There’s something about a big bowl of Chicken and Dumplings that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Imagine tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings all simmering together in a creamy, comforting broth. This recipe is perfect for those cozy nights when you want something that will fill you up and make you feel good, without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and delicious—what’s not to love? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Easy Chicken and Dumplings
This recipe isn’t just about the flavors; it’s about the experience of cooking something that will make your kitchen smell amazing and bring everyone to the table with excitement. Here’s why it’s a winner:
Versatile: This dish is great for any season. It’s light enough for a summer evening and hearty enough for a chilly winter day.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that doesn’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: No need for complicated steps—everything comes together in one pot for easy prep and minimal cleanup.
Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning, add more veggies, or use different herbs to make this dish your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The combination of creamy chicken and fluffy dumplings is always a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:
Chicken Breast or Thighs: The protein of the dish. Chicken breasts are great for a lighter option, while thighs give a little more flavor and richness.
Carrots: Adding a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
Celery: For that classic chicken soup flavor and a nice crunch.
Onion: Essential for that savory base.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better!
Chicken Broth: The heart of the soup—adds all the savory goodness.
Milk: For a creamy, comforting broth.
Flour: To thicken the soup and give it that creamy texture.
Baking Powder: This helps the dumplings stay fluffy and light.
Butter: For a rich flavor in both the soup and the dumplings.
Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and parsley—classic herbs for chicken soup.
Salt and Pepper: To season and bring all the flavors together.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making this cozy dish:
Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add your chicken breasts (or thighs) and cook until browned on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a bit more oil or butter and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. This step really brings out the flavors and makes the base of your soup delicious.
Make the Soup Base: Add the flour to the vegetables and cook for another 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps. Add the herbs, salt, and pepper. Once the soup thickens, add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine.
Prepare the Dumplings: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, butter, salt, and a little milk to form the dumpling dough. It should be thick but scoopable. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped—they’ll puff up and form nice dumplings as they cook.
Cook the Dumplings: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are cooked through. Keep the lid on while they cook to ensure they stay fluffy.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the dumplings are cooked, give everything a final stir and taste for seasoning. Serve the soup hot, topped with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but here are a few ways to make your meal even more satisfying:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.
- Pair with a simple side salad to balance the richness of the soup.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine for a comforting, casual dinner.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make your chicken and dumplings even better:
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the broth.
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on the cooking process.
- For a lighter version, swap out the cream for a little more chicken broth and reduce the amount of butter.
- If you want even fluffier dumplings, try using a spoon and a fork to gently shape them rather than dropping the dough in large spoonfuls.
FAQ’s
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the soup base and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make the dumplings fresh when you’re ready to serve. - Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Yes, the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just freeze the soup without the dumplings and add them when reheating. - Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work just as well in this dish and can save you some prep time. - How can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour for the dumplings. Just make sure to also use a gluten-free baking powder. - Can I use a different type of protein?
Yes, you can use cooked turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. - Can I make the soup spicier?
Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the soup for some heat. - What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs instead—just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll need less. - Can I make the soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauté the vegetables, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the dumplings in the last 30 minutes of cooking. - Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Of course! Feel free to add peas, corn, or any other veggies you like. - How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings are done when they’ve puffed up and you can insert a toothpick into the center without it coming out wet.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings come together to create a meal that feels like a warm embrace. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be making this comforting classic again and again. Enjoy the cozy goodness!
Print
Easy Chicken and Dumplings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (for dumplings)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth, milk, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked, shredded chicken and the cream of chicken soup. Stir to combine and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until a thick batter forms.
- Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings have risen and are fully cooked through.
- Once the dumplings are done, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your easy chicken and dumplings!
Notes
- For a thicker soup, add more flour to the broth or reduce the liquid while simmering.
- If you prefer homemade dumplings, you can make a dough from scratch using your favorite recipe.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg