If you’re craving comfort food without the heaviness of traditional animal-based dishes, you’re going to adore this Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe. It’s warm, hearty, and has all the cozy vibes of the classic but completely plant-based. Trust me, whether you’re Vegan, Vegetarian, or just curious about new flavors, this recipe will win your heart (and your belly) over in no time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Rich Flavor Without Meat: Using vegan chicken and flavorful herbs gives you that classic taste without any animal products.
Fluffy, Tender Dumplings: The dumplings soak up the broth beautifully, creating the perfect contrast in textures.
Versatile & Allergy Friendly: You can easily swap ingredients for gluten-free or other dietary preferences.
Easy to Make Yet Impressive: Despite its comfort food status, it’s surprisingly straightforward, making it a great weeknight or weekend meal.

Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Soup, vegan comfort food recipes, plant-based soup recipes, vegan hearty soups, vegan friendly dinner ideas - This image shows a close-up of a creamy stew in a black pot, filled with chunky white dumplings that have a soft, fluffy texture and are sprinkled with black pepper. The stew is thick and light beige with visible chunks of orange carrots, small green peas, and pieces of white meat scattered throughout. A metal ladle with a wooden handle is partially submerged in the stew on the right side, scooping up one dumpling. The background surface has been changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe really comes from how the ingredients harmonize: the veggies add sweetness and depth, the vegan chicken brings texture and protein, and the dumplings tie everything together with their pillowy feel. A good no-chicken broth is your best friend here, so don’t skimp on quality.

Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Soup, vegan comfort food recipes, plant-based soup recipes, vegan hearty soups, vegan friendly dinner ideas - Flat lay of a medium yellow onion chopped, two medium peeled and sliced carrots, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of all purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of no chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of unsweetened vegan creamer, a small white ceramic bowl with dried thyme, a small white ceramic bowl with dried parsley, a small white ceramic bowl of frozen green peas, a portion of fresh vegan chicken pieces, a large white ceramic bowl with all purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl with salt, a small white ceramic bowl with ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of unsweetened plant milk, a small white ceramic bowl of melted vegan butter, two whole uncracked brown eggs placed on a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: For sautéing your veggies and lending a subtle fruity flavor that’s way better than plain oil.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and base flavor — caramelize lightly for extra depth.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and color.
Garlic: Essential for that comforting aroma and a punch of flavor.
All Purpose Flour: Used twice here — in the soup for thickening and in the dumplings for structure.
No Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: The heart of our soup’s flavor; use a rich, savory broth for best results.
Vegan Creamer: I prefer an unsweetened, unflavored plant-based creamer for creaminess without overwhelming sweetness.
Dried Thyme and Parsley: Classic herbs that evoke that homey, ‘Sunday dinner’ vibe in every bite.
Frozen Green Peas: For pops of sweetness and bright color, adding freshness to the soup.
Vegan Chicken: I love my homemade seitan chicken, but store-bought options like Tofurky work great too.
Salt + Black Pepper: To season and bring everything to life.
Baking Powder: Gives your dumplings that lift and fluffiness we all love.
Plant Milk + Vegan Butter: Moisturizes and enriches the dumpling dough for tenderness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love customizing this Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe depending on the season and what’s in my fridge. Feel free to swap herbs, add veggies you love, or even spice it up for a little novelty.

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to heat things up and add smokiness.
Mushroom Chicken Substitute: When I need a change, shiitake or oyster mushrooms sautéed with tamari bring an earthy, meaty texture that pairs beautifully.
Gluten-Free Version: Swapping all purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works fine; just be cautious with dumpling texture and add extra liquid if needed.
Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to toss in celery or parsnips for a twist or kale for some leafy greens.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base Veggies

Begin by warming up your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sliced carrots, stirring occasionally until they soften—about 5 minutes. You want them tender but not browned. Then add the minced garlic and give it a quick stir for about a minute until fragrant; don’t let it burn! This builds the most comforting flavor foundation.

Step 2: Thicken the Broth

Sprinkle in the flour over the veggies and stir to coat everything evenly. This is what helps thicken the soup for that rich mouthfeel. Slowly pour in your no-chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the vegan creamer and keep stirring until the broth thickens slightly—think of it like a gentle gravy.

Step 3: Add Herbs, Peas & Vegan Chicken

Next up, sprinkle in the dried thyme and parsley, stir to combine, and add the frozen peas along with the vegan chicken. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. This simmering time is crucial—it makes the vegan chicken tender and the peas perfectly cooked.

Step 4: Mix & Drop the Dumplings

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the plant milk and melted vegan butter, stirring just until a dough ball forms. If it feels dry, add a tablespoon or two more milk—don’t overmix though! Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, gently drop about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time into the simmering soup. The dumplings will sink and then puff up beautifully as they cook.

Step 5: Cover & Simmer the Dumplings

Once all the dumplings are nestled in the pot, cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to peek too often—the steam helps the dumplings cook evenly and stay fluffy. When done, they’ll be tender and springy to the touch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and dig in! Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, so don’t feel shy about making a big batch.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe

Patience with Dumplings: Let the dumplings simmer fully covered to ensure they’re cooked through and fluffy—not doughy inside.
Use a Good Vegan Chicken: I prefer homemade seitan for texture, but quality store-bought options work wonders — just avoid those packed with preservatives.
Flavor Boost: Don’t skip the herbs; thyme and parsley bring that hallmark ‘homey’ flavor you want in chicken and dumplings.
Avoid Overstirring: When dropping dumplings in, handle gently and stir minimally afterwards so they don’t break apart.

How to Serve Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe

Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Soup, vegan comfort food recipes, plant-based soup recipes, vegan hearty soups, vegan friendly dinner ideas - The image shows two white bowls filled with thick, creamy chicken stew with three layers of soft, round dumplings floating on top. The stew is light beige with visible chunks of white chicken pieces, bright orange carrot slices, and green peas evenly mixed throughout. The texture looks rich and smooth, dotted with black pepper and herbs. A silver spoon sits inside the bottom bowl. The bowls are placed on a white marbled surface with a soft gray cloth partly under them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a crack of black pepper—it brightens the soup and adds a pop of color that makes it feel extra special. Sometimes a few drops of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of nutritional yeast can add an extra layer of richness too.

Side Dishes

Pair this with a crusty baguette or warm cornbread to soak up all that luscious broth. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette also balances the meal nicely, especially if you want something light and fresh alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving this vegan chicken and dumplings soup in mini soup bowls or even edible bread bowls. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a fancy touch that impresses guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and placing it in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful for 3-4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead cozy meal.

Freezing

This soup freezes surprisingly well! Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers (leave room for expansion), and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps the dumplings stay tender and the flavors meld even more. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour in the Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose mix. Just keep in mind that gluten-free dough tends to be a bit more delicate, so you might want to add a little extra plant milk to achieve the right consistency for the dumplings.
What’s the best vegan chicken substitute?

I love using homemade seitan for its chewy, meaty texture, but store-bought options like Tofurky chik’n pieces or chickpeas also work great and are more convenient if you’re short on time.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the dumpling dough right before dropping them into the soup. If you let the dough sit, it can become dense and less fluffy once cooked.
How do I know when dumplings are cooked?

The dumplings should puff up and become springy to the touch after about 15 minutes simmering. If you’re unsure, cut one open—it should be cooked all the way through without any raw dough in the middle.
Can I make this Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Use the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours for the broth and veggies, then add the vegan chicken and dumplings near the end of cooking, adjusting the cooking time to ensure dumplings don’t overcook.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals, especially on chilly days when I want something familiar yet cruelty-free. The way those tender dumplings soak up the savory broth just delights me every time. If you give it a try, I bet you’ll fall in love with it all over again — it’s truly a bowl full of cozy hugs you can share with friends or keep all to yourself. Happy cooking!