Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Whether you’re obsessed with all things pumpkin spiced or love playing with warm fall flavors in savory dishes, this Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe is a must-try fall dinner. It’s perfect for welcoming another delicious soup season! The soup itself is a classic homemade chicken soup with a base of mirepoix. The chicken breasts are gently poached right in the soup for meltingly tender flavor, and it’s enriched with hearty fall squash or sweet potatoes and a creamy texture from canned pumpkin. This dish is decidedly savory, with the warmth you crave on a cool day. The pumpkin dumplings are the star of the show—light, airy, and perfectly spiced!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe combines comforting flavors that make it perfect for chilly evenings.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can swap in different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Seasonal Delight: Featuring pumpkin and spices, this dish captures the essence of fall in every bite.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will enjoy the delightful combination of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.

Tools and Preparation

To get started with this delightful recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make preparation smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 5-quart Dutch oven: This allows for even heat distribution, ensuring your soup cooks perfectly without burning.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot while scraping up those delicious brown bits at the bottom.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter
• 2 large carrots, peeled as desired & diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons Baker’s Corner All-Purpose Flour
• 32 ounces Simply Nature Organic Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Baker’s Corner 100% Pure Pumpkin
• heaping 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Ground Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 head garlic, halved crosswise & excess paper removed
• 1 1/2 pounds Simply Nature Organic Chicken Breasts
• one 10-ounce bag frozen Simply Nature Organic Butternut Squash or Sweet Potatoes
• 1/2 cup Simply Nature Organic Whole Milk
• pumpkin dumplings (below)
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season

For the Pumpkin Dumplings

• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) cold Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter, grated
• 1 cup Baker’s Corner All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Stonemill Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 large egg, lightly whisked
• 1/3 cup Baker’s Corner 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1/4 cup Simply Nature Organic Whole Milk
• kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season

How to Make Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

1. Add the butter to a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once melted:
2. Add the carrots, celery, and onion.
3. Season with kosher salt and black pepper as desired.
4. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Create Depth of Flavor

1. Dust flour over softened veggies:
2. Stir to coat.
3. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until browned.

4. Slowly pour in chicken broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pot.

5. Add garlic, pumpkin purée, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice:

6. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

7. Add chicken to the pot:

8. Season again with salt and pepper as desired.
9. Cover and simmer for about 10–15 minutes until cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

1. In a medium bowl:

2. Combine flour, baking powder, and pumpkin spice with salt and pepper as desired — whisk together.

3. Add grated butter:

4. Mix quickly by hand until butter is coated in flour.

5. In another bowl:

6. Whisk together egg, pumpkin purée, and whole milk.

7. Combine wet ingredients into dry ingredients:

8. Gently fold until you form a thick dough — do not overmix.

Step 4: Shred Chicken & Combine Ingredients

1. Remove cooked chicken from the pot:

2. Shred using forks or a stand mixer with paddle attachment.

3. Return shredded chicken back into the pot along with butternut squash or sweet potatoes and whole milk:

4. Stir well to combine before bringing back to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Form Dumplings & Cook

1. Use two small spoons to form tablespoon-sized dumplings:

2. Drop into simmering soup one by one.

3. Once all dumplings are added:

4. Cover and simmer for about 8–10 minutes until they are puffy and cooked through.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pot:

2. Taste test; adjust seasoning if necessary.

3. Ladle soup into individual bowls:

4. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings!

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can elevate your meal experience, making it warm and inviting. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish that everyone will love.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with parsley or chives – Adding freshly chopped herbs not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh flavor that complements the soup.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with a side of bread – A slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the savory broth, creating a satisfying meal.

With a Salad

• Pair with a light salad – A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dumplings while adding refreshing crunch.

In Individual Bowls

• Serve in individual bowls – Presenting the soup in small bowls can make it feel more special and perfect for entertaining guests.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Perfecting Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dumplings come out light and fluffy.

• Bold: Use cold ingredients – Ensure that your butter and milk are cold when mixing into the dough. This helps retain air pockets, resulting in lighter dumplings.

• Bold: Don’t overmix – When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings.

• Bold: Adjust cooking time – Keep an eye on the cooking time for dumplings. They should puff up and be cooked through but not overdone; check them around the 8-minute mark.

• Bold: Proper seasoning – Taste your broth before adding dumplings; seasonings should be well-balanced to enhance flavors throughout the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

To complement your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, consider serving these delightful side dishes. They bring variety and taste to your meal.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with roasted garlic make for a comforting side that pairs well with soup.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil offer a tasty contrast to the soft dumplings.

3. Herbed Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf tossed with herbs provides a light, aromatic side that complements the savory soup beautifully.

4. Sweet Potato Wedges – Baked sweet potato wedges seasoned with spices add sweetness and color to your plate.

5. Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction create a refreshing side option.

6. Steamed Green Beans – Lightly steamed green beans tossed in lemon juice provide a vibrant crunch alongside the hearty soup.

7. Cornbread Muffins – Slightly sweet cornbread muffins can add a delightful texture contrast when served with your chicken dumpling soup.

8. Crispy Kale Chips – Crunchy kale chips seasoned with sea salt offer a healthy, flavorful bite that enhances any meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, it’s easy to slip up. Here are common mistakes and how to sidestep them.

• Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can make the dumplings dense. Measure accurately and avoid overworking the dough for light, fluffy results.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Taste your soup and adjust salt and spices as needed for a well-rounded dish.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can dry it out. Monitor the cooking time closely; chicken should be just cooked through for optimal tenderness.
• Skipping the simmering step: Failing to simmer the dumplings properly may result in uncooked centers. Make sure to cover the pot during simmering to keep moisture in.
• Not letting the butter soften: Using cold butter can make mixing difficult. Allow butter to soften slightly at room temperature before adding it to the dumpling mixture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings in an airtight container.
• They are best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal flavor.

Freezing Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• You can freeze the soup without the dumplings for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.

Reheating Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings.

What is the best way to enjoy Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings?

The best way is to serve them piping hot right after cooking, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Can I use other vegetables in place of pumpkin?

Yes! Sweet potatoes or butternut squash work well as alternatives while maintaining a similar texture.

How do I ensure my dumplings are fluffy?

Avoid overmixing your dumpling dough and allow it to rest briefly before cooking for optimal fluffiness.

Can I make Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well for baking.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices or even experiment with different proteins like turkey or beef!

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe captures the essence of fall with its warm flavors and comforting textures. It’s versatile enough that you can customize it with your preferred vegetables or spices. Give it a try, and let its cozy warmth fill your home!