Name: Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup with Spinners (Dumplings) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
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 (e.g. Flavo Rice); 2 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil; 3 cups organic low-sodium chicken stock (substitute vegetable stock or water if desired); 2 (16 oz.) bags organic chicken bone broth; 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped; 1/2 red onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; Handful of fresh thyme sprigs; 3-4 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped or slit on the sides; 2 Irish potatoes, peeled and cubed into medium chunks (can substitute Yukon or Russet potatoes); 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; 1 cup organic all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup filtered cold water (plus more if needed); 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you have been craving a bowl of soul-warming goodness layered with vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture combo, look no further than this Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup with Spinners (Dumplings) Recipe. It’s everything you want in a comforting meal—rich and aromatic broth, tender chicken, a medley of wholesome vegetables, and those delightfully chewy, hand-rolled spinners that truly bring the dish to life. Each spoonful bursts with warmth and tradition, making it the perfect choice for chilly nights or whenever you need a little extra nourishment that feels like a loving hug in a bowl.

A white bowl filled with a rich brown soup, visible layers include two bright yellow corn on the cob pieces partially submerged, tender light yellow dumplings, and chunks of orange carrots and small bits of chicken scattered throughout. The soup has a shiny surface with specks of herbs and seasoning floating on top. There are fresh green thyme sprigs placed on the soup as garnish. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, surrounded by small sprigs of thyme, two small orange peppers, and a gold spoon resting on a rust-colored cloth next to the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This soup is a beautiful example of how simple, fresh ingredients can create an extraordinary dish. Every component plays a vital role: from the tender chicken that imparts a hearty base to the blend of spices and herbs that infuse each bite with complexity and warmth. And of course, those iconic spinners which add a lovely texture contrast that’s pure joy to eat.

2 lbs. organic chicken: Choose your favorite cuts like drumsticks or thighs for the best flavor and tenderness.
1 tsp sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
1 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the broth.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that’s key to authentic Jamaican taste.
1 tsp garlic powder: Gives that familiar, savory kick that makes the soup unforgettable.
1 tsp onion powder: Adds sweetness and a rich aromatic base.
1 tsp all-purpose seasoning (Flavo Rice recommended): A unique blend that boosts umami and balances the dish.
2 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing veggies with a hint of fruitiness.
3 cups organic chicken stock, low-sodium: Forms the flavorful liquid that carries everything else.
2 (16 oz.) bags organic bone broth, chicken: Optional but highly recommended for that extra depth and collagen boost.
2 large carrots, peeled + chopped: Sweetness and a pop of color.
1/2 red onion, chopped: Provides a gentle pungency and texture contrast.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh and bold, the heart of many great soups.
Handful fresh thyme sprigs: Adds an earthy, fragrant herbal note.
3-4 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped or slit: The soul of Jamaican heat—use with care!
2 Irish potatoes, peeled + cubed: Creamy and starchy, perfectly soaks up the broth.
4-6 mini corn on the cob: Sweetness and texture bursts that surprise every bite.
1 tsp turmeric powder: Lends vibrant color and subtle earthiness.
1 tsp dried basil: Fresh herbaceous flavor to keep things lively.
1 tsp dried parsley: Brightens the overall flavor profile.
1 cup organic all-purpose flour: The foundation for your spinners (dumplings), simple but vital.
1/4 cup filtered cold water: To bring the dumpling dough together perfectly—go slow with this!
1/2 tsp sea salt for the dough: Season those dumplings from the inside out.

How to Make Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup with Spinners (Dumplings) Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by lovingly coating your fresh chicken with a vibrant mix of sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, all-purpose seasoning, and onion powder. This seasoning stage is crucial—it builds the foundation for all the deep, complex flavors you’ll savor later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a dutch oven until glistening, then carefully sear your seasoned chicken on all sides until golden brown. This caramelization isn’t just about color; it seals in maximum juiciness and adds that irresistible savory crust.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil and toss in your onions and garlic. Sauté until they turn soft and fragrant—that’s the magical scent that signals the soup is coming alive.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base with Vegetables and Spices

Add your chopped carrots, along with salt, black pepper, parsley, basil, turmeric, and garlic powder. Stir it all together so those spices coat the veggies evenly, releasing their essence to soak into every spoonful.

Step 5: Combine Chicken, Stock, and Vegetables

Return the golden seared chicken back to the pot. Pour in your chicken stock and bone broth for richness, add in the corn cobs, potatoes, fresh thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers. Give everything a good stir, then bring all that goodness to a rolling boil, enticing every ingredient to mingle beautifully.

Step 6: Prepare the Spinners (Dumplings)

Mix flour, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Gradually add filtered cold water, gently kneading until a firm dough forms—remember, keep the dough stiff to hold its shape during cooking. These spinners are the signature touch of this soup, giving you those warm bites of chewy comfort you’ll dream about.

Step 7: Shape and Add Dumplings to the Soup

Pinch off small bits of dough and roll them between your palms into long cylindrical shapes. Carefully add these spinners to the boiling soup, folding them in gently so they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious broth flavors.

Step 8: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat and let your soup simmer gently for about 20 to 25 minutes. This slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully and ensures your chicken is tender and the spinners fully cooked, soft on the inside and pleasantly chewy on the outside.

Step 9: Final Taste and Serve

Give your soup a final taste and adjust salt if necessary. Remove from heat and ladle your steaming Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup with Spinners (Dumplings) Recipe into bowls. Pair it with some crunchy crackers or enjoy as is for a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

How to Serve Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup with Spinners (Dumplings) Recipe

A black pot filled with a thick stew showing four bright yellow corn pieces cut into smaller sections, and several plantains with a golden yellow color, all sitting in a rich orange-brown broth with visible herbs and small bits of carrot, a black spoon with a wooden handle resting inside the stew. The pot is placed on a surface with white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your bowl by adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a bright herbal lift. A squeeze of lime juice can add a subtle zest that cuts through the richness, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the soup’s silkiness.

Side Dishes

This soup stands on its own wonderfully, but pairing it with some light, crispy crackers or a slice of crusty bread is a delightful way to round out your meal. For a more substantial feast, a side of steamed rice or a simple green salad complements the bold flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic bowls to evoke the feel of an authentic Jamaican kitchen. You can also offer a plate of various hot sauces or chutneys on the side, letting guests add their own heat and flavor. For a fun twist, turn the spinners into bite-size dumplings to be eaten as finger food with toothpicks alongside the soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup can be cooled to room temperature and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, so it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just remember that the texture of the dumplings might soften slightly after thawing but will still taste delicious.

Reheating

Gently reheat soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, simply add a bit of water or stock. Avoid microwaving to keep the dumplings from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Whether you prefer drumsticks, thighs, or breasts, any cut works well. Just adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure the chicken is fully tender.

How spicy is the soup with scotch bonnet peppers?

Scotch bonnets are quite spicy, but the heat can be controlled by how many you add and whether you chop or just slit them to release less heat. If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the quantity or remove the seeds.

What are spinners and why are they important?

Spinners are traditional Jamaican dumplings, hand-rolled into little cylinders that cook in the soup. They add a satisfying chewiness and make this recipe distinctive and extra hearty.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

You can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based proteins and use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth. The spinners stay the same, so the soup retains its comforting texture and delicious flavor.

Is this soup suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! This Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup with Spinners (Dumplings) Recipe holds up well in the fridge and freezer, making it a fantastic option for preparing ahead and enjoying during busy days.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a recipe like this Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup with Spinners (Dumplings) Recipe—it’s not just a meal but a celebration of flavors and comfort that warms the soul. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, inviting those vibrant spices and textures into your kitchen. It promises to be a favorite that you’ll return to time and again, whether for a cozy night in or to impress friends and family with a taste of Jamaica’s culinary heart.