Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Whether you’re obsessed with all things pumpkin spiced or you just love playing with warm fall flavors in savory dishes, this Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe is a must-try fall dinner, perfect for welcoming in another delicious soup season! The soup itself is a pretty classic homemade chicken soup. It starts with a base of mirepoix & the chicken breasts are gently poached right in the soup for meltingly tender flavor, but it’s also made with hearty fall squash or sweet potatoes (your choice!) & canned pumpkin for creamy texture. It’s decidedly savory, with a little bit of spice for the kind of warmth you crave on a cool day – absolutely delicious! The pumpkin dumplings are totally the star of the show here, though. They are insanely light & airy, just the right amount of pumpkin & spice. Be sure to refer to the blog post, above, for plenty of tips & tricks to ensure pillowy-soft results!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Cozy: Perfectly suited for chilly evenings, this dish warms your soul while filling your belly.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious meal without hassle.
• Flavorful and Savory: The combination of chicken and pumpkin brings a unique taste that delights every palate.
• Versatile Meal Option: Great as an everyday dinner or special occasion dish; it fits any mealtime perfectly.
• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with wholesome vegetables and lean protein, it’s as nutritious as it is tasty.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, gather your tools to make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: This versatile pot provides even heat distribution, making it ideal for soups and stews.
• Wooden spoon: Gentle on cookware surfaces, it’s perfect for stirring without scratching pots.
• Mixing bowls: Having various sizes allows you to combine ingredients efficiently while keeping your workspace organized.

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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 Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add carrots, celery, and onion.
2. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper as desired. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Dust the flour over vegetables and stir well. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until browned.
4. Slowly pour in chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to release flavorful bits.
5. Add garlic, pumpkin purée, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to a boil then reduce heat.
6. Add chicken breasts into the pot; season again with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk together well. Add grated butter; use hands to mix quickly until coated with flour.
3. In another bowl, whisk together egg, pumpkin purée, and whole milk.
4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients using a spatula until thick dough forms—do not overmix.

Step 3: Finish Cooking the Soup

1. Remove cooked chicken from pot; shred using forks or a stand mixer if preferred.
2. Return shredded chicken back into pot along with butternut squash or sweet potatoes and whole milk; stir well.
3. Bring back to gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook Your Dumplings

1. Using two small spoons or tablespoon measure, form tablespoon-sized dumplings from dough one at a time.
2. Drop each dumpling into simmering soup carefully; avoid overworking dough.
3. Cover pot and simmer dumplings for about 8–10 minutes until puffy and cooked through.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into soup; adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
2. Ladle soup into bowls immediately while hot.

Enjoy your delightful Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings!

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can elevate your dining experience. This cozy soup is perfect for sharing, especially on chilly evenings. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Whole Wheat Bread – Serve slices of freshly baked sourdough or whole wheat bread for dipping in the rich broth.
• Garlic Bread – A warm, buttery garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch and complements the soup perfectly.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad – A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness to your meal.
• Caesar Salad – The creaminess of Caesar dressing contrasts beautifully with the savory dumplings.

Garnish Creatively

• Chopped Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for added color and flavor.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of Parmesan can add a savory richness that enhances the overall dish.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

To ensure your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings turn out fluffy and full of flavor, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Chilled Butter – Incorporating cold butter into the dumpling dough helps create a lighter texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Gently folding the ingredients will keep your dumplings airy. Overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil – Keep the soup at a gentle simmer when cooking the dumplings to prevent them from breaking apart.
• Check for Doneness – Ensure dumplings are puffy and cooked through before serving. They should be soft yet hold their shape.
• Season Well – Taste your broth before serving; adding salt and pepper enhances the flavors significantly.
• Serve Immediately – For best texture, serve the soup right after cooking. The dumplings will continue to absorb liquid if left too long.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Pairing sides with Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or squash roasted until caramelized add a sweet contrast to the soup.
2. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft dumplings.
3. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and lemon makes for a nutritious side that complements the dish well.
4. Steamed Green Beans – Simple steamed green beans offer a crisp finish that balances the richness of the soup.
5. Baked Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness works harmoniously with the flavors in chicken and pumpkin dumplings.
6. Cornbread Muffins – Moist cornbread muffins add a touch of sweetness and are perfect for sopping up broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in the outcome of your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can lead to dry meat. To avoid this, monitor the cooking time closely and remove the chicken as soon as it’s cooked through.

• Ignoring the Dumpling Consistency: If your dumpling dough is too wet or dry, it won’t rise properly. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and mix until just combined for the best texture.

• Not Scraping the Pot: Failing to scrape up the browned bits from the pot can mean losing flavor. Always use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom while adding liquids to ensure all that deliciousness is incorporated.

• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Tasting is key! If you don’t adjust seasoning throughout cooking, your soup could end up bland. Taste your soup at various stages and add salt or pepper as needed for balanced flavors.

• Using Cold Ingredients for Dumplings: Using chilled butter or milk can affect how well your dumplings rise. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal results.

• Crowding the Pot with Dumplings: Adding too many dumplings at once can lead to uneven cooking. Drop them in batches if necessary, allowing enough space for each dumpling to expand.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

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

Reheating Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.

• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings:

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or even beef if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly based on the meat used.

What can I use instead of fresh pumpkin?

Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly as a substitute, ensuring creaminess without hassle.

How do I ensure my dumplings stay fluffy?

Make sure not to overmix your dumpling dough, as this can lead to dense dumplings. Mix just until everything is combined!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace chicken with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms or chickpeas.

How long does it take to prepare Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings?

The total time from preparation to serving is about 55 minutes, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners!

Final Thoughts

Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings is a delightful fall recipe that combines savory flavors with comforting textures. The versatility allows you to customize it with different meats or vegetables based on preference. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at gatherings, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy its warmth!