Soup has a magical way of transforming an ordinary meal into something extraordinary, especially when it’s packed with flavor and comfort. Among the many soup varieties out there, Firehouse Subs’ Chicken and Dumpling Soup stands out as a fan favorite. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth is like a warm hug for your stomach. Whether you’ve had it at the Firehouse Subs restaurant or you’ve heard about it from friends, one thing’s clear: this soup is irresistible.
Lucky for you, we’re diving deep into how to make this creamy, hearty, and delicious soup in the comfort of your own kitchen. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s surprisingly easy to make while still giving you that gourmet feel. So, grab your apron, because we’re about to take a closer look at this homemade version that’ll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Firehouse Subs Chicken And Dumpling Soup Recipe
Let’s be real: when it comes to comfort food, few things can compete with chicken and dumplings. Firehouse Subs nailed it by turning this classic into a creamy, crave-worthy soup. The key to this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. What you do need is the right balance of flavors, textures, and a little bit of patience while the flavors meld together.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to recreate Firehouse Subs’ Chicken and Dumpling Soup:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most commonly used, but thighs work just as well for a richer, juicier bite.
- Carrots – They add a nice pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Celery – The crunchiness of celery gives a great texture contrast to the soft dumplings and chicken.
- Onion – A bit of diced onion will add that deep, aromatic base to the soup.
- Garlic – Because garlic makes everything better, right? Adds an aromatic kick to the broth.
- Chicken Broth – Use a high-quality chicken broth to form the base of your soup. You can even make your own, but store-bought works just fine.
- Heavy Cream – For that luxuriously creamy texture that coats every bite.
- Dumplings – The star of the show! You can either make your own dough from scratch or use a pre-made biscuit mix to save time.
- Flour – To thicken the soup and help with the dumpling batter’s consistency.
- Bay Leaves – A couple of bay leaves add an earthy, aromatic quality to the soup.
- Thyme – Fresh thyme adds a lovely herby fragrance and flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – For seasoning and balancing the overall flavor.
- Butter – For sautéing the veggies and enriching the broth.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sauté The Veggies
Start by heating some butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent. Add in your garlic and let it cook for another minute. This step will give your soup that flavorful base.
Step 2: Prepare The Broth
Once the vegetables are tender, pour in your chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen up any tasty bits that have stuck to the bottom. Add the bay leaves and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Cook The Chicken
Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) to the pot and cook them in the broth for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set it aside for now.
Step 4: Make The Dumplings
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the dumplings. In a separate bowl, combine your biscuit mix, flour, and a pinch of salt. Add water to make a thick dough. Use a spoon to drop dollops of the dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve puffed up and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Once your dumplings are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the heavy cream and stir everything together. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors blend together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve And Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot, and feel free to garnish with some fresh thyme or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra richness.
Ingredient Insights
- Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this recipe, chicken thighs offer a richer, more flavorful alternative. The dark meat has a higher fat content, which results in a juicier, more tender bite. Plus, thighs hold up better when simmered, so they won’t dry out in the soup.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is a game-changer. It adds a luscious creaminess that makes the soup indulgent without feeling overly rich. For a lighter option, you could substitute with half-and-half, though it won’t have the same velvety texture.
- Dumplings: The dumplings in this recipe are simple but oh-so-delicious. If you’re in a rush, you can even use store-bought biscuit dough (like Pillsbury) to save time. The key is to cook them gently so they stay fluffy and absorb the rich broth without falling apart.
Expert Tips
- For the Perfect Dumplings: Don’t overwork the dough. Mixing the dough too much will make the dumplings dense. Just stir until the ingredients are combined, and then stop.
- For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of white wine to the soup after you’ve sautéed the vegetables. It adds a depth of flavor that enhances the broth.
- Don’t Skip the Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves aren’t just for decoration. They elevate the soup with a fragrant quality that makes it feel much more sophisticated.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: You can make a vegetarian version by swapping the chicken with hearty vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still get a comforting, delicious meal.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup for an extra spicy kick. It pairs surprisingly well with the creamy broth.
- Cheesy Dumplings: For a cheesy twist, mix some shredded cheddar cheese into the dumpling dough. This will give you cheesy, melty pockets of goodness in every bite.
Final Words
Firehouse Subs’ Chicken and Dumpling Soup is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. The tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft dumplings combine to create a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or impressing friends with your cooking skills, this recipe delivers every time.