Spring Chicken and Dumplings

This Spring Chicken and Dumplings recipe puts a bright, seasonal spin on the classic comfort dish you know and love. Tender chicken simmers in a flavorful broth with leeks, asparagus, peas, and zucchini, while light, fluffy dumplings are speckled with fresh dill, parsley, and chives. It’s cozy without being heavy perfect for those in-between spring days when you want something nourishing but fresh. If you’re searching for an easy chicken and dumplings recipe or a one-pot spring dinner, this is a must-save. It’s comforting, colorful, and full of flavor, all made in one pot for simple cleanup.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6

Ingredients List

Soup

• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, chopped and washed well
• 4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground fennel
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken (breasts, thighs, legs, or a mix)
• 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces (woody ends discarded)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 zucchini, diced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 4 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill, parsley, and chives (roughly equal parts)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter or clean hands
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Small cookie scoop or two spoons

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Build the soup base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, leek, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, for 8–10 minutes until soft and fragrant (do not brown).
2. Add spices: Stir in coriander, fennel, thyme sprigs, and a generous pinch of salt. Cook 30 seconds until aromatic. 🌿
3. Simmer the chicken: Add chicken and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook 30–40 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
4. Shred the chicken: Remove chicken and let cool slightly. Shred into bite-size pieces and discard skin and bones.
5. Make dumpling dough:
   • Whisk egg and buttermilk in a small bowl.
   • In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
   • Cut butter into flour until it resembles coarse sand.
   • Stir in buttermilk mixture and fresh herbs just until combined. Dough should be shaggy and sticky. Refrigerate until needed. ❄️
6. Finish the soup: Return shredded chicken to the pot. Add asparagus, peas, and zucchini. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Cook dumplings: Bring soup to a gentle simmer. Drop golf-ball-sized spoonfuls of dough into the broth.
8. Cover and cook: Cover and simmer 12 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
9. Serve: Garnish with extra herbs and cracked black pepper. 😋

Multitask tip: Chop herbs and prep dumpling ingredients while the chicken simmers.

Pro Tips

• Light dumplings: Don’t overmix the dough—stop as soon as it comes together.
• Veggie swaps: Add carrots, kale, snap peas, broccoli, or fennel based on what’s in season.
• Shortcut chicken: Use rotisserie chicken—skip simmering the chicken and add shredded meat with the veggies.
• Leftovers: Store soup and dumplings separately to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition Table (Estimated)

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 bowl	743	49g	56g	35g	5g	11g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Conclusion

This Spring Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the perfect balance of cozy and fresh. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy herb-packed dumplings, it’s a one-pot meal that feels nourishing and special without being complicated. Ideal for spring dinners, family meals, or leftovers you’ll actually look forward to.