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 comforting soup is packed with hearty squash and creamy pumpkin, making it a delightful choice for any occasion. With its light and airy dumplings, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends while satisfying those cozy cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: This dish combines classic chicken soup flavors with the seasonal warmth of pumpkin, creating a cozy meal.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for fall gatherings or a weeknight dinner, these dumplings can be enjoyed by everyone.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this dish supports a balanced diet while satisfying your taste buds.
• Show-Stopping Dumplings: The pumpkin dumplings are light and fluffy, making them a delightful addition to the rich soup.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings successfully, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

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: This tool allows for even heat distribution when cooking the soup, ensuring that all ingredients cook perfectly.
• Wooden spoon: Great for scraping up flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot while stirring without scratching your cookware.

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 the butter to a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add the carrots, celery, and onion. Season with kosher salt and black pepper as desired. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Dust flour over the veggies and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until browned.
3. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add garlic, pumpkin purée, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice.
4. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer. Add chicken breasts; season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

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

Step 3: Shred Chicken & Combine Ingredients

1. Remove cooked chicken from pot; shred using two forks or a stand mixer with paddle attachment.
2. Return shredded chicken to the pot along with butternut squash or sweet potatoes and whole milk. Stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

1. Using two small spoons or a tablespoon measure, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dumpling dough into the simmering soup.
2. Cover pot and simmer for 8-10 minutes until dumplings are puffy and cooked through.

Step 5: Final Touches

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup before tasting it again; adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle soup into bowls while serving warm.

Enjoy your cozy meal!

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings is all about enhancing the cozy dining experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to consider.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A fresh, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the savory soup.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread adds a delicious aroma and flavor contrast.

Add a Salad

• Mixed Greens: A simple salad of mixed greens dressed with olive oil and lemon brightens the meal.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing complements the dumplings well while adding crunch.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds color and a burst of freshness.
• Thyme Sprigs: Whole thyme sprigs can be used as an aromatic garnish, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile.

Serve with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese brings a savory depth to each bowl.
• Feta Crumbles: Feta offers a tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin flavors.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

For light and fluffy dumplings, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfection.

• Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is cold before mixing. This keeps the dumplings light and airy.
• Do Not Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together. Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and pumpkin to maintain the right dough consistency.
• Simmer Gently: Cook the dumplings in simmering broth rather than boiling water to prevent them from breaking apart.
• Let Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rest for a few minutes helps it hydrate fully, resulting in softer dumplings.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning as needed for maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

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

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy sprouts add a nutty flavor that pairs well with savory dumplings.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: These bring a hint of sweetness that balances out the dish’s richness.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus offers a fresh, crunchy texture alongside creamy soup.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
5. Crispy Kale Chips: These provide a crunchy texture contrast while being healthy and flavorful.
6. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges make for a hearty side that complements the flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not seasoning adequately – Many overlook the importance of seasoning throughout the cooking process. Taste and adjust as you go to enhance flavors.
• Overworking the dumpling dough – Mixing the dumpling ingredients too much can lead to tough dumplings. Gently fold the mixture just until combined for light results.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures – Using cold ingredients like butter or milk can affect your dumplings’ texture. Ensure they are at room temperature for best results.
• Skipping the simmering step – If you don’t let the soup simmer properly, flavors won’t meld well. Give it enough time for a rich taste.
• Using low-quality broth – The chicken broth is crucial in this recipe. Opt for high-quality or homemade broth to ensure a flavorful base for your soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries related to Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings.

Can I use different 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 purée?

You can replace pumpkin purée with butternut squash purée or sweet potato purée for similar textures and flavors.

How do I make my dumplings fluffier?

Ensure not to overmix your dumpling dough; gentle folding creates light and airy dumplings.

How long does it take to cook the chicken?

The chicken typically cooks through in about 10-15 minutes when simmered in the broth.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe embodies cozy fall flavors that are sure to please any palate. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various proteins or vegetables based on your preference. Don’t hesitate to try this fantastic dish that brings warmth and comfort!