Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly night or impress guests with a comforting dish, this Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe is perfect for any occasion. The blend of tender chicken, creamy pumpkin, and fluffy dumplings makes it a standout in the world of savory soups. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and packed with fall flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of chicken and pumpkin creates a rich, savory taste that is perfect for cozy evenings.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for cooks of all levels.
• Seasonal Appeal: This dish captures the essence of fall with its warm spices and hearty ingredients, making it a seasonal favorite.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious flavors and fun texture of the dumplings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation. These essential items will help you create this delightful Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings dish effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Perfect for even cooking and maintaining heat, ideal for simmering soups.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pots; it helps incorporate flavors effectively.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping ingredients organized while prepping your dumplings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe:

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 large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted:
2. Add diced carrots, celery, and onions.
3. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Build Flavor in the Soup

1. Dust flour over softened vegetables:
2. Stir well to coat them evenly.
3. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until browned.
4. Slowly pour in chicken broth while scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Combine Key Ingredients

1. Add garlic halves:
2. Stir in pumpkin purée along with cumin and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Add chicken breasts:
2. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
3. Cover pot and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough

1. Prepare dumpling dough while soup simmers:
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice, salt, and pepper.
3. Incorporate grated butter using your hands until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl:
2. Whisk together egg, pumpkin purée, and whole milk until smooth.
3. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients gently until a thick dough forms without overmixing.

Step 7: Shred Chicken & Assemble Soup

1. Remove cooked chicken from pot:
2. Shred using two forks or by mixing in a stand mixer.
3. Return shredded chicken to pot along with butternut squash or sweet potatoes and whole milk.

Step 8: Add Dumplings & Finish Cooking

1. Form dumpling dough into tablespoon-sized balls using two small spoons:
2. Drop each dumpling into the simmering soup carefully.
3. Cover pot again; let cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until dumplings are puffy.

Step 9: Final Touches

1. Stir in fresh lemon juice at the end:
2. Taste soup; adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot in individual bowls.

Enjoy your delightful bowl of Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings!

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings is an art that enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy this hearty dish.

In a Bread Bowl

• Serve the dumpling soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic touch. The bread absorbs the delicious broth, adding flavor and texture.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. This adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the dish.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Pair the soup with slices of crusty baguette or sourdough. The bread is perfect for dipping into the warm, flavorful soup.

Topped with Sour Cream

• Add a dollop of sour cream or a plant-based alternative on top of each serving. This creamy element balances the spices perfectly.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

To achieve the best results with your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality chicken enhance flavor significantly.
• Don’t overmix the dumpling dough: Gently fold the ingredients together to keep dumplings light and airy.
• Simmer gently: Maintaining a gentle simmer while cooking helps keep the dumplings fluffy without breaking apart.
• Add seasoning gradually: Taste the soup as you go, adding salt and pepper incrementally for balanced flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Pairing side dishes with Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with seasonal greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy bites add a nutty flavor that pairs well with pumpkin.
3. Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the soup.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to savory dumplings.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition, balancing out your meal.
6. Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa side dish infused with herbs can complement the flavors of your dumplings beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.

• Overmixing the Dumpling Dough: Mixing the dumpling dough too much can lead to tough dumplings. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined for light and airy results.

• Not Seasoning Properly: Under-seasoned soup can taste bland. Make sure to taste and adjust your seasonings, especially salt and pepper, throughout the cooking process.

• Skipping the Shredding Step: Leaving chunks of chicken in the soup can affect texture. Be sure to shred the chicken finely for even distribution throughout your dish.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or milk in your dumpling mixture can create dense dumplings. Use room temperature ingredients for lighter dumplings.

• Cooking Dumplings Too Long: Overcooking dumplings can make them soggy. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat as soon as they are puffy and cooked through.

• Ignoring Cooking Times: Each component of this recipe has specific cooking times. Follow them closely to ensure everything is perfectly cooked without becoming mushy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Allow soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat; stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings that might help you in your cooking journey.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or even beef for a different flavor profile while keeping the same delicious pumpkin base.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings should be puffy and cooked through. A gentle poke should feel springy but not sticky.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, be sure to cook it until tender before pureeing it for your recipe.

What sides go well with Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings?

Consider serving with a simple green salad or crusty bread to complement the hearty soup experience.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add other fall vegetables like carrots or parsnips, or incorporate different spices such as nutmeg for added warmth!

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe is perfect for cozy evenings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that highlight autumn’s best produce. The versatility allows you to customize it by adding different vegetables or spices based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate to try this comforting dish; it’s sure to become a family favorite!