Homemade Chicken Dumpling Soup is a labor of love but this version has been carefully tested over many years to be the best version on the internet. Made with real egg noodles, lots of nourishing veggies, fluffy dumplings, and tender chicken in a hearty broth, this is a five star recipe guaranteed to satisfy your hungry eaters!

chicken noodle dumpling soup in a white pot with fresh celery and carrots in the background


Table of Contents
  1. This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles is comfort food at it's best!
  2. Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe ingredients
  3. How to make Chicken Dumpling Soup
  4. Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe variations
  5. How to serve Chicken and Dumpling Soup
  6. Storing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles
  7. Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles FAQs
  8. More Homemade Soup Recipes You'll Love
  9. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles Recipe

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles is comfort food at it's best!

When cold weather hits, nothing tastes better than a bowl of classic chicken noodle soup. But the store-bought versions are always so bland and sad with limp noodles and not nearly enough chicken or vegetables. My version elevates the classic by using plenty of hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and homemade noodles and dumplings for the best, most delicious chicken dumpling soup you have ever tasted! The best part? You probably already have all the ingredients you need to make this soup tonight!.

a bowl of chicken dumpling soup and a spoon to the side

This Chicken Noodle & Dumpling Soup is going to be on my menu all winter long, and I hope it makes it to yours as well! If you are a soup fanatic like me, here are some other soups that make regular appearances at our house, especially during these cold winter months! And did you know I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to Soup Recipes?

A big pot full of chicken noodle & dumpling soup, ready to be ladled out.

Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe ingredients

  • Chicken Broth - You can use homemade chicken broth or your favorite store-bought variety.
  • Chicken Breasts - You could shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken and add it to the vegetables and broth towards the end along with the noodles or use raw chicken breasts and let them cook in the broth.
  • Vegetables - A combination of diced celery, carrots, and onion provide wonderful flavor and nutrition, but I also love to throw in some chopped green cabbage as well. It tastes wonderful and has a great texture in soup.
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Dried Thyme - Fresh thyme is great if you have it, but dried thyme works just as well in this chicken soup recipe.
  • All-purpose Flour - This is for making both the homemade egg noodles as well as the easy dumplings.
  • Eggs - The eggs add flavor and help bind the noodles and the dumplings.
  • Olive oil - Just a bit for the noodle and dumpling doughs.
  • Milk - This helps moisten the dumpling dough so they come together.
  • Baking Powder - Adds just the right amount of leavening so the dumplings are fluffy.
Sliced carrots, celery, cabbage, onion, and thyme ready to go into a healthy and comforting chicken noodle soup.

How to make Chicken Dumpling Soup

  1. Combine ingredients. Pour the chicken broth into a large heavy pot or dutch oven. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and cabbage along with raw chicken breasts (if using them instead of cooked rotisserie chicken) and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and shred.
  2. Make Noodles. While the soup simmers, pulse flour and salt in a food processor (affiliate link). Add olive oil and egg, pulsing again to combine. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing just until the dough starts to clump together.
Flour and egg in a food processor for making homemade egg noodles from scratch.
  1. Roll and cut noodles. Dump the egg noodle dough onto a clean counter and knead a few times to bring it together in one clump, then cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 20 minutes so the gluten can relax and they are easier to roll out. Roll the dough very thin on a well-floured surface, then cut into thin, short strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
  2. Make dumplings. Combine all dumpling ingredients together in a medium bowl by stirring with a fork just until moistened. Set aside.
  3. Add chicken and noodles. Add the shredded, cooked chicken to the pot of vegetables and broth along with the fresh egg noodles (or store-bought noodles, if using instead) a handful at a time while stirring so they don’t clump together.
  4. Finish. Add the dumplings by dropping tablespoonfuls of dumpling dough on top of the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy inside.
A bowl of chunky chicken noodle soup with dumplings and a pot of soup behind it with carrots, onions, and celery surrounding them.

Chicken and Dumpling Soup Recipe variations

If you want to use this recipe as a starting point but change up the flavors a bit, try one of these tasty variations:

  • Herb-infused Chicken and Dumplings: Add more fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, parsley, tarragon, oregano, or sage in addition to the broth for a more aromatic and flavorful soup.
  • Vegetable-Loaded Chicken and Dumplings: You could double the amount of carrots and celery, or consider adding other veggies like peas and corn to the soup.
  • Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Add a bit of heat to your soup with some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
  • Creamy Chicken and Dumplings: Make a creamy version by adding a splash of heavy cream (anywhere from ½ to 1 cup would be good) to the broth for a richer and more velvety texture. Another option for a creamy chicken noodle soup would be to use one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk instead.
  • Garlic Lover's Chicken and Dumplings: Infuse the broth with 4-6 cloves of minced garlic or add roasted garlic to the dumpling mixture for a robust garlic flavor.
  • Asian-inspired Chicken and Dumplings: Incorporate Asian flavors into your soup by adding ingredients like ginger, soy sauce, and green onions.
  • Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Dumplings: Add a burst of citrus by incorporating lemon zest or juice along with a generous handful or two of freshly grated parmesan cheese into the broth for a refreshing taste.

How to serve Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Make sure each bowl has a generous portion of dumplings, chicken, and vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color and added flavor.

Or serve it family style by placing the pot in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves. Provide individual bowls, utensils, and optional toppings for a communal dining experience.

You might even want to serve this soup in homemade bread bowls. Hollow out small bread rounds to create edible bowls. Ladle the chicken and dumpling soup into these bread bowls for a fun and creative presentation.

Storing Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles

Let the soup cool completely to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container and storing in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles and dumplings will absorb a lot of the broth, so when reheating, you may need to add an extra cup or two of water. There is usually plenty of flavor and I don’t feel like the water dilutes the leftover soup, but you could add a little chicken bouillon when reheating, if needed.

To reheat, transfer the soup to a saucepan and heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot all the way through.

Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles FAQs

What makes a dumpling a dumpling?

There are many different types of dumplings in different cuisines, but the ones I’m talking about here are American-style dumplings, particularly the ones from parts of the Southern U.S. where dumplings are made from biscuit dough dropped onto a stew or soup. These dumplings are typically light and fluffy when cooked. They are hearty and satisfying when simmered in the broth until cooked through.

How do you keep egg noodles from getting mushy in chicken noodle soup?

If you are using store-bought egg noodles, they can get mushy if you add them to the soup too early. Check the directions on the back of the package and add them toward the end of simmering the vegetables so they cook for that amount of time. When using my homemade egg noodles, they don’t have as many issues becoming mushy because they are thicker and have more chew than store-bought egg noodles.

Can I add egg noodles directly to soup?

If you are particularly concerned about egg noodles becoming mushy, another option is to cook them separately in a pot of salted, boiling water just until al dente. Drain, then place a handful of cooked noodles into each bowl before ladling soup over the top.

More Homemade Soup Recipes You'll Love

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.

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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles

4.75 from 32 votes
Amy Nash
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
My favorite soup from my childhood, Chicken Noodle & Dumpling Soup is made with homemade egg noodles, super easy dumplings from scratch, and loaded with shredded chicken, carrots, cabbage, celery, and onions!  It's comfort food at it's best!

Ingredients
  

  • 12 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 4 stalks celery, chopped
  • 4-6 carrots, sliced into discs
  • 1 ½ cups cabbage, roughly chopped
  • ½ large onion, diced
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
  • ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme, or 1 teaspoon fresh
  • 3 cups chicken breasts and/or thighs, cooked and shredded

Homemade Egg Noodles

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1-2 Tablespoons milk

Dumplings

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup milk

Instructions
 

  • Pour the chicken broth into a large heavy pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat.  Add the carrots, celery, onion, and cabbage to chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and thyme and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. 
  • Stir in the shredded, cooked chicken.  Add the fresh egg noodles by dropping them in a handful at a time and stirring so they don't clump together.  Add the dumplings at the same time by dropping tablespoonfuls on top of the simmering soup.  Cover and cook for 5 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy inside.

Egg Noodles

  • To make the noodles, pulse flour and salt in a food processor (affiliate link).  Add olive oil and pulse.  Add egg and pulse to combine.  Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse just until combined and starting to clump a bit.  
  • Dump the egg noodle dough onto a clean counter and knead a few times to bring it together in one clump, then cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 20 minutes or longer. Roll out very thin on a well-floured surface, then cut into thin, short strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.

Dumplings

  • Combine all dumpling ingredients together in a medium bowl by stirring with a fork just until moistened. 

Nutrition

Calories: 439kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 37g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 942mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g
Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @HouseOfNashEats or tag #houseofnasheats!

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About the author

Hi, I'm Amy

I enjoy exploring the world through food, culture, and travel and sharing the adventure with mostly from-scratch, family friendly recipes that I think of as modern comfort cooking.

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Reader questions and reviews

  1. 5 stars
    I've been craving a chicken soup with dumplings for a couple of weeks now and yours looks divine! Such beautiful photos

  2. 5 stars
    Noodles and dumplings. This is my love language! It's always my favourite when childhood faves become family classics even in adulthood. Lovely recipe!

      1. 5 stars
        I’m literally eating this recipe now, 30 degrees outside on the first day of March. YUM. I have NEVER made chicken & dumplings before but I managed to pull this off.

        Only variations were using store bought egg noodle (12 oz.) and I used butter for the biscuits because that’s southern comfort for ya. Added diy old bay spice to dumpling dough.

        Scared dumplings would fall apart but did not; I did not stir the dumplings but let them sit.

  3. 5 stars
    Oh this will definitely be on my menu! I love chicken and dumpling soup. I could eat a big bowl of this right now. Great photos!

  4. The dumplings Did not work out. They spread,
    fell apart & ruined my entire pot of soup. I followed recipe exact.

    1. This is the only recipe I've found that included both noodles and dumplings. I thought I was going crazy thinking they were never combined! Appreciate the recipe help and confirmation haha! As for people who's dumplings are falling apart, you're doing it wrong. >:D

      1. Thanks, Sarah! You definitely aren't crazy, or if you are, I'm right there with you! I don't see them done together much either, but it's the best!

    2. Hi Nichole, you most likely OVER COOKED the dumplings... : ( Trust me I HAVE DONE IT! They shouldn't take a long time to cook. Just a gentle boil. Boiling the dumplings to long can make the outside skin fall apart. I normally let them come to a boil. Then when they float to the top, I lower the heat to simmer. Then I give them another two
      - three minutes before taking them out. Good luck on your next attempt. Don't give up!

    3. Tammy, you most likely OVER COOKED the dumplings... : ( Trust me I HAVE DONE IT! They shouldn't take a long time to cook. Just a gentle boil. Boiling the dumplings to long can make the outside skin fall apart. I normally let them come to a boil. Then when they float to the top, I lower the heat to simmer. Then I give them another two
      - three minutes before taking them out. Good luck on your next attempt. Don't give up!

    4. Did you stir the pot after adding? That would cause it to happen...Do not stir after adding, just cover the pot for 15-20 minutes.

    1. 5 stars
      You over cooked them, stirred them, or both!. They only take 5-7 minutes when dropped into the soup. Drop them in into simmering soup, let them sink, cover the pot, and then check only after 5 minutes after they float.

  5. I was given a giant bag off egg pasta noodles, and never really knew what to do with them, so this recipe sounds awesome! Making as we speak! Thanks!

  6. Tried this soup for your showdown challenge, don't know why I haven't tried this before!! So good! And we loved both noodles AND dumplings in our soup! Yum!

    1. 5 stars
      This soup is amazing especially if you decide to add parsley and some pepper. However my dumplings came out with a sorta brown interior which I think is because I overcooked them. Everything else about this was so hearty and perfect for a cold winter night!

    1. On the recipe card under step 2 it says "Stir in the shredded, cooked chicken. Add the fresh egg noodles by dropping them in a handful at a time and stirring so they don't clump together. Add the dumplings at the same time by dropping tablespoonfuls on top of the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy inside."
      Is this what you are needing? I'm sorry it was confusing. I can add this to the dumpling step to make it more clear.

    1. If you were to use store-bought egg noodles, just check the package directions for how long to cook them. The package in my pantry says 6-8 minutes, which is pretty typical. So you add those a minute or two before adding the dumplings, which only take about 5 minutes to cook. Pretty simple!

  7. I never heard of adding cabbage to chicken noodle soup. I read
    all the comments hoping someone would comment on whether they liked the cabbage in the soup but no one commented on it. It would add more nutrition.