Spring Chicken Herb Dumplings

A fresh bowl of spring chicken and dumplings puts a seasonal spin on serious comfort food. Tender bites of chicken and pillowy dumplings float in a broth brightened by asparagus, sweet peas, and lots of fresh herbs. Every spoonful feels nourishing and so full of flavor you will want to scoop up every last drop. I love making this one-pot wonder when spring veggies crowd the farmers market but honestly it brings sunshine to the table any time of year.

The first time I made this with chive dumplings our family devoured the whole pot at dinner. Now I make it whenever the weather can’t decide between chilly and warm—it’s always the right move.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: brings richness and helps soften the aromatics look for a fresh green bottle for best flavor
• Yellow onion: creates a sweet flavor base pick a firm onion with dry papery skin
• Large leek: adds a delicate sweetness and subtle spring note make sure to wash out any grit in the layers
• Garlic: adds a foundational savory background choose plump fresh cloves
• Ground coriander: delivers a fresh citrusy lift use whole ground for brightest taste
• Ground fennel: lends a gentle licorice vibe check the aroma to ensure freshness
• Fresh thyme: infuses earthy herbal intensity only strip the tender leaves from the woody stems
• Chicken stock: forms the comforting broth use homemade or the highest quality store brand you can find
• Chicken breast or a mix of bone-in pieces: provides flavor and succulence shop for chicken with moist unblemished skin
• Asparagus: brings freshness and crunch look for firm stalks with tight tips
• Frozen peas: give sweetness and a pop of color no need to thaw
• Zucchini: keeps things light and tender pick smaller ones for best texture and flavor
• All-purpose flour: is the backbone of the dumplings use a fresh bag for reliable results
• Baking powder and baking soda: help the dumplings rise check expiration dates for guaranteed fluffiness
• Kosher salt: seasons everything evenly use slightly less if substituting table salt
• Cold buttermilk: binds the dough and makes dumplings tender shake well before pouring
• Large egg: adds richness source free range when possible
• Unsalted butter: makes the dumplings extra delicate keep it cold for best texture
• Chopped dill parsley and chive: bring springy life to the dumplings use soft and fragrant bunches
• Freshly ground black pepper: finishes and brightens the dish grind just before using for biggest kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add diced onion, chopped leek, and minced garlic. Stir often and gently cook for about ten minutes ensuring the vegetables sweat and soften but do not brown. This step draws out deep sweetness and builds the backbone for the soup.

Season and Add Aromatics:

Sprinkle in ground coriander, ground fennel, whole thyme sprigs, and a big pinch of salt. Stir so the spices bloom in the warm oil and vegetables and gently wake up their flavors.

Poach the Chicken:

Nestle chicken pieces into the pot then pour over chicken stock. Bring everything to a gentle boil then lower to a soft simmer. Cover and cook until the chicken is completely tender and easy to shred about thirty to forty minutes. This infuses the broth with deep chicken flavor.

Shred the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the pot. Once cool enough to handle shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and discard the bones and skin. Shredding by hand helps the chicken stay juicy.

Make the Dumplings:

Whisk together egg and cold buttermilk in a small bowl and set aside. In a large mixing bowl whisk flour baking powder baking soda salt and a little fresh ground black pepper. Cut cold butter into small cubes and work it into the flour with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse sandy crumbs. Pour the buttermilk mixture and chopped herbs into the flour and stir gently until just combined. The dough will be a bit shaggy and sticky. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Bring Everything Together:

Return shredded chicken to the pot with the broth. Stir in frozen peas asparagus pieces and diced zucchini. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust as needed. Bring the soup back up to a gentle simmer.

Drop the Dumplings:

Using two spoons or a small cookie scoop drop spoonfuls of chilled dumpling dough into the simmering broth leaving a little room since they will swell as they cook. Each should be about the size of a golf ball.

Simmer to Finish:

Cover the pot and gently simmer for about twelve minutes. The dumplings should puff and double in size as they steam atop the soup. To serve ladle into bowls and shower with extra fresh herbs and cracked black pepper.

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Chopped chives are my absolute favorite in the dumplings—they give a burst of green and a mild oniony bite I always look forward to I can still remember the joyful looks on my kids’ faces the first time they saw those fluffy dumplings float to the top Family tradition was born right there at the table

Storage Tips

For best texture store soup and dumplings separately in the fridge Use airtight containers Both will keep for up to four days To avoid gummy dumplings always reheat the broth and chicken before adding dumplings at the end just until warm

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in carrot or snap peas for asparagus or add a handful of baby spinach at the end for extra greens Rotisserie chicken works beautifully for time savings and if you need it dairy free use plant milk with a squeeze of lemon for sourness in the dumpling dough

Serving Suggestions

This meal is hearty on its own but a crisp spring salad or sliced radishes with lemon and salt on the side make it feel even fresher Warm sourdough or a herby baguette for dunking is always welcome at our family dinners

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Spring’s Spin on a Classic

Though chicken and dumplings has roots in many regions this version is inspired by late spring’s bounty when asparagus and leeks are at their best Fresh herbs are woven throughout not just sprinkled on top for a real farmhouse kitchen feel

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely. Try carrots, fava beans, kale, broccoli, snap peas, or potatoes for extra seasonal flair.

→ What cuts of chicken work best?

Chicken breasts, legs, thighs, or even a rotisserie chicken can be used for variety and convenience.

→ How do I ensure fluffy dumplings?

Avoid overmixing the dough and simmer the dumplings gently, covered, so they expand without becoming dense.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

For best texture, store dumplings and soup separately in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before enjoying.

→ Can I prepare the dumpling dough ahead?

Yes, mix the dough and refrigerate until needed. Shape and cook directly in simmering broth when ready to serve.