If you’re after cozy comfort in a bowl, look no further than this Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. This classic dish is brimming with tender chicken, pillowy-soft biscuit dumplings, and loads of hearty vegetables all swimming in a creamy, savory broth. Whether you’re bringing your family together for a weeknight meal or want to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe captures everything you love about homemade goodness but keeps things beautifully simple.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be thrilled by how straightforward this ingredient list is—every item brings something special to the table, from the aromatic base to the fluffy dumplings. Here’s what you’ll need for a standout Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe:

Butter: Gives the vegetables richness and depth right from the start.
Onion: Adds sweetness and savory notes that are essential to any comforting stew.
Carrots: Bring gorgeous color and subtle sweetness to balance the dish.
Celery: Infuses an earthy flavor and pleasant crunch as the foundation of any classic chicken recipe.
Garlic: Just the right amount of aromatic punch to boost every bite.
Chicken Broth: The soul of the soup, giving body and flavor to the base.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is speedy and flavorsome, but any cooked chicken works beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Basic, yes, but they elevate and unify the flavors.
Dried Thyme: Offers an herby warmth that screams comfort.
Heavy Cream: Makes the broth luxuriously creamy and extra satisfying.
Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: The shortcut hero—these bake into the easiest, fluffiest dumplings ever.
Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and a hit of herbal flavor to finish things off.

How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Start by heating the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the butter’s melted and gorgeous, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Let these work their magic for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything starts to soften and fill your kitchen with those homey aromas. Then, add the minced garlic and give it just a minute—you want fragrance, not burnt bits.

Step 2: Build That Flavorful Broth

With the veggies softened, it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Add the shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie chicken is perfect), salt, pepper, and thyme. Give it all a good stir and turn up the heat until the mixture just starts to simmer—now your kitchen will really start smelling irresistible. Nestle into that simmer and let everything get cozy together.

Step 3: Add a Touch of Creaminess

This is where the magic happens! Stir in the heavy cream, making the broth go from simply good to seriously luxurious. Just a half cup transforms it into something company-worthy, with a silky finish that coats every bite of dumpling and chicken.

Step 4: Drop in the Dumplings

Now for the heart of the Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe—those tender, fluffy dumplings. Open your can of biscuit dough, cut each biscuit into small pieces, and add them gently into the simmering pot one at a time. Lightly press each piece down to submerge it in the broth, but don’t stir too much; you want those dumplings to puff up perfectly.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfect Dumplings

Cover your pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything bubble gently for 15 to 20 minutes. The dumplings will transform, rising up into soft pillows that soak up all those flavors. Give everything a gentle stir—carefully, so you don’t break up those beautiful dumplings. If you’d like, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

For serving, a little something extra on top really makes the difference. A shower of chopped parsley gives the stew a burst of green and a touch of herby brightness. Freshly cracked black pepper right at the table brings out even more of those savory notes. If you’re feeling fancy, try a pinch of flaky sea salt or, for a Southern twist, some sliced green onions.

Side Dishes

This Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, add a crisp green salad or some simply steamed green beans on the side. Warm cornbread or a slice of crusty bread can make it feel like a full Southern feast. For a healthy balance, bright sautéed greens bring both color and a touch of bitterness to complement the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation turns comfort food into something special. Try ladling the stew into mini cocottes or rustic bowls for individual servings. If you’re working with leftover filling, bake it under a crust of biscuit dough in a casserole dish for a fun, pot-pie-inspired take. For a playful family night, let everyone top their own bowl with favorite garnishes—think herbs, cheese, or hot sauce for spice lovers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps like a dream in the fridge. Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. The flavors meld even more overnight, so the Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe actually tastes even better the next day. Expect leftovers to last up to three days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

You can freeze this recipe, but keep in mind: the dumplings may become a bit denser once thawed. To freeze, spoon the cooled chicken and dumplings into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date and freeze for up to two months. For best results, freeze without the parsley garnish and add fresh herbs after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much in the fridge. You can also microwave individual servings (covered, please!) until piping hot—just be careful not to overcook the dumplings. A fresh sprinkle of parsley or an extra grind of pepper revives the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade biscuit recipe or just love rolling out dough from scratch, go for it. The Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is delicious both ways—you’ll simply spoon small mounds of dough into the simmering broth at the same step, and everything else stays the same.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Making this Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe ahead is a great idea, but for best results, prepare the stew base in advance and wait to cook the dumplings until you’re ready to serve. That way, the dumplings stay fluffy and tender instead of soaking up too much broth and getting dense.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and replace the heavy cream with a creamy non-dairy milk (like full-fat oat or coconut milk). Just check the biscuit dough or use a dairy-free homemade version to keep everything in line with your dietary needs.

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Definitely! This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it perfect for after-holiday leftovers. Simply substitute cooked, shredded turkey for the chicken; every other step in the Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe stays exactly the same.

What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?

Feel free to stir in chopped spinach, frozen peas, diced potatoes, or even corn. Just remember to adjust the simmering time so the extra veggies cook until tender but not mushy. Sneaking in extra greens or veggies is a great way to add color, nutrients, and flavor to the dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making an Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe from scratch (or even if you have!), give this version a whirl. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug with every spoonful and couldn’t be easier to pull together—even on a busy weeknight. Pull out your biggest soup pot and treat yourself to some classic comfort you’ll want to make again and again!

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This easy chicken and dumplings recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. Tender shredded chicken, vegetables, and fluffy biscuit dumplings simmered in a creamy broth create a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Vegetable Stew:

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Dumplings:

1 (16-ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into small pieces

For Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth, add the shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream.
Add Dumplings: Add the biscuit dough pieces one at a time to the simmering broth, gently pressing them down to submerge. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
Finish and Serve: Stir gently before serving and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, sauté the vegetables in a little poultry seasoning or add a splash of white wine before the broth.
You can use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned if preferred.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American