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! This dish combines a classic homemade chicken soup base with hearty fall squash and creamy pumpkin, creating a comforting meal. The standout feature? The light and airy pumpkin dumplings that elevate the entire experience. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe will surely impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This dish combines tender chicken with a rich broth and comforting dumplings, making it ideal for chilly evenings.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have this delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to switch out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it reheats beautifully!
• Fall Flavors: The inclusion of pumpkin and spices makes this dish a quintessential autumn favorite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather the essential tools to make your cooking experience seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Provides even heat distribution, ensuring your soup simmers perfectly without burning.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot, enhancing flavor in your soup.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without mess; helps keep your workspace organized.

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 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. Season with kosher salt and pepper.
2. Cook until softened, about five minutes.
3. Dust flour over veggies; stir well to coat. Cook for an additional one to two minutes until browned.
4. Gradually pour in chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Add garlic, stir in pumpkin purée, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.
6. Add chicken breasts; cover and simmer for ten to fifteen minutes until cooked through.

Step 2: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and pumpkin spice. Season with kosher salt and pepper; whisk together.
2. Add grated butter; use hands to mix until coated with flour mixture.
3. In another bowl, combine egg, pumpkin purée, and whole milk; whisk until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry; gently fold together until thick dough forms—do not overmix.

Step 3: Shred Chicken & Combine Ingredients

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

Step 4: Add Dumplings

1. Use two small spoons to drop tablespoon-sized dumplings into simmering soup—be careful not to overwork dough.
2. Once all dumplings are added, cover pot and simmer for eight to ten minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup; taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
2. Ladle soup into bowls; serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

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

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme leaves – Add a few thyme leaves to enhance the earthy flavors of the soup.

Accompanying Bread

• Crusty bread – Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the rich soup.
• Garlic bread – A side of garlic bread will add a savory touch that complements the dumplings.

Salad Pairings

• Mixed greens salad – A light salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dumplings.
• Caesar salad – The creamy dressing adds a nice contrast to the soup’s flavors.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Creating perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure fluffy, flavorful dumplings every time.

• Use cold ingredients – Start with cold butter and milk to help achieve light and airy dumplings.
• Don’t overmix – Gently fold the dough just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense dumplings.
• Keep it simple – Avoid adding too many extra ingredients; let pumpkin and spices shine through.
• Check for doneness – Ensure dumplings are puffy and cooked through by testing one before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

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

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These crunchy veggies complement the softness of the dumplings beautifully.
2. Steamed Green Beans – Lightly steamed green beans add a fresh taste that balances the meal.
3. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to savory flavors.
4. Baked Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness pairs well with the overall flavor profile of the dish.
5. Simple Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness, making each bite more exciting.
6. Crispy Potato Wedges – Seasoned wedges offer a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, there are common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s texture and flavor. Here are key mistakes to watch for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: This can lead to dry meat. To avoid this, poach the chicken until just cooked through, then shred it and return it to the pot.
• Ignoring the Dumpling Dough Consistency: If the dough is overmixed, your dumplings will be dense. Mix just until combined for fluffy results.
• Not Scraping the Pot: Failing to scrape up brown bits while adding broth can result in missed flavor. Always scrape the bottom of the pot for maximum taste.
• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting your soup before serving might leave it bland. Always adjust seasoning at the end for a flavorful finish.
• Using Old Ingredients: Expired spices or old flour can impact flavor. Always check the freshness of your ingredients before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Place cooled dumplings and soup in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other proteins besides chicken?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or beef if you prefer a different flavor profile without compromising texture.

What type of pumpkin should I use?

Canned pumpkin works best for this recipe as it provides a smooth texture. Fresh pumpkin is also an option but requires more preparation.

How do I prevent dumplings from sinking?

Ensure your dumpling dough is not too wet. Also, drop them gently into simmering soup instead of stirring them in aggressively.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and add freshly made dumplings just before serving for best results.

Are these dumplings gluten-free?

To make gluten-free dumplings, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings is an inviting fall dish that combines savory flavors with comforting textures. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings!