A comforting one-pot chicken soup studded with soft homemade dumplings. This simple, kid-friendly chicken and dumpling soup uses everyday ingredients and comes together quickly—perfect for family meals and to add to your regular rotation.
This version is adapted from a family recipe and is similar to halushky (галушка), a traditional Eastern European dish made with soft noodles or dumplings. The recipe is straightforward and delicious as written, without the need for cream or flour-based thickeners. The dumplings are easy to prepare while the soup simmers; they cook in about 5–7 minutes once added to the hot broth. Enjoy a warm, flavorful bowl that’s both hearty and simple to make.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 cups chicken broth (or water plus 1/2 tbsp chicken bouillon powder)
- 1/3 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed
Dumplings
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3 cups all-purpose flour + 3 tbsp, plus extra for dusting
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the diced chicken and onion, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and sauté until the onions are translucent and the chicken is lightly cooked.
- Add the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- While the broth heats, make the dumpling dough: combine the buttermilk, baking soda, 1 tsp salt, and 3 cups plus 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, divide into six equal pieces, and dust with additional flour as needed while working. Roll each portion into a log about 22 inches long and cut into 1-inch pieces to form the dumplings.
- When the broth is simmering, drop the dumplings into the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
- Turn off the heat, stir in the chopped dill and crushed garlic, and adjust seasoning to taste. Let the soup rest a few minutes before serving so the flavors meld.
Serving suggestions and tips:
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
- If you prefer a richer broth, you can finish the soup with a splash of cream, though it’s flavorful without it.
- For extra vegetables, add diced carrots or potatoes to the simmering broth and cook until tender before adding the dumplings.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the dumplings.
This chicken and dumpling soup is a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and great for feeding a family. The homemade dumplings give the soup a rustic, comforting texture, while dill and garlic brighten the flavor for a balanced, homey dish.
