Easy Chicken and Dumplings (2024)

Craving a comforting and heartwarming meal that's easy to make? Look no further than this delightful recipe for chicken and dumplings! With tender, diced chicken, fluffy biscuit dumplings, and a creamy broth, it's the perfect stovetop dish to satisfy your taste buds and soothe your soul.

Looking for more chicken recipes? Try my Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, Chicken Milanese, and

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This chicken and dumplings recipe offers a hassle-free cooking experience, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Comforting and Hearty: With tender, juicy chicken, fluffy biscuit dumplings, and a creamy broth, this dish delivers the ultimate comfort food experience, warming both the body and soul.
• Classic and Delicious: Loved by all ages, this timeless American favorite brings back cherished memories of home-cooked meals, making it a satisfying and nostalgic treat for anyone who enjoys classic comfort food.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card.

• Chicken breast: Essential protein source, adding meaty and savory flavor to the dish. You can also use bone-in chicken for extra richness or substitute with turkey for a variation.
• Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base for the soup, enhancing the overall taste. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or low-sodium broth to control salt content.
• Cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy texture and adds richness to the broth. For a homemade alternative, you can make a roux-based sauce with butter, flour, and chicken stock.
• Biscuits: The dumplings that expand and become soft and fluffy during cooking, adding comforting texture. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using whole wheat biscuits or making your own dumpling dough.
• Butter: Enhances the flavor and richness of the dumplings. If you want a lighter option, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
• Flour: Used to thicken the broth and create a creamy consistency. You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as gluten-free alternatives.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste of the dish. You can add other herbs and spices like thyme, sage, or garlic powder for more flavor complexity.
• Water: Mixed with flour to create a slurry for thickening. You can use chicken broth instead of water for additional flavor.

Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: To cook the chicken and broth, and later, the dumplings and thickening slurry.
• Cutting board and knife: For dicing the cooked chicken and cutting the biscuits into small pieces.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir and combine the ingredients in the pot.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring the chicken broth, flour, water, and butter.
• Bowl: To prepare the flour-water slurry for thickening.
• Stove or cooktop: For stovetop cooking.
• Ladle: For serving the chicken and dumplings into bowls.
• Soup bowls or deep plates: To serve the finished chicken and dumplings.

How to Make this Recipe

Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card.

To make this easy chicken and dumplings recipe, start by cooking the chicken breasts until fully done. Once cooked, dice them into small pieces. In a large soup pot, pour in the chicken broth and add the diced chicken. Bring it to a boil, then stir in the cream of chicken soup until well combined. While the broth is boiling, cut the biscuits into small pieces, allowing them to expand while cooking. Drop the biscuit pieces, one at a time, into the boiling broth. You can reduce the heat slightly at this point to prevent the dumplings from sticking. Cook the dumplings for about 15 minutes or until they are fully cooked and fluffy.

See Also

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Next, drop 2 tablespoons of butter on top of the cooked dumplings in the pot and let it melt. Gently stir to distribute the butter and add a rich, buttery flavor. In a separate bowl, make a slurry by mixing the flour and water until no lumps are visible. Slowly pour the flour-water slurry into the pot with the dumplings and broth, stirring gently. This will thicken the broth and give the dish a creamy texture. Cook for an additional 10 minutes to ensure the flour is fully cooked and the broth reaches the desired consistency. Season the chicken and dumplings with salt and pepper to taste, or experiment with other herbs and spices for added flavor complexity.

Once everything is cooked and seasoned, serve the delightful chicken and dumplings in soup bowls or deep plates. This classic comfort food is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers a heartwarming and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and creamy broth, creating cherished memories with each comforting spoonful.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth and skip the cream of chicken soup. Add a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas to enhance the flavors.
• Herbed Dumplings: Mix chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the biscuit dough to create flavorful herbed dumplings.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the broth for a spicier version of the dish.
• Creamy Garlic Sauce: Instead of cream of chicken soup, use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile, and add sautéed garlic for extra depth.
• Homemade Dumplings: Make dumplings from scratch using a simple combination of flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk or buttermilk.
• Mushroom and Chicken: Introduce sliced mushrooms to the broth along with the chicken for a hearty mushroom and chicken dumpling soup.
• Crockpot Method: Cook the chicken and broth in a crockpot on low for several hours, then add the dumplings and thicken the broth as mentioned in the recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuits or make dumplings using gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Asian Twist: Infuse the broth with ginger and soy sauce, and add bok choy or snow peas for an Asian-inspired variation.
• Coconut Milk Creaminess: Substitute one can of coconut milk for one can of cream of chicken soup to add a subtle coconut flavor and creaminess to the dish.

Wine Pairing

• Chardonnay: A creamy and oak-aged Chardonnay can enhance the creamy texture of the chicken and dumplings, adding richness to the overall experience.
• Pinot Grigio: A crisp and refreshing Pinot Grigio can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dish, balancing the flavors with its light and fruity notes.
• Sauvignon Blanc: This wine offers a vibrant and zesty character, which can cut through the creaminess of the dish and provide a refreshing taste.
• Pinot Noir: A light-bodied and fruity Pinot Noir can complement the tender chicken and dumplings without overpowering them, offering subtle earthy and berry notes.
• Beaujolais: A young and fruity Beaujolais wine can be a great match, as its bright and juicy flavors harmonize with the comfort food elements.
• Rosé: A dry and crisp rosé can provide a versatile pairing, as it offers a delicate balance between red and white wine characteristics, suiting various tastes.

FAQ's

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe. Simply dice the cooked chicken into small pieces and add it to the boiling broth when instructed.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free biscuits or make dumplings using a gluten-free flour blend. Also, ensure that the cream of chicken soup and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of chicken and dumplings. Allow the dish to cool completely, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can use turkey, pork, or even beef for a different twist. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for the specific meat used.

Can I make the dumplings from scratch?

Certainly! You can make homemade dumplings using a simple mixture of flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk or buttermilk. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling broth and cook until fluffy.

Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you can make a roux-based sauce with butter, flour, and chicken stock.

What other vegetables can I add to the dish?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, peas, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the flavors and add nutritional value to the dish.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker for this recipe. Cook the chicken and broth in the slow cooker on low for several hours, then add the dumplings and thicken the broth as directed in the recipe.

How long does it take to cook the dumplings?

The dumplings should be cooked for about 15 minutes or until they are fully cooked and fluffy. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the dumplings.

Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?

Absolutely! Season the chicken and dumplings with salt and pepper to your liking. Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices for more flavor complexity.

Tips

• Prep Ahead: Cook and dice the chicken in advance to save time during the actual cooking process.
• Consistent Dumpling Size: Ensure uniformity in cutting the biscuits to allow even cooking of the dumplings.
• Gentle Stirring: When adding the dumplings to the boiling broth, stir gently to prevent them from sticking together.
• Thickening Slurry: Mix the flour and water thoroughly until no lumps remain before adding it to the pot for optimal thickening.
• Season Gradually: Start with less salt and pepper, and adjust to taste gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the finished dish to add a burst of flavor and color.
• Refrigerate Biscuits: Chill the biscuits briefly before cutting them to make the process easier and neater.
• Watch Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the dumplings as they can become dense and chewy.
• Double Check Consistency: Ensure the dumplings are fully cooked and have a light, fluffy texture before serving.
• Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, add a little extra broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.
• Creative Additions: Experiment with additional vegetables, spices, or even a splash of hot sauce for unique flavor variations.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste the broth throughout the cooking process to adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Serve Hot: Enjoy the chicken and dumplings piping hot to fully savor its comforting goodness.

Looking for more recipes?

Looking for more chicken recipes? Try my Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, Chicken Milanese, and

Did You Make this Recipe?

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Recipe Card

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