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 tender chicken with creamy pumpkin and fluffy dumplings, creating an inviting meal that’s suitable for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests. The standout quality of this recipe lies in its comforting flavors and the ease of preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: The combination of chicken and pumpkin creates a rich and satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.
• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, making this soup is straightforward even for novice cooks.
• Versatile meal: Perfect for chilly evenings, gatherings, or as a hearty lunch option. It’s great for meal prep too!
• Nutritious ingredients: Packed with vegetables like carrots and butternut squash, this dish offers a healthy balance of protein and fiber.
• Pillowy dumplings: The pumpkin dumplings are light and airy, adding an extra layer of comfort to your meal.

Tools and Preparation

To create the wonderful Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Grater

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Provides even heat distribution, ensuring your soup simmers perfectly without burning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pots while scraping up delicious brown bits from the bottom.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients easily without mess.
• Whisk: Helps to blend wet ingredients thoroughly into the dough for light dumplings.

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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 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: Cook the Vegetables

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

Step 2: Create the Soup Base

Dust flour over softened vegetables:
– Stir to coat everything well.
– Cook for 1-2 minutes until browned.
– Gradually pour in chicken broth while scraping any brown bits from the pot’s bottom.
– Add garlic, pumpkin puree, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to boil.

Step 3: Poach Chicken

Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer:
– Add chicken breasts along with more seasoning if desired.
– Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 4: Prepare Dumpling Dough

While soup simmers:
– In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice, salt, and pepper.
– Mix in grated butter using hands until coated with flour mix.
– In another bowl, whisk egg with pumpkin puree and milk; combine with dry mixture gently.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Once cooked:
– Remove chicken from pot; shred using forks or a stand mixer.
– Return shredded chicken along with butternut squash/sweet potatoes and milk to pot.

Step 6: Add Dumplings

Using two small spoons:
– Freeform tablespoon-sized dumplings into the pot one by one.
– Cover pot; let simmer for 8-10 minutes until dumplings are puffy.

Step 7: Finish the Soup

Squeeze lemon juice into the pot:
– Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed before serving hot. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can elevate your meal experience, making it cozy and delicious. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this comforting dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Adds a fresh flavor that brightens up the dish.
• Sage Leaves – Complement the pumpkin with earthy tones.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Artisan Baguette – Perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
• Garlic Bread – Gives an aromatic touch that enhances the meal.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad – A light option with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dumplings.
• Caesar Salad – For those who enjoy a creamy, crunchy side to their soup.

Serve in Individual Bowls

• Personalized Portions – Ladle the soup into individual bowls for an inviting presentation.
• Use Rustic Bowls – Enhances the cozy feel of a homemade meal.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

To ensure your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings are light and fluffy, follow these essential tips.

• Use Cold Butter – Keeping your butter chilled helps create tender dumplings.
• Don’t Overmix – Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to avoid dense dumplings.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil – Cooking at a gentle simmer keeps dumplings tender without breaking apart.
• Adjust Cooking Time – Monitor dumpling size; larger dumplings may need additional cooking time.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter – Use fresh herbs and spices for enhanced flavors in both soup and dumplings.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Complement your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings with these delightful side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy edges give a nice crunch and balance the dish’s creaminess.
2. Sweet Potato Mash – A creamy side that echoes the pumpkin flavors in the main dish.
3. Cornbread Muffins – Sweetness from cornbread pairs well with savory soup flavors.
4. Steamed Green Beans – Lightly seasoned green beans add color and nutrients to your plate.
5. Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed option that adds texture and flavor variety.
6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes offer comfort alongside the soup’s warmth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings even better.

• Using too much flour: This can lead to dense dumplings. Measure carefully and follow the recipe for optimal lightness.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can dry it out. Remove it once it’s cooked through, as it’ll continue cooking in the soup.
• Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season at each step can result in bland flavors. Season the vegetables, broth, and dumpling mixture for a cohesive taste.
• Not testing the dumplings: If you don’t check if they’re cooked through, they may end up raw inside. Always test one before serving to ensure they’re fluffy and fully cooked.
• Ignoring simmer time: Rushing through cooking times can affect texture. Allow the dumplings to simmer as directed for perfect fluffiness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish covered with foil, heat until warm.
• Microwave: Place servings in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings.

What can I use instead of chicken?

You may substitute turkey or beef as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on thickness.

How can I customize my Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like kale or spinach for extra nutrition or swap out spices for different flavor profiles.

Can I make Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour blends instead of all-purpose flour when making dumplings.

How long do Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings last?

When stored properly, they will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze well for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe is not only cozy but also versatile. Perfect for fall gatherings or any chilly night, it invites customization with various veggies or spices. Give this dish a try and enjoy its delightful warmth!