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! With a classic homemade chicken soup base and fluffy pumpkin dumplings, this dish offers a cozy experience that’s ideal for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: The combination of tender chicken, creamy pumpkin, and warm spices creates a delightful harmony that warms the soul.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have this delicious meal on the table in under an hour.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or paired with crusty bread, this dish suits any occasion from casual dinners to special celebrations.
• Seasonal Goodness: Packed with seasonal ingredients like pumpkin and butternut squash, this recipe highlights the best of fall flavors.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these light and airy dumplings swimming in savory broth.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the essential tools needed for this recipe. Having the right equipment on hand can streamline your process and enhance your results.

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

• 5-quart Dutch oven: This sturdy pot retains heat well and allows even cooking of your soup, making it perfect for simmering flavors together.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot, enhancing flavor without scratching your cookware.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for preparing your dumpling dough separately before adding it to the soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 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 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: Sauté Vegetables

Add the butter to a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted:
1. Add the carrots, celery, and onion. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

Dust flour over softened vegetables. Stir to coat:
1. Cook for another minute or two until browned.
2. Slowly pour in chicken broth while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
3. Add garlic, pumpkin purée, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to boil then reduce heat.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add chicken breasts to the pot:
1. Season again with salt and pepper.
2. Cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare Dumpling Dough

While chicken cooks:
1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice, salt, and pepper.
2. Add grated butter; mix quickly by hand until coated.
3. In another bowl, whisk egg with pumpkin purée and milk; combine with dry ingredients until thick dough forms.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Remove cooked chicken from pot:
1. Shred using forks or stand mixer.
2. Return shredded chicken to pot along with squash or sweet potatoes and milk.

Step 6: Cook Dumplings

Freeform tablespoon-sized dumplings into soup:
1. Drop gently into simmering soup.
2. Cover and simmer for about 8-10 minutes until puffy.

Final Touch

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into soup before serving:
1. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
2. Ladle into bowls and enjoy this comforting Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings dish!

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings make for a warm, comforting meal perfect for chilly autumn evenings. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Artisan Bread: A slice of crusty artisan bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Warm garlic breadsticks add a flavorful twist that complements the soup’s savory taste.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons of a classic Caesar salad pair well with the rich flavors of the dumplings.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling chopped parsley on top adds brightness and freshness to each bowl.
• Thyme Leaves: A few fresh thyme leaves can enhance the aromatic profile of your dish.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Creating the perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for best results.

• Bold Ingredients: Use high-quality chicken broth for richer flavor in your soup base.
• Gentle Mixing: Do not overmix the dumpling dough; this will help ensure they remain light and fluffy.
• Proper Cooking Time: Simmer the dumplings just until puffy; overcooking can lead to dense dumplings.
• Season Generously: Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper to elevate all flavors in the soup.
• Fresh Produce: Use fresh vegetables like carrots and celery for added texture and nutrition.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps meld all flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

To complement your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, consider serving these delicious side dishes. They add variety to your meal while enhancing its comforting nature.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
2. Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash offers a sweet contrast that complements the savory soup.
3. Autumn Vegetable Medley: A mix of roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips brings seasonal flavors to your table.
4. Herbed Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa seasoned with herbs adds a nutritious grain option alongside your dish.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet cornbread muffins make an excellent accompaniment, perfect for dipping into the soup.
6. Apple Cider Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw dressed in apple cider vinaigrette provides refreshing crunch against the soft dumplings.
7. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus drizzled with lemon juice adds vibrant color and flavor balance to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can be simple, but avoiding common pitfalls is essential for the best results.

• Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough dumplings. Mix just until combined to keep your dumplings light and fluffy.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Under-seasoning can dull flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Skipping the Simmer Time: Dumplings need time to cook through. Allow them to simmer properly for a tender texture and avoid undercooked dough.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or milk can affect the dough consistency. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
• Neglecting the Broth Flavor: A bland broth will lead to a lackluster soup. Use quality chicken broth and season generously for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation.

Freezing Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• It’s best to freeze the soup without dumplings added, as they may become mushy upon reheating.

Reheating Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a pot over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings that might help you further.

How do I make Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check other ingredients for hidden gluten as well.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite fall vegetables like carrots, peas, or even kale for added nutrition.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings?

Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking will elevate the flavor profile. Fresh herbs added before serving can brighten the dish.

What are some good side dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings?

Serving with crusty bread or a fresh green salad pairs nicely with this hearty soup, making it a complete meal.

Can I prepare Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the soup base ahead of time; just add dumplings when you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings offer a cozy blend of flavors perfect for chilly days. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences, whether by adding more spices or different vegetables. It’s not only satisfying but also brings warmth into your home. Try making it today!