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! Featuring a creamy base of homemade chicken soup and light pumpkin dumplings, this dish is ideal for cozy gatherings or a simple weeknight meal. The combination of tender chicken, hearty squash, and fluffy dumplings makes it a standout choice that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: This dish combines the warmth of chicken soup with the rich taste of pumpkin, making it perfect for cool days.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious meal without any hassle.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or experiment with different types of squash based on what you have at home.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Great for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe serves multiple people easily.
• Seasonal Delight: Embrace fall flavors with pumpkin and spices that create a festive atmosphere in every bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Ideal for even heat distribution while simmering your soup, ensuring all flavors meld perfectly.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pots; it’s also perfect for scraping up those flavorful brown bits from the bottom.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements lead to consistent results, essential in cooking and baking alike.

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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
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 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 salt and pepper. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Dust flour over veggies; cook for an additional minute until browned.
4. Slowly pour in chicken broth while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
5. Stir in garlic, pumpkin purée, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to a boil then reduce heat.
6. Add chicken breasts; cover and simmer for about 10–15 minutes until cooked through.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and pepper. Whisk together.
2. Add grated butter; mix quickly by hand until coated with flour mixture.
3. In another bowl, whisk together egg, pumpkin purée, and whole milk.
4. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients gently until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3: Finish the Soup

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

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

1. Using two small spoons or a tablespoon measure, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dumpling dough into the simmering soup.
2. Cover pot; simmer for about 8–10 minutes until dumplings are puffy and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pot before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle soup into bowls and enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, and there are many ways to enhance its presentation and flavor.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme Leaves: A few thyme leaves enhance the earthy flavors of the dumplings.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: A slice of sourdough complements the soup’s richness and is perfect for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor pairs well with the savory soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: A light sprinkle of parmesan offers a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the pumpkin.
• Shredded Cheddar: Adding cheddar brings a sharp taste that balances the soup’s creaminess.

Served with a Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad dressed in vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm soup.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing in a Caesar salad enhances the overall meal experience.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

To ensure your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings turn out heavenly, follow these tips. They will help you achieve dumplings that are fluffy and flavorful.

• Bold Flour Selection: Use high-quality all-purpose flour for better texture in your dumplings.
• Bold Temperature Control: Maintain gentle simmering when cooking dumplings; boiling can lead to dense results.
• Bold Timing Matters: Don’t overcook the dumplings; simmer them just long enough to become puffy and cooked through.
• Bold Mixing Technique: Gently mix the dough to avoid tough dumplings; overmixing can hinder their lightness.
• Bold Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh chicken and vegetables for more robust flavors in your soup base.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort and richness that complements the soup.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These provide a slightly bitter contrast, balancing the sweetness of the pumpkin.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are great for soaking up every drop of delicious broth.
4. Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add color and crunch, enhancing both nutrition and presentation.
5. Crispy Kale Chips: Lightly seasoned kale chips offer a healthy, crunchy side that pairs well with soft dumplings.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with citrus dressing adds freshness without overpowering the soup’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, it’s easy to overlook key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Mirepoix: This base of carrots, celery, and onion adds depth to your soup. Don’t skip this step; it enhances flavor significantly.
• Overmixing the Dumpling Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings. Combine the ingredients just until they form a thick dough for light and fluffy results.
• Ignoring the Cooking Time: Allow enough time for the chicken to cook thoroughly in the broth. Undercooking can lead to unsafe meals.
• Not Adjusting Seasonings: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed for balanced flavors.
• Neglecting Dumpling Size: Ensure your dumplings are uniform in size for even cooking. Use a spoon or scoop for consistent portions.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Can be kept for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat in a pot, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings that may help you along the way.

How can I customize my Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings?

You can add different vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Experiment with spices such as nutmeg or coriander for unique flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to create gluten-free dumplings.

What side dishes pair well with Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings?

A light green salad or crusty bread pairs nicely with this hearty soup, enhancing its comforting essence.

How do I ensure my dumplings are fluffy?

Avoid overworking the dough and allow them to cook gently in simmering soup rather than boiling water.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or spices based on your preferences. It’s perfect for cozy dinners during fall, so give it a try!