drop in the dumplings for fluffy, delectable results that are just as comforting—perfect for meal prep enthusiasts!
What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup?
As the rich aroma of Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup fills your kitchen, it creates the perfect opportunity to complete your meal with delightful sides and drinks.
- Warm, Buttery Dinner Rolls: These fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth, adding a touch of comfort with every bite.
- Homemade Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, garlic bread offers a flavorful crunch that complements the soup beautifully.
- Simple Garden Salad: A light salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty soup perfectly, providing a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender greens add color and a healthy crunch to your dinner, elevating the overall meal experience.
- Savory Cornbread: The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread enhance the comfort food appeal of the soup, creating a delightful duo.
- Crisp Apple Cider: Pair your meal with a glass of warm apple cider, whose sweet and spiced notes elevate the cozy feeling of dining in.
- Rich Chocolate Brownies: For dessert, dense, fudgy brownies offer a sweet finale to a comforting meal, making everyone’s taste buds dance!
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup
- Choose Chicken Wisely: Opt for chicken thighs for richer flavor, or rotisserie chicken to save time while making your Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup.
- Mix Dumpling Dough Gently: Combine until just mixed to keep the dumplings airy and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings!
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Ensure your noodles are just tender before adding to the soup to avoid a starchy broth.
- Maintain a Rolling Boil: When adding dumplings, it’s crucial to keep the soup boiling for proper cooking and puffiness.
- Taste as You Go: Season gradually, adjusting salt and pepper to suit your taste and the richness of your broth—each broth can vary!
Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup Variations
Feel free to customize this delightful soup recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs!
Protein Swap: Use turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday delight that still feels comforting.
Veggie Boost: Add fresh spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition; they bring a lovely touch of freshness!
Herbal Twist: Try adding dill or rosemary instead of thyme for a different herbaceous note that brightens the broth.
Alternative Carbs: Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta for noodles to fit different dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
Spice It Up: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a warm kick that elevates the comfort level!
Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream and milk with a plant-based alternative like coconut milk to keep everything creamy and delicious.
Chunky Style: For a heartier texture, add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes; they absorb the flavors beautifully and add satisfaction.
Delightful Dumplings: Try dropping in cheddar cheese or herbs into the dumpling mix for a cheesy surprise that adds a flavor-packed twist!
Storage Tips for Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup
- Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to preserve freshness.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup without dumplings in a secure container for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. Bring it to a simmer and stir in any frozen dumplings to ensure they cook through.
- Dumplings: If you prefer, freeze dumplings separately, arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Cook them straight from frozen into the simmering soup for quick enjoyment!
Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using chicken thighs as they add richness and moisture. However, chicken breasts work perfectly too, and if you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that still yields delicious results.
How should I store my leftover Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup?
To keep your Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before sealing. This way, you can enjoy those comforting flavors again without any hassle!
Can I freeze Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup?
Very! To freeze, I recommend separating the dumplings from the soup. Pour the cooled soup into a secure container, avoiding any dumplings, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat it gently on the stove.
What if my dumplings turn out dense?
Don’t worry—this can happen! To make sure your dumplings come out fluffy, mix the dough gently, just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings, so be careful! Additionally, ensure that the soup is at a rolling boil when you add them; this helps them cook perfectly and puff up beautifully.
Is this recipe safe for people with allergies?
Always a great question! This Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup contains common allergens like gluten, dairy, and eggs. If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, use dairy alternatives for the cream and milk, and skip the egg for egg-free dumplings. Always double-check ingredient labels to be sure!
How do I know if my chicken is cooked through?
You can ensure the chicken is cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A good way to check is using a meat thermometer. Just make sure to insert it into the thickest part of the chicken for an accurate reading. Happy cooking!
Hearty Chicken Noodle Dumpling Soup for Cozy Nights
Equipment
- - Large pot
- - Mixing bowl
- Cooking utensils
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 3 tablespoons Butter Can substitute with olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme Dried thyme can be used (1/3 of the needed amount)
- 4 cloves Garlic Mince; fresh is preferred
- 1 cup Sweet Onion Any onion variety can work
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can replace it with any cooking oil
- to taste Black Pepper Freshly ground is ideal
- 8 cups Chicken Stock Homemade or store-bought both work well
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts Can substitute with thighs or rotisserie chicken
- 2 tablespoons Dried Parsley Fresh can be used for vivid flavor
- 2 stalks Celery Can replace with other vegetables
- to taste Salt Adjust based on broth saltiness
- 2 large Carrots Can substitute with other root vegetables
- 12 ounces Frozen Egg Noodles Can substitute with fresh noodles or other pasta
For the Dumplings
- 1 large Egg (Room Temperature) Can skip for egg-free dumplings
- 1/2 cup Cream Can replace with any dairy alternative
- 1 cup Milk Can replace with any dairy alternative
- 2 cups Flour (All-Purpose) Gluten-free flour blend can be used
Instructions
Directions
- Start by dicing the onion, celery, and carrots into small pieces. Mince the garlic and cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the room-temperature egg, cream, milk, and salt. Gradually stir in flour until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Push the sautéed vegetables to the edge of the pot. Add the chicken pieces and sear them for about 3 minutes on each side.
- Pour in the chicken stock and toss in fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the thyme. Shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks. Season the soup with dried parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- In a separate pot, cook the frozen egg noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and add them to the chicken soup.
- Bring the soup to a rolling boil and then drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the broth. Cook until the dumplings float to the top, about 3-5 minutes.
- Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has noodles, chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.