Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’re in for a treat with this Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe. Combining tender shredded chicken, the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, and pillowy dumplings infused with fall spices, this dish is a perfect balance of savory and comforting flavors. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds, making it an instant favorite in any home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully selected to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From creamy butter to fragrant pumpkin pie spice, each item plays a vital role in crafting those deliciously tender dumplings and rich soup base.

• Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter: Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel essential for both the soup base and dumpling dough.
• Large carrots: Provide sweetness and a tender bite that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Celery stalk: Adds aromatic depth and a slight crunch when cooked.
• Yellow onion: Brings a savory undertone and rounds out the flavor profile.
• Baker’s Corner All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the soup and form the structure of the dumplings.
• Simply Nature Organic Chicken Broth: The flavorful and comforting liquid base that carries all the ingredients together.
• Baker’s Corner 100% Pure Pumpkin: Provides that beautiful autumnal flavor and vibrant color in both soup and dumplings.
• Stonemill Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and a slightly earthy background note that enhances the pumpkin.
• Stonemill Pumpkin Pie Spice: Gives the dumplings their festive, cozy aroma without overpowering the savory elements.
• Garlic head: Infuses the soup with a mellow, fragrant garlic essence.
• Simply Nature Organic Chicken Breasts: The hearty protein that is shredded and folded into the soup for satisfying bites.
• Frozen Simply Nature Organic Butternut Squash or Sweet Potatoes: Adds sweetness and texture contrast to the soft dumplings.
• Simply Nature Organic Whole Milk: Enhances creaminess in the soup and dumpling dough.
• Kosher salt & ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate every ingredient.
• Egg: Binds the dumpling dough for a light, spongy texture.

How to Make Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Step 1: Cook the aromatics

Start by melting butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Adding carrots, celery, and onion with a pinch of salt and pepper, sauté them gently until they turn soft and fragrant—about five minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your soup base, where each vegetable’s natural sweetness and aroma start coming to life.

Step 2: Build the soup & simmer

Sprinkle flour over the softened veggies and cook until it browns slightly, stirring frequently. The browned flour helps develop rich depth in the broth. Pour in the chicken broth gradually, scraping up any caramelized bits from the pot’s bottom, which are packed with flavor. Add halved garlic, pumpkin puree, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and gently simmer. Nestle the chicken breasts into the pot, seasoning again before covering and simmering for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the dumpling dough

While the soup simmers, mix the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and pepper—in a bowl. Work the grated cold butter into this mix with your hands until the butter is coated and crumbly. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, pumpkin puree, and milk, then fold these wet ingredients into the dry mix gently. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be thick but soft and spongy—perfect for light, tender dumplings.

Step 4: Shred the chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it once cooled slightly. You can shred it manually with forks or use a stand mixer’s paddle attachment to save time. Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the frozen butternut squash or sweet potatoes and additional milk. Stir well and bring back to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer the dumplings

Using two small spoons or a tablespoon measure, drop dumpling dough spoonfuls into the simmering soup. Don’t overcrowd the pot and try not to overwork the dough when spooning. Cover and let the dumplings steam for 8-10 minutes until they puff up and become tender inside.

Step 6: Serve

Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle this heartwarming bowl of Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings soup into bowls and prepare for all the ooohs and ahhhs from those lucky enough to taste this seasonal delight.

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Garnishes

Top your bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese takes this dish to another level of indulgence without overpowering its gentle flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite hearty on its own, but if you want to build a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside crusty artisan bread for dipping or a simple mixed green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to add a fresh, crisp contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini pumpkin bowls during a fall gathering—just hollow out small pumpkins for edible serving vessels. You can also turn the dumplings into appetizer bites by skewering them with small pieces of roasted vegetables and serving with a spiced yogurt dip alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will soak up some broth, so you might want to stir in a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the soup and dumplings separately. Freeze the soup base in a sealed container without dumplings for up to 3 months. Prepare dumplings fresh if possible, but if you must freeze them, shape and flash freeze them on a tray before storing to prevent sticking.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If refrigerated, add a little broth or milk to loosen the soup and bring it back to a gentle simmer until warmed through. Avoid microwaving dumplings alone as they can turn dense.

FAQs

Can I use other types of squash instead of pumpkin for the dumplings?

Absolutely! Butternut squash or even sweet potatoes work wonderfully in the dumpling dough and add a slight variation in flavor and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chicken and spices.

What if I’m not a fan of cumin in the soup?

You can reduce the cumin or omit it entirely if preferred. The pumpkin pie spice and garlic create plenty of aromatic warmth, but cumin adds a subtle earthiness that complements the pumpkin nicely.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, swap the chicken and chicken broth for vegetable broth and hearty mushrooms or tofu for protein. The dumplings remain the same and still deliver that cozy, pumpkin-spiced goodness.

How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

When the dumplings puff up and become tender to the touch, they’re done. Typically, this takes about 8-10 minutes of gentle simmering. If in doubt, cut one open to check that it’s cooked through and soft inside.

Is there a way to speed up the chicken shredding process?

Definitely! Using two forks to pull apart shredded chicken is traditional, but the quickest method is placing warm chicken breasts in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment—pulse until shredded perfectly in seconds.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to make Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings is truly worth every delicious bite. It’s a comforting, soul-soothing dish that brings the best flavors of fall right to your table. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple for cozy dinners ahead. Give it a try and watch it turn into one of your favorite go-to meals!

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