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! The soup itself is a classic homemade chicken soup. It starts with a base of mirepoix, and the chicken breasts are gently poached right in the soup for tender flavor. It’s made with hearty fall squash or sweet potatoes (your choice!) and canned pumpkin for creamy texture. This dish is decidedly savory, with a little bit of spice for the warmth you crave on a cool day – absolutely delicious! The pumpkin dumplings are the star here; they are incredibly light and airy, with just the right amount of pumpkin and spice. Be sure to refer to the blog post for tips and tricks to ensure pillowy-soft results!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: The combination of chicken, pumpkin, and spices creates a warm hug in a bowl.
• Easy preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
• Perfectly fluffy dumplings: The light and airy nature of the dumplings will impress everyone at the table.
• Seasonal delight: This recipe perfectly captures the essence of fall with its cozy ingredients.
• Versatile meal option: Great for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, making it suitable for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

For this Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. Below are essential tools that will help you create this comforting dish seamlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 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: Ideal for even cooking and simmering, which enhances flavor.
• Wooden spoon: Great for scraping up flavorful bits from the bottom of your pot while cooking.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing your dumpling dough without any mess.

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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
• 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 butter to a Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Once melted, add carrots, celery, and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Dust flour over vegetables; stir to coat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until browned.
4. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Add garlic, pumpkin purée, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice; bring to boil then reduce to simmer.
6. Add chicken breasts; season with salt and pepper. Cover pot; simmer for about 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and pepper; whisk together.
2. Add grated butter; mix quickly using your hands until coated with flour mixture.
3. In another bowl, whisk egg, pumpkin purée, and whole milk together.
4. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients using a spatula; fold gently until just mixed into a thick dough.

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Combine Ingredients

1. Remove chicken from pot once cooked; shred using two forks or a stand mixer with paddle attachment.
2. Return shredded chicken back into 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. Using two small spoons or a tablespoon measure, drop tablespoon-sized pieces of dumpling dough into simmering soup.
2. Cover pot; let simmer for about 8-10 minutes until dumplings are puffy.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into soup; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Ladle soup into bowls; serve immediately.

Enjoy your delightful Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings!

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings is all about enhancing the warm, comforting flavors of this dish. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, these dumplings can be paired with sides and garnishes for an extraordinary meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Thyme Sprigs: Add thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: Serve alongside slices of crusty sourdough bread to soak up the savory broth.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a deliciously flavorful addition.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the soup.
• Feta Crumbles: For a tangy twist, try adding crumbled feta cheese on top.

With Side Salads

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dumplings.
• Roasted Beet Salad: Roasted beets add sweetness and earthiness that harmonize well with the dish.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

To achieve the best results with your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, follow these simple tips. They will ensure your dumplings are light, fluffy, and packed with flavor.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Start with cold butter and milk for your dough to create lighter dumplings.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to dense dumplings.
• Simmer Gently: Cook dumplings in gently simmering soup to prevent them from breaking apart.
• Adjust Seasoning Last: Add salt and pepper towards the end to avoid over-seasoning during cooking.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the soup to sit before serving; it enhances the flavors as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Complement your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings with delightful side dishes. Here are some great options that enhance your dining experience.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a perfect comfort food pairing.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a satisfying crunch to your meal.
3. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet honey-glazed carrots add a beautiful color and flavor contrast.
4. Creamy Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that balances the warmth of the soup.
5. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Baked sweet potatoes offer additional sweetness that complements the pumpkin flavors.
6. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad mixed with fresh vegetables adds nutritional value and lightness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls. Here are common mistakes to watch for.

• Overcooking the Chicken: When you poach the chicken in the soup, be careful not to cook it too long. This can lead to dry, tough chicken. Monitor the cooking time closely, aiming for just 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.

• Ignoring the Flour Dusting: Not dusting the flour over the vegetables before adding the broth can result in a lumpy soup. Make sure to coat your veggies thoroughly for a smooth texture.

• Skipping Seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your dumplings bland. Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning at every stage, especially when adding salt and pepper.

• Overmixing the Dumpling Dough: Mixing too much can lead to dense dumplings instead of light, fluffy ones. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined for best results.

• Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can affect flavor and texture. Always check that your spices and other ingredients are fresh for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best used within 2-3 months for ideal flavor and texture.

Reheating Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Simmer on low heat in a pot, stirring gently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef if you prefer a different flavor profile.

What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?

If you don’t have pumpkin puree, mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash work well as alternatives.

How do I ensure my dumplings are fluffy?

To achieve fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until combined for the best texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup base in advance and add freshly made dumplings right before serving.

What sides pair well with Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings?

A simple green salad or crusty bread pairs nicely with this hearty dish for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe is perfect for cozy fall dinners. Its warm flavors make it appealing to everyone at the table. Feel free to customize by adding different vegetables or spices based on your preferences. Enjoy cooking this delightful dish!