Chicken and dumpling soup is an old-fashioned favorite that is just as savory, cozy and warming today as it ever was! Our chicken and dumpling soup recipe makes an easy dinner and the perfect comfort food. The tender chicken and vegetables, along with the unbelievably tasty parmesan dumplings, will please everyone in the family.
We provided directions for the stovetop as well as the Instant Pot chicken dumpling soup recipe.
A good soup recipe that warms you up and fills you up is very comforting. And perhaps it doesn’t get much better than homemade chicken and dumpling soup. This soup recipe will be a favorite for years to come!.
Tender shreds of chicken and vegetables swimming in a savory, flavorful broth, is made a whole lot better with the addition of soft and pillowy Parmesan dumplings.
This homemade dumpling soup is not only comforting and hot, but it also brings back memories for many of us. Homemade dumplings and chicken is a classic, like beef stew or mashed potatoes. And the soup is most welcome when the chilly weather sets in for a tasty and cozy dinner.
There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings to make you feel better. But what do you do if you make too much and need to reheat the leftovers? I’ve been there, and I can tell you that it’s not as easy as popping them in the microwave. Without a doubt, the stove method is the best way to reheat chicken and dumplings without changing their taste or texture.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the perfect way to reheat your chicken and dumplings on the stove, plus share some pro tips I’ve learned along the way (sometimes the hard way!).
Why Choose the Stove for Reheating Chicken and Dumplings?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why the stove is your best friend when it comes to reheating this particular dish:
- Even heating – The stovetop allows for more consistent heat distribution
- Better texture control – You can prevent those dumplings from becoming rubbery disasters
- Moisture management – Easy to adjust the consistency by adding liquid as needed
- Flavor preservation – Gentle reheating maintains those delicious flavors better than other methods
While microwaving might be quicker. it often leaves you with rubbery dumplings and unevenly heated chicken – not exactly the comforting meal you’re hoping for!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reheat Chicken and Dumplings on the Stove
What You’ll Need:
- Your leftover chicken and dumplings
- A heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven
- Chicken broth (or water in a pinch)
- A wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Food thermometer (optional but recommended)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
The Reheating Process:
1. Assess and Prep Your Leftovers
Take a good look at your leftover chicken and dumplings Is the sauce super thick? You’ll probably need to add some liquid during reheating I usually go with about ¼ cup of chicken broth per serving, but this depends on how thick your dish currently is.
2. Choose the Right Cooking Vessel
This step is more important than you think! Choose a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan that’s the right size for your leftovers. If the pan is too big, the sauce could dry out too quickly. If it’s too small, the heat could be uneven, and the sauce could spill over.
3. Start Low and Slow
This is crucial – transfer your chicken and dumplings to the pan and set your stove to a low heat setting. High heat is the enemy of good dumplings, trust me on this one! I learned this lesson the hard way when I once cranked up the heat to save time and ended up with tough, rubbery dumplings.
4. Cover and Stir Occasionally
Cover your pan with a lid to trap moisture (essential for keeping those dumplings tender!) and gently stir every 5-7 minutes. Be gentle when stirring – aggressive stirring can break apart your dumplings and chicken.
5. Monitor and Adjust
Pay attention to how your dish is coming along:
- If it’s getting too thick, add a tablespoon or two more broth
- If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes
- Aim for a gentle simmer, NEVER a boil
6. Check for Doneness
Your chicken and dumplings should take around 15-20 minutes to reheat thoroughly. The dish is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Don’t have a thermometer? Make sure everything is heated through and the sauce is gently bubbling.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once properly reheated, serve immediately. I like to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme to brighten things up a bit!
Pro Tips for Stove-Top Reheating Success
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
If you’re reheating a lot of food, you might want to do it in batches. If there are too many people in the pan, the heat won’t even out, and the dumplings may fall apart.
Season Before Serving
Taste before serving! Sometimes refrigeration can dull flavors a bit. Adding a little salt and pepper can really make your food taste better.
Fresh Herbs Are Your Friend
Adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives right before serving gives your reheated dish that “just-made” feeling.
Patience Pays Off
I know you’re hungry, but resist the urge to crank up the heat! Low and slow is the mantra for successfully reheating chicken and dumplings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes, but here are some you can learn from without having to experience them yourself:
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Boiling your chicken and dumplings – This will give you waterlogged dumplings and dry chicken. Not good!
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Reheating directly from frozen – While possible, it’s much better to thaw completely in the refrigerator first. Trust me on this one!
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Forgetting to add liquid – This leads to a scorched bottom and dry dumplings. Nobody wants that.
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Stirring too vigorously – Gentle stirring preserves the integrity of your dumplings and chicken pieces.
FAQ: Your Chicken and Dumpling Questions Answered
Can I reheat frozen chicken and dumplings on the stove?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight first. If you must reheat from frozen, use the lowest heat setting possible, add extra broth, and stir frequently to prevent scorching. It’ll take longer, but patience will reward you!
How long can I store leftover chicken and dumplings?
For best quality and safety, consume your leftovers within 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
My dumplings turned rubbery after reheating. What went wrong?
You probably used too high heat or let the mixture boil. Next time, keep the heat low and add a bit more liquid to maintain moisture.
Can I use a microwave instead?
While not ideal, if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave your leftovers. Heat in 30-60 second intervals, stirring between each, and add a tablespoon of liquid before starting. But be warned – the texture won’t be as good as the stove method!
What kind of broth should I use for reheating?
Chicken broth is ideal as it complements the existing flavors, but vegetable broth works too. In a pinch, water with a little butter works surprisingly well.
How can I prevent my dumplings from sticking to the bottom of the pan?
Make sure you have enough liquid in the pan, use a heavy-bottomed pot, and stir occasionally. A little butter or oil in the pan before adding your leftovers can also help prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
Reheating chicken and dumplings on the stove isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of patience and attention. The extra effort is worth it though – you’ll be rewarded with a dish that tastes almost as good as freshly made!
Remember, the key is low heat, enough moisture, and gentle handling. Follow these guidelines, and your reheated chicken and dumplings will be just as comforting and delicious as they were the first time around.
Got any other reheating tricks for chicken and dumplings? We’d love to hear them! Share your experiences in the comments below.
Hungry for more reheating tips? Check out our other guides on how to bring leftover favorites back to life!
Ingredients for Chicken and Dumpling Soup
The best chicken and dumpling soup starts with the best ingredients. We like to use chicken thighs for this recipe because they have a delicious flavor, and the meat stays moist and tender in this soup.
When the chicken is browned and the pan is deglazed, all of those tasty bits go into the soup and make it taste even better.
The result? A flavorful, creamy chicken and dumpling soup that will knock your cozy, knitted socks off.
To make chicken and dumplings soup, you will need:
- Produce: Celery, carrots, onion, garlic, chives, fresh thyme.
- Dairy / Cheese: Parmesan, butter, whole milk.
- Olive oil, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, baking powder, bay leaves, and chicken broth are in the pantry.
- Meat: bone in chicken thighs.
- Other: White wine.
Some More Recipes You Will Love:
This Turkey Meatloaf is ultra-tender and flavor-packed! No more bland and dry turkey meatloaf. We’ve carefully selected the meatloaf add-ins to make sure the result is tender and juicy with incredible flavor.
Duck Cassoulet with Sausage and Pork is a mix of duck confit, sausage, pork, and white beans that are cooked slowly with aromatics, vegetables, and herbs. Each bite of this stew-like dish is hearty and flavorful- another perfect meal for a cold day.
Chicken Pot Pie is hearty and filling, and this version goes beyond. We changed the traditional favorite by adding wild rice and mushrooms to the pie and making a creamy white wine sauce.
Did you know you can cook frozen Game hens in the Instant Pot? It makes a great last minute dinner if you forget to thaw the birds out.