Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a cozy meal. If you’ve ever wondered how to make easy chicken and dumplings without spending hours in the kitchen, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through a straightforward recipe that’s both delicious and simple to prepare, using accessible ingredients and techniques that anyone can master.
Why Choose This Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?
– Comfort food at its best: Tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings come together in a bowl of pure comfort.
– Quick and convenient: Uses cooked chicken and canned biscuits or simple homemade dumplings, cutting down prep and cook time.
– Family-friendly: A nostalgic meal that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.
– Budget-friendly: Great for using leftover chicken or affordable pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs or cooked chicken (about 1 pound)
– Vegetables: Onion, carrots, celery (classic soup trio)
– Broth: Chicken broth (about 6 cups)
– Seasonings: Garlic powder, thyme, salt, pepper
– Creaminess: Cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups or heavy cream for richness
– Dumplings: Canned biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands) or homemade drop dumplings made from flour, baking powder, milk, and butter
– Olive oil or butter: For sautéing veggies and adding flavor
Step-by-Step Directions for Easy Chicken and Dumplings
1. Prepare the Chicken
If you’re starting with raw chicken thighs, coat them lightly with olive oil and your favorite seasoning blend, then grill or pan-cook until fully done (about 20 minutes at 350°F if grilling). Let cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions begin to caramelize—about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and add your cooked chicken pieces. Stir in cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups, or substitute with heavy cream for a rich, velvety texture. Season with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Make the Dumplings
Using canned biscuits: Separate each biscuit and roll it into a ½-inch thick log, then slice into ¼-inch pieces. Drop the pieces gently into the boiling broth a few at a time to prevent sticking.
For homemade drop dumplings: Mix self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt), milk, and melted butter to form a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup.
5. Cook the Dumplings
Cover the pot and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let the dumplings steam in the broth for about 10 to 25 minutes, depending on size, until they are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid stirring too much to keep dumplings intact.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
– Don’t rush the simmer: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer to prevent dumplings from breaking apart.
– Cover while cooking dumplings: This traps steam and helps cook them evenly.
– Use leftover chicken: Saves time and adds flavor.
– Add peas or spinach: For extra veggies and color.
– Season well: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Variations to Try
– From scratch: Make your own chicken broth by simmering a whole chicken with aromatics like onion, celery, carrot, bay leaves, and peppercorns for about an hour. This adds incredible depth of flavor.
– Biscuits vs. drop dumplings: Canned biscuits are a quick shortcut, while homemade drop dumplings offer a tender, fluffy texture.
– Creamy vs. broth-based: Use cream soups or heavy cream for a richer soup, or keep it lighter with just broth and a flour roux.
Chicken and dumplings is a timeless dish that’s easier to make than you might think. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy this warm, satisfying meal any night of the week.
Enjoy your bowl of comfort!