How to Make Delicious Dumplings for Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. Adding fluffy, pillowy dumplings takes this soup to the next level. The combination of noodles chicken veggies and dumplings makes for a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for chilly nights.

It’s easy and worth the little bit of work to make your own chicken noodle soup dumplings. A few common pantry items are all you need to make the dumplings quickly. When they’re done, they have a wonderful soft and tender texture. I’ll show you how to make dumplings from scratch for chicken noodle soup.

Ingredients Needed for Dumplings

Dumplings are essentially little pillows of biscuit dough that are dropped into simmering broth to cook. The main ingredients are:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the dumplings is all-purpose flour, which provides structure. About 1 cup of flour is needed.

• Baking powder: Baking powder, about a teaspoon or two, makes the dumplings light and fluffy.

• Salt: A pinch of salt is necessary for flavor.

• Milk: Milk binds the dough together and lends tenderness. Buttermilk is traditional but regular milk works too.

• Fat: A couple tablespoons of butter or oil make the dumplings rich and tender.

• Herbs (optional): Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary or basil can add flavor.

• Egg: An egg helps bind the dough so the dumplings hold their shape when dropped into the broth.

That’s really all you need for basic dumplings! Now let’s go over the easy method.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Dumplings

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup of flour, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

2. Add the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center and pour in 1/4 cup milk, 2 Tbsp melted butter and 1 lightly beaten egg.

3. Stir to combine: Use a fork to gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together. The dough will be thick and shaggy.

4. Knead briefly: Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead just 2-3 times to bring it together.

5. Portion into balls: Pinch off pieces of dough and roll into 1-inch balls between your hands.

6. Drop into soup: Carefully place the dumpling balls atop the simmering soup. Leave space between them.

7. Cook covered: Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes without lifting the lid.

8. Check doneness: Dumplings should puff up and be cooked through. Enjoy immediately!

The dumpling dough comes together quickly by hand. No need for a stand mixer or rolling out. Simply pinch off pieces and drop into the broth.

Broth Tips for Cooking Dumplings

• Use chicken broth for the best flavor. Homemade is ideal but store-bought works too.

• Allow the broth to come to a gentle simmer before adding dumplings.

• Resist stirring the pot once dumplings are added so they don’t break apart.

• Keep the broth at a low simmer and cover tightly so dumplings steam through.

Flavor Variations for Dumplings

Part of the fun of making homemade dumplings is tailoring the flavor. Try these tasty mix-ins:

• Fresh or dried herbs: thyme, rosemary, parsley, sage, etc.

• Grated cheese: cheddar, Parmesan, pepper jack or Swiss.

• Cooked, crumbled bacon or sausage.

• Scallions or chives for savory onion flavor.

• Pureed roasted garlic or garlic powder.

• Spices like paprika, cayenne or black pepper.

Flavor the dough itself or top cooked dumplings with any of those ingredients for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Noodle Soup with Dumplings

This hearty soup filled with noodles, chicken, veggies and fluffy dumplings makes for a satisfying meal any time of year. Here are serving ideas:

• Garnish bowls of soup with fresh parsley or scallions.

• Offer hot sauce or lemon wedges for adding acidity and spice.

• Include a side salad or bread for a more complete meal.

• Round out the menu with cornbread, biscuits or rolls.

• For dessert, serve fruit cobbler or crisps which complement the comfort food theme.

• Package leftovers in individual containers for easy homemade work lunches.

Chicken noodle soup with pillowy dumplings freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator then reheat gently on the stovetop until hot. The dumplings may absorb some broth, so add a bit of water or extra broth when reheating if needed.

Tips for Making Light and Fluffy Dumplings

Homemade dumplings can sometimes turn out dense or gummy if not made properly. Follow these tips for pillowy perfection:

• Use all-purpose flour which has enough gluten for structure. Do not substitute all cake or bread flour.

• Work the dough as little as possible when bringing it together. Over-kneading makes dense dumplings.

• Adding a bit of baking powder lightens the texture. Omitting it makes dumplings heavy.

• Do not overmix the wet and dry ingredients. Just combine with a fork until it forms a shaggy dough.

• Resist the urge to press or flatten the dumplings when dropping them into the broth. Round balls yield the fluffiest shape.

• Do not lift the lid while cooking. Steam from the broth cooks the dumplings through evenly.

• Cook at a gentle simmer so the dumplings cook through without over-hardening on the outside.

Follow this easy method for light, fluffy homemade dumplings to float atop your favorite chicken noodle soup. The combination of slippery noodles, tender chicken, fresh veggies and pillowy dumplings in an herb-infused broth is comforting and irresistible.