Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that warms the soul, especially on chilly days. If you’re looking for an easy, quick way to enjoy this hearty dish without the fuss of making dumplings from scratch, Bisquick is your best friend. This versatile baking mix simplifies the process, delivering fluffy, tender dumplings that soak up the savory chicken stew perfectly. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to make chicken and dumplings with Bisquick that anyone can follow.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings with Bisquick
For the Chicken Stew:
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut)
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup diced onion
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– ¼ cup unsalted butter
– ¼ cup all-purpose flour
– 3 cups chicken stock
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 (8 oz) can of corn, drained (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 3 teaspoons dried parsley
– Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Bisquick Dumplings:
– 2 cups Bisquick mix
– ⅔ cup whole milk
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Chicken and Dumplings with Bisquick
1. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes. Then, stir in the celery, carrots, onion, and garlic. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
2. Make the Stew Base
Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring constantly to coat everything evenly. Cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the flour to turn golden and cook out its raw taste. Slowly pour in the chicken stock and milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the corn, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Prepare the Bisquick Dumpling Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Bisquick mix and milk until a soft dough forms. The dough should be moist but hold together when dropped by spoonfuls.
4. Cook the Dumplings
Using a spoon or your hands, form the dough into small ½-inch balls and gently drop them onto the simmering chicken stew. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the dumplings cook for about 10 minutes without lifting the lid. After 10 minutes, uncover and cook for another 10 minutes to ensure the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are tender and the stew is thick and flavorful, give everything a gentle stir and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations to Make It Your Own
– Use Rotisserie Chicken for Speed: If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken can replace cooking raw chicken thighs, cutting prep time dramatically.
– Add Vegetables: Feel free to swap corn for peas, green beans, or add mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
– Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add brightness, but dried herbs work just as well.
– Cheesy Dumplings: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the dumpling dough for a richer taste.
– Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy stew, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half near the end of cooking.
Why Bisquick Works So Well for Dumplings
Bisquick is a pre-mixed baking blend that contains flour, baking powder, salt, and fat. This combination makes it incredibly easy to whip up dumplings that are light, fluffy, and perfectly tender without the need for yeast or complicated dough preparation. Simply mixing Bisquick with milk creates a soft dough that cooks quickly in simmering broth, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the chicken stew. It’s a foolproof shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.
Chicken and dumplings made with Bisquick is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers warmth and flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy the hearty chicken stew and pillowy dumplings that make every spoonful a delight.
Chicken and dumplings with Bisquick is a simple, delicious way to enjoy a classic dish with less fuss and more flavor. Give it a try for your next comforting meal!