Name: Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk; 2 cups all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick); 2/3 cup milk

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If you’re after a cozy meal that epitomizes comfort food, you simply have to try Easy Chicken and Dumplings. This dish is all about melt-in-your-mouth dumplings bobbing in a rich, creamy chicken stew that comes together quicker than you’d think. Whether you’re new to making dumplings or you’ve been craving the nostalgic taste of homemade chicken soup, this recipe brings hearty ingredients and uncomplicated steps together for a bowlful of pure, flavorful satisfaction.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Easy Chicken and Dumplings such a staple is its use of everyday ingredients that each play a starring role. From the savory foundation of vegetables and chicken to the fluffy, biscuit-like dumplings, every item here brings something special to the dish’s flavor, texture, or comforting color.

Olive oil: A splash gives your veggies a gentle, flavorful start and keeps things from sticking.
Onion: Adds essential sweetness and depth that’s a must for any cozy stew.
Carrots: Provide bright color and a subtle earthy sweetness in every bite.
Celery: Brings an aromatic, peppery crunch that balances out the hearty soup base.
Garlic: Infuses the entire pot with irresistible warmth and savory goodness.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the broth for that luxuriously creamy texture.
Chicken broth: The backbone of Easy Chicken and Dumplings, delivering deep, savory flavor.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and packs tons of tender flavor.
Dried thyme: Adds an herby, fresh note that ties everything together.
Black pepper: Gives just the right touch of heat and bite.
Salt: Sprinkle to taste and let all your flavors shine!
Frozen peas: For a pop of color and bursts of sweet, juicy freshness.
Heavy cream or whole milk: Makes the chicken mixture dreamy and rich.
All-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick): Delivers those signature fluffy dumplings with almost zero effort.
Milk: Binds your dumpling batter to soft, pillowy perfection.

How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, then let everything sizzle and soften for 5 to 6 minutes. This not only draws out a beautiful aroma but also sets the flavor base for the whole dish. Stir in the minced garlic for an added punch; just give it about a minute so it doesn’t burn.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour directly over your sautéed veggies. Stir until everything gets a nice coating—this is what will eventually thicken your stew. Now, pour the chicken broth in slowly while stirring nonstop. This method prevents lumps and creates a velvety, smooth consistency.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Now it’s time for the heart of Easy Chicken and Dumplings. Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Give it all a good stir to combine, then bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.

Step 4: Stir in Peas and Cream

Once your stew has thickened, mix in the frozen peas for a burst of color and sweetness. Pour in your heavy cream (or whole milk, if you prefer), and reduce the heat to low. This is where your stew turns wonderfully rich and creamy—don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Prepare and Drop Dumplings

In a medium mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose baking mix with milk to form a soft dough. Using a spoon, drop heaping scoops of dough right over your simmering soup. These rustic lumps will puff up beautifully as they cook.

Step 6: Cook Dumplings to Perfection

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and keep the heat on low. Resist the urge to peek! Let everything cook for 12 to 15 minutes; the dumplings will steam and become fluffy, soaking up all those savory flavors from below. Once they’re cooked through, your Easy Chicken and Dumplings are ready to serve warm and comforting.

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

Easy Chicken and Dumplings are already a showstopper, but a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of cracked black pepper takes things to the next level. If you want extra color or subtle zing, add a few thinly sliced green onions or a pinch of paprika just before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish is pretty satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies. Lightly buttered rolls or a thick slice of country bread are perfect for sopping up every last creamy drop of your Easy Chicken and Dumplings.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings in deep bowls for that classic, homestyle vibe. For something a little more elegant, spoon the stew into mini cast-iron pots or ramekins at your next dinner gathering. Want an extra-cozy touch? Ladle everything right from the pot at the center of the table—family-style, just the way this dish is meant to be enjoyed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The dumplings will soak up some broth, but the flavors only get better with time.

Freezing

Easy Chicken and Dumplings can absolutely be frozen! Portion any cooled leftovers into freezer-friendly containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, note that while the dumplings may become slightly denser after freezing, they’ll still taste fantastic.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a pot over low to medium heat, stirring every so often to avoid scorching. If the stew has thickened up in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Microwave reheating also works well for individual portions.

FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuit dough for the dumplings?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite biscuit recipe, feel free to use that instead of the baking mix. Just drop spoonfuls of the homemade dough as directed in the recipe and cook the same way.

Do I have to use heavy cream, or is milk okay?

Both will work just fine! Heavy cream makes the broth extra lush and decadent, but whole milk is a great alternative if you want something a bit lighter—it still gives you a wonderfully creamy consistency in Easy Chicken and Dumplings.

What’s the best way to tell when the dumplings are done?

Gently poke a dumpling with a toothpick or knife; it should come out clean, and the dumplings will look puffed and cooked through (not doughy or raw-looking inside). Keeping the lid on while they cook is key for fluffy results.

Can I make Easy Chicken and Dumplings with turkey?

Definitely! Leftover roasted turkey is a great substitute for chicken here. The flavors pair perfectly, and it’s an excellent way to use up those leftovers during the holidays.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

You can swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour to thicken the broth and use a gluten-free baking mix for the dumplings. Just be sure to check that all your store-bought ingredients are certified gluten-free to be safe.

Final Thoughts

If you love a meal that hugs you from the inside out, Easy Chicken and Dumplings is the one to try. The combination of tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings checks every comfort food box. Gather your ingredients, invite someone special to the table, and let this recipe bring a little extra warmth to your home tonight.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This easy chicken and dumplings recipe is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. Tender shredded chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth make this a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup heavy cream or whole milk

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose baking mix (like Bisquick)
2/3 cup milk

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic.
Add Flour and Broth: Sprinkle in flour, stir to coat vegetables. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring. Add chicken, thyme, pepper, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Make Dumplings: In a bowl, mix baking mix and milk. Drop spoonfuls of dough into soup.
Cook Dumplings: Cover and cook on low for 12–15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
Serve: Enjoy warm.