Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy night in or planning a family dinner, this Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe is the perfect choice for any occasion. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy pumpkin, and fluffy dumplings that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with this simple yet delicious dish that highlights seasonal ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: The warm spices and rich pumpkin create a cozier meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish without any fuss, making it great for busy weeknights.
• Versatile ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or use leftover chicken for a quick meal.
• Crowd-pleaser: This soup is sure to impress family and friends, making it an ideal choice for gatherings.
• Hearty and filling: Packed with protein and healthy carbs, this dish will keep you satisfied.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Ideal for even heat distribution while cooking the soup, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for preparing dumpling dough without spilling ingredients everywhere.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring the soup gently without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 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 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

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

Step 2: Build Flavor in the Soup

Dust flour over the softened vegetables:
1. Stir to coat evenly.
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes until deeply browned.
3. Slowly pour in chicken broth while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Add garlic halves, pumpkin purée, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice.
5. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add chicken breasts into the pot:
– Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
– Cover and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare Dumpling Dough

While soup simmers:
1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice; season with salt and pepper.
2. Whisk together.
3. Add grated butter; mix quickly using hands until coated with flour mixture.
4. In another bowl, whisk together egg, pumpkin purée, and whole milk before combining with dry ingredients gently.

Step 5: Shred Chicken & Assemble Soup

Once chicken is cooked:
– Remove from pot; shred it using forks or a stand mixer.
– Return shredded chicken back into pot with butternut squash/sweet potatoes and whole milk.

Step 6: Make & Cook Dumplings

Using two small spoons:
– Freeform tablespoon-sized dumplings from dough into the pot one by one.
– Cover pot; let simmer for about 8-10 minutes until dumplings are puffy.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

Squeeze in lemon juice at the end:
– Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before ladling soup into individual bowls.
– Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings is all about enhancing the cozy, comforting flavors of this dish. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme Sprigs: Add a few thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch that complements the chicken.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad: Creamy Caesar salad provides a crunchy contrast that pairs well with dumplings.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: Warm, crusty sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
• Garlic Bread: Enhance your meal with buttery garlic bread for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

To ensure your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings turn out perfectly fluffy and flavorful, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for maximum flavor in your soup.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Gently fold the dumpling dough to ensure it stays light and airy; overmixing can lead to dense dumplings.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste and adjust salt or spices as you go to avoid overpowering flavors in your soup.
• Simmer Gently: Maintain a gentle simmer when cooking dumplings to prevent them from becoming tough.
• Add Lemon Juice Last: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright finish that enhances all the flavors.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them separately to keep dumplings from becoming soggy.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Complement your hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings with these delicious side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy Brussels sprouts add a nutty flavor, perfect alongside the dumpling soup.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that pairs beautifully.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a fresh crunch that balances the rich soup.
4. Quinoa Salad: A colorful quinoa salad packed with veggies provides a nutritious contrast.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful sweetness that complements savory flavors.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Serve baked sweet potatoes topped with butter for an earthy side dish that echoes pumpkin’s natural sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season your broth and dumplings can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Overmixing the dumpling dough: Overmixing can result in tough dumplings instead of light and airy ones. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Ignoring the simmer time: If you rush the simmering process, your chicken won’t cook properly, and the dumplings may not puff up. Be patient to ensure everything cooks through perfectly.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can hinder the mixing process. Make sure your butter and milk are at room temperature before using them in the dumpling dough.
• Skipping the scraping step: Not scraping the bottom of the pot while adding broth can mean missing out on valuable flavor from browned bits. Take a moment to scrape up those bits for a richer soup.
• Forgetting to taste test: Always taste your soup before serving! Adjust the flavors with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed for a balanced dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• To freeze, allow soup to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; make sure to leave some space at the top of each container for expansion.

Reheating Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid, in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through; add broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef if preferred. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make gluten-free Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings?

You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour in both the soup and dumpling recipes.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any remaining Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding more vegetables like spinach or kale into the soup for added nutrition.

How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

The dumplings should be puffy and float on top of the soup when they are fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe is not only comforting but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or spices based on your preferences. Give this cozy dish a try this fall season, and enjoy its warm flavors!