Lemon Chicken Dumpling Soup

Name: Lemon Chicken Dumpling Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Cozy Home-Cooked Recipes

I absolutely love making Lemon Chicken Dumpling Soup on chilly days. The bright citrus flavor from the lemon paired with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings creates a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. Each spoonful offers a delightful balance of savory and tangy notes that makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken from earlier in the week. This is more than just soup; it’s a hug on a cold day!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T14:26:28.088Z

When creating this recipe, I aimed for a balance of flavors that would brighten up your day. The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest elevates the dish, making it tangy yet comforting. Chicken broth serves as a luscious base and harmonizes perfectly with the spices and herbs.

After numerous attempts, I discovered that letting the dumplings steam gently in the soup, rather than boiling them, ensures they remain light and fluffy. Trust me, this method yields perfectly tender dumplings every time!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright and zesty flavor that lifts your spirits
Tender chicken paired with fluffy dumplings
Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions

      

The Role of Lemon

Lemon is the star ingredient in this Chicken Dumpling Soup, offering both acidity and brightness that elevate the dish. The juice brings a refreshing tartness, while the zest adds an aromatic depth. When adding lemon, I recommend using a freshly juiced lemon for maximum flavor impact. The acidity helps to balance the richness of the chicken and dumplings, creating a more harmonious soup that invites a second bowl.

It's essential to incorporate the lemon juice towards the end of the cooking process. This preserves its bright flavor and prevents it from becoming too bitter. If you're looking for a milder lemon flavor, you can reduce the juice slightly or use a mix of lemon and lime juice for a unique twist.

Perfecting the Dumplings

The dumplings in this recipe are meant to be light and fluffy, so it’s crucial not to overmix the batter. Mixing until just combined ensures they stay tender. If you notice that your dumpling mixture is too dry, you can add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it's too wet, a touch more flour can help achieve the right consistency.

For a variation in texture, consider adding a little grated cheese or finely chopped spinach to the dumpling mix. This will not only lighten the dumplings but also introduce an extra layer of flavor. Steam them in the soup until they appear puffed and slightly glossy to ensure they’re cooked through properly.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, this soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, be aware that the dumplings can become dense as they absorb liquid. To counteract this, you can make the soup without the dumplings and store them separately. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to rehydrate the soup and steam fresh dumplings to enjoy a rejuvenated meal.

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup without the dumplings. This way, you can enjoy a hearty meal later by thawing it and cooking fresh dumplings directly in the reheated broth. When freezing, I always use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top—broth expands as it freezes!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a warming Lemon Chicken Dumpling Soup.

For the Soup

4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup celery, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Dumplings

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure to have everything prepped before starting to cook for a stress-free experience.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Lemon Chicken Dumpling Soup.

Prepare the Soup

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add shredded chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Make the Dumplings

In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and parsley. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix).

Cook the Dumplings

Once the soup is boiling, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture directly into the soup. Cover tightly and reduce the heat to low. Let them steam for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to rise and cook through.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are cooked and fluffy, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.

Pro Tips

For an extra fragrant soup, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering. Just remember to remove it before serving!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're in a pinch, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic and time-saving alternative to cooking your own chicken. Simply shred the meat and add it directly to the soup. You can also swap out the vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability; for instance, adding peas or green beans can provide a pop of color and flavor without compromising the overall dish.

For a gluten-free version of the dumplings, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure that the baking powder you use is also gluten-free. Additional ingredients like almond flour can be mixed in to create a more unique texture, giving the dumplings an alternative flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Lemon Chicken Dumpling Soup, consider serving it with crusty bread or homemade biscuits on the side. A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, such as dill or chives, as a garnish not only adds a pop of color but enhances flavor complexity. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can further brighten the dish.

For a touch of elegance during special occasions, serve the soup in individual bowls topped with a dollop of crème fraîche and a few slices of sautéed mushrooms. This adds depth to the flavor and presents a beautiful dish that’s sure to impress.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it is fully cooked before shredding and adding to the soup.

→ How can I make this soup gluten-free?

You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, corn, or even spinach for added nutrition.

→ How do I freeze the soup?

Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months.