Lemon Chicken Dumpling Soup

Name: Lemon Chicken Dumpling Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1 egg

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Recipes

I love making Lemon Chicken Dumpling Soup when I need something comforting and invigorating at the same time. The bright zing of lemon paired with tender dumplings and juicy chicken elevates this dish to a whole new level. It's perfect for chilly evenings or when you just want to feel wrapped in a warm embrace from a bowl. The process is simple yet rewarding, and honestly, it’s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with aromas that make your mouth water long before the soup is ready.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T14:42:28.082Z

This soup was inspired by my favorite childhood meals, where the warmth of homemade dishes brought everyone together. When experimenting with flavors, I discovered that a hint of lemon not only brightens the taste but also complements the chicken beautifully. The key is to add the lemon zest early in the cooking process to infuse the broth with a refreshing aroma.

One of my tactics is to make the dumplings fluffy without making them dense. To achieve this, I recommend using cold ingredients and folding the dough gently rather than over-mixing. This way, you’ll have light and airy dumplings that float in your bowl, perfectly soaking up all the delightful broth.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright, zesty flavor that invigorates the senses
Tender dumplings that melt in your mouth
A heartwarming dish perfect for sharing with loved ones

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The ingredients in Lemon Chicken Dumpling Soup play a vital role in creating its unique flavor profile. The use of fresh lemon zest and juice not only brightens the soup but also helps balance the richness of the chicken. When selecting your chicken, consider using rotisserie chicken for convenience; it provides a savory depth while saving on cooking time. Additionally, for a touch of extra flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth if you have any on hand, which enhances the overall taste considerably.

In terms of vegetables, carrots and celery contribute both flavor and a slight sweetness to the broth. When chopping the vegetables, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. If you're short on time, frozen mixed vegetables can be a quick substitute, though I recommend fresh for the best texture and taste. Finally, fresh parsley is not just for garnish; it adds a pop of freshness that complements the lemon beautifully.

Perfecting the Dumplings

Creating the dumplings is a crucial step that can either elevate or hinder your soup’s overall success. It's essential not to overmix the batter; mix until just combined to avoid tough dumplings. For fluffy results, let the dumpling mixture rest for about 10 minutes while the soup simmers. This allows the baking powder to activate, resulting in airy dumplings that can effectively soak up the soup without becoming soggy.

If you're looking for a lighter version, consider replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Alternatively, if you're aiming for gluten-free, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can yield satisfactory results. Adjustments in cooking time may be necessary; be sure to check for fluffiness and doneness before serving.

Ingredients

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Dumplings

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 egg

Make sure to keep all your ingredients prepared and ready to go!

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Incorporate Lemon Flavor

Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Make the Dumplings

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, and egg together. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.

Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley. Enjoy your warm bowl of lemony goodness!

Enjoy fresh and warm!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. It enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Make-Ahead Tips

Lemon Chicken Dumpling Soup is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the soup base and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, for the best dumpling texture, it's advisable to make them fresh before serving. If you want to save time, you can prepare the dumpling batter ahead of time, keeping it covered in the fridge and using it directly in the simmering soup later on.

If you're contemplating a larger batch for meal prep, this soup freezes well too. Just remember to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to ensure the dumplings don't become overly soft.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Lemon Chicken Dumpling Soup can be a delightful experience, especially when accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. The soup’s bright flavors pair beautifully with a side of buttery garlic bread for dipping. If you're feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can add a savory richness that complements the lemon well.

For a bit of zest, offer lemon wedges on the side so guests can customize their soup with an additional burst of citrus. You might even consider garnishing each bowl with thinly sliced green onions or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for an added flavor kick. Serving it hot in warmed bowls can also enhance the overall dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dumplings instead?

Yes, store-bought dumplings can be used for convenience, just add them according to package instructions.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ What should I serve with this soup?

A fresh green salad or crusty bread pairs wonderfully with this soup.

→ Can leftovers be refrigerated?

Yes, the soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.