Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup with Dumplings Recipe
Introduction
This Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and traditional spices. Enhanced by homemade “spinners” dumplings, it’s perfect for warming up on a cool day or whenever you need comforting nourishment.

Ingredients
- 2 lbs. organic chicken (drumsticks, breasts, thighs, or a mix)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning (such as Flavo Rice)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups organic chicken stock, low-sodium (or substitute vegetable stock or water)
- 2 (16 oz.) bags organic chicken bone broth
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Handful fresh thyme sprigs
- 3-4 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped or slit on the sides
- 2 Irish potatoes, peeled and cubed (substitute Yukon or Russet if desired)
- 4-6 mini corn on the cob
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 cup organic all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup filtered cold water (plus more if needed)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (for the dumplings)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken by combining the freshly cleaned and rinsed chicken with 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, all-purpose seasoning, and onion powder in a bowl. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear on each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same Dutch oven, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 4: Add the chopped carrots, followed by salt, black pepper, dried parsley, dried basil, turmeric powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Step 5: Return the seared chicken to the pot. Add the chicken stock, bone broth, mini corn cobs, cubed potatoes, fresh thyme sprigs, and scotch bonnet peppers. Stir all ingredients together and bring the soup to a boil.
- Step 6: To prepare the “spinners” dumplings, whisk together the flour, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Slowly add the cold water while gently kneading until a stiff dough forms. Avoid adding too much water to keep the dough firm.
- Step 7: Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll each between your palms into long, round dumplings. Repeat until all dough is shaped.
- Step 8: Gently stir the dumplings into the simmering soup. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the dumplings are tender.
- Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately, optionally with crackers on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers to control the soup’s heat level, or substitute with milder peppers if preferred.
- Use bone-in chicken pieces for richer flavor, or boneless for easier eating.
- Vegetable stock or water can be used instead of chicken stock for a lighter broth.
- If you prefer softer dumplings, add a little more water to the dough, but keep it slightly stiff so they hold shape while cooking.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken and dumplings. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes in this soup?
Yes, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well as substitutes for Irish potatoes and will provide a slightly different texture but equally delicious results.
Are scotch bonnet peppers very spicy?
Yes, scotch bonnet peppers are quite hot. Feel free to reduce the amount or remove the seeds to lower the heat, especially if you prefer a milder soup.
PrintNourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup with Dumplings Recipe
This Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful Caribbean classic featuring tender seared chicken simmered in a rich broth loaded with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and fiery Scotch bonnet peppers. Paired with traditional Jamaican dumplings known as “spinners,” this comforting soup promises warmth and satisfying flavors perfect for any season.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs. organic chicken (drumsticks, breasts, thighs, or a mix)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning (Flavo Rice recommended)
- 2 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil
Soup Base and Vegetables
- 3 cups organic chicken stock, low-sodium (or vegetable stock/water)
- 2 (16 oz.) bags organic chicken bone broth
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Handful fresh thyme sprigs
- 3–4 Scotch bonnet peppers, chopped or slit
- 2 Irish potatoes, peeled and cubed (can substitute Yukon or Russet)
- 4–6 mini corn on the cob
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Jamaican Dumplings (Spinners)
- 1 cup organic all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup filtered cold water (plus more if needed)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cleaned and rinsed chicken pieces with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and all-purpose seasoning. Mix thoroughly to ensure all chicken is fully coated with the seasoning blend.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same Dutch oven, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped red onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped carrots to the pot, then sprinkle in salt, black pepper, dried parsley, dried basil, turmeric powder, and garlic powder. Stir to combine and coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Combine Soup Ingredients: Return the seared chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock and bone broth. Add the mini corn on the cob, cubed potatoes, fresh thyme sprigs, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Prepare Jamaican Dumplings (Spinners): In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt, and black pepper. Gradually add filtered cold water, kneading gently until a stiff dough forms. Be careful not to add all the water at once to avoid making the dough too moist.
- Shape Dumplings: Pinch off small portions of dough and roll between your palms into long, slender dumplings. Repeat until all dough is shaped.
- Add Dumplings to Soup: Gently stir the dumplings into the boiling soup. Once boiling again, reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the dumplings are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and add more salt if needed. Remove from heat and ladle into bowls. Serve immediately, optionally with a side of crackers.
- Enjoy: Relish your warm, comforting bowl of authentic Jamaican chicken soup with spinners. Bon Appetit!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken pieces based on your preference—thighs, breasts, or drumsticks all work well.
- If Scotch bonnet peppers are too spicy, reduce the quantity or substitute with milder chili peppers.
- The dumpling dough should be stiff; adding too much water will make it fall apart in the soup.
- Using bone broth adds depth to the soup, but chicken stock or vegetable stock can be used if preferred.
- This soup freezes well—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the number of Scotch bonnet peppers carefully to control the heat level.
Keywords: Jamaican Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup with Dumplings, Caribbean Soup, Scotch Bonnet Soup, Jamaican Spinners, Bone Broth Soup, Hearty Chicken Soup

