Amish chicken and dumpling soup

Amish chicken and dumpling soup is a classic, comforting recipe rooted in simple ingredients and slow, hearty cooking. This soup combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth, making it a practical and nourishing meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Key Ingredients for Amish Chicken and Dumpling Soup

To make a traditional and satisfying Amish chicken and dumpling soup, you’ll need simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that work together to create deep, comforting flavor.

• Whole chicken (3–4 pounds) – cleaned and cut into pieces, or use bone-in chicken thighs and breasts for extra flavor
• 10 cups chicken broth or water – homemade or low-sodium store-bought
• 2 tablespoons butter – for richness
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – helps sauté vegetables without burning
• 1 large onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth
• 3 medium carrots, sliced – classic soup base
• 3 celery stalks, chopped – for balance and aroma
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – enhances savory flavor
• 2 teaspoons salt – adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground preferred
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley – traditional Amish seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme – optional but recommended
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – for the dumplings
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – ensures light, fluffy dumplings
• ¾ cup whole milk – binds dumpling dough
• 2 tablespoons melted butter – adds tenderness to dumplings
• 1 egg (optional) – for richer dumplings
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish) – adds color and freshness

How to Make Amish Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Amish chicken and dumpling soup is easy to prepare, deeply comforting, and incredibly satisfying, even for beginner cooks. The slow-simmered chicken creates a rich broth, while homemade dumplings add a soft, hearty texture that store-bought versions can’t match. From start to finish, this recipe takes about 90 minutes, with most of the time being hands-off simmering.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken and broth
   Place the whole chicken or chicken pieces into a large stockpot. Add the chicken broth or water, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the top for a cleaner broth.

2. Simmer for flavor
   Cover the pot and simmer the chicken for 45–60 minutes, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked. Slow cooking allows the chicken to release flavor into the broth, which is the foundation of authentic Amish chicken and dumpling soup.

3. Remove and shred the chicken
   Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool slightly, then shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard skin and bones. Set the meat aside.

4. Sauté the vegetables
   In a separate skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

5. Add vegetables to the broth
   Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the pot with the broth. Stir in salt, pepper, parsley, and thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften further.

6. Return chicken to the pot
   Add the shredded chicken back into the soup. Stir gently and keep the broth at a low simmer while you prepare the dumplings.

7. Make the dumpling dough
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, melted butter, and egg (if using). Stir just until combined. The dough should be thick but soft—do not overmix.

8. Add dumplings to the soup
   Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup. Space them slightly apart, as they will expand while cooking.

9. Cook dumplings properly
   Cover the pot tightly and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This step is crucial, as steam helps the dumplings cook evenly and become fluffy.

   
   

10. Check doneness and adjust seasoning
    After 15 minutes, uncover and test a dumpling for doneness. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed.

11. Serve warm
    Ladle the Amish chicken and dumpling soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or simple crackers.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Chicken and Dumpling Soup

This Amish chicken and dumpling soup stands out for its rich, homemade flavor and comforting texture. The tender chicken and soft dumplings create a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, similar to chicken pot pie but lighter and more soothing.

Making this soup at home saves money compared to store-bought versions or restaurant meals, while giving you full control over ingredients. The simple herbs, buttery dumplings, and slow-simmered broth make every bite deeply satisfying—try it once, and it may become your go-to comfort recipe.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Amish chicken and dumpling soup stores well and makes excellent leftovers.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze without dumplings for best texture, up to 3 months. Add fresh dumplings when reheating if possible.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens.

Final Thoughts

Amish chicken and dumpling soup is a timeless, nourishing recipe that delivers comfort with every spoonful. Its simple ingredients and homemade taste make it perfect for family meals or quiet evenings. Give it a try at home and enjoy the warmth of traditional Amish cooking.

For more traditional Amish recipes and inspiration:

• Healthy Amish cabbage soup recipe
• Amish tomato soup with fresh herbs
• visit our Pinterest boards