Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup with Smoked Bacon is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and smoky bacon in a rich, creamy broth. This hearty soup is warm, satisfying, and packed with deep, savory flavor that makes every spoonful comforting.
Perfect for cold evenings, family dinners, or when you’re craving a nostalgic, home-style meal, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The addition of smoked bacon adds an irresistible depth that takes classic chicken and dumplings to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup with Smoked Bacon
- Rich, creamy, and ultra-comforting
- Smoky bacon adds bold flavor
- Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings
- Perfect for cold and cozy nights
- One-pot, family-friendly meal
- Great leftovers for the next day
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love classic chicken and dumplings but want an extra layer of flavor, this version is a must-try. The smoky bacon enhances the savory broth, while the dumplings make the soup hearty enough to be a full meal. It’s comforting, filling, and easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 slices smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How to Make Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup with Smoked Bacon
Step 1 — Cook the Bacon
In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the pot.
Step 2 — Sauté the Vegetables
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3 — Build the Soup Base
Stir in chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4 — Add Chicken
Add shredded chicken and milk or half-and-half. Reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 5 — Prepare Dumplings
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
Step 6 — Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Step 7 — Finish and Serve
Stir in cooked bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 460
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Tips for the Best Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup with Smoked Bacon
- Don’t lift the lid while dumplings cook
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
- Simmer gently to keep dumplings fluffy
- Add bacon at the end for texture
- Taste and season before serving
Variations & Substitutions
- Use turkey instead of chicken
- Make it creamier with heavy cream
- Add peas or corn
- Use biscuit dough for quick dumplings
- Make it gluten-free with GF flour
What to Serve with Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup with Smoked Bacon
- Crusty bread
- Simple green salad
- Garlic toast
- Crackers
- Roasted vegetables
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the dumplings
- Boiling instead of simmering
- Lifting the lid too early
- Under-seasoning the broth
- Adding bacon too early
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop
- Add broth if soup thickens
- Not ideal for freezing due to dumplings
Conclusion
Cozy Chicken & Dumplings Soup with Smoked Bacon is a hearty, comforting classic with a smoky twist. Rich, filling, and deeply satisfying, this one-pot meal is perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, and anytime you need serious comfort food.
General Information
- Course: Main Dish / Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but dumplings are best freshly cooked.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, simmer raw chicken first, then shred.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free milk and skip butter.
Are the dumplings fluffy or dense?
They’re soft and fluffy when cooked properly.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild, creamy, and comforting.