This Spring Vegetable Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings together tender shredded chicken, fresh seasonal vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a comforting broth. Perfect for a light and hearty meal, this dish highlights spring produce such as asparagus, peas, and radishes while maintaining the classic, cozy feel of traditional chicken and dumplings.
Ingredients for Spring Vegetable Chicken and Dumplings
For the Soup:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spring vegetables (such as asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces, peas, and sliced radishes)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (preferably from a whole roasted chicken)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions for Spring Vegetable Chicken and Dumplings
1. Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery, and sauté until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the Broth and Chicken
- Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Dumplings
- While the soup simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the 1 cup of milk to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The dough should be thick and sticky.
4. Add the Spring Vegetables
- Stir in the asparagus, peas, and sliced radishes (or other fresh spring vegetables) into the soup. Let the vegetables cook for about 3-4 minutes.
5. Cook the Dumplings
- Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup. The dumplings will puff up as they cook.
- Cover the pot with a lid and cook the dumplings for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid while the dumplings are cooking, as this can disrupt the cooking process.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish the soup with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs ahead of time.
- Spring Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match your favorite spring vegetables. Other great options include baby spinach, fava beans, or baby carrots.
- Dumpling Texture: The dumpling batter will be sticky, which is normal. Just drop spoonfuls into the soup without shaping them for soft, pillowy dumplings.
Variations for Spring Vegetable Chicken and Dumplings
1. Herb Dumplings
- Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the dumpling batter for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
- Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk into the soup for a creamier version of this dish.
3. Lemon Chicken and Dumplings
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest to the broth for a bright, zesty twist on this classic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the soup base (without the dumplings) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, bring the soup back to a simmer, then prepare and cook the dumplings.
2. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the soup base, but the dumplings may not hold up as well after freezing and reheating. To freeze, store the soup without the dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and prepare fresh dumplings when reheating.
3. What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a more complete meal.
A Fresh Twist on a Comfort Classic
This Spring Vegetable Chicken and Dumplings dish offers a fresh, seasonal twist on a comforting classic. The combination of tender chicken, fresh spring vegetables, and fluffy dumplings makes for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for the season. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cool evening or sharing it with friends and family, this dish is sure to be a hit!
