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; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional); 1 cup frozen peas (optional); 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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If you’re craving a classic comfort dish that comes together in under an hour, this Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender shreds of chicken and pillowy dumplings nestled in a velvety broth, all infused with the warmth of aromatic herbs and sweet veggies. Whether you’re feeding a family or just need a little soul-soothing on a busy weeknight, this dish is a delicious hug in a bowl that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Every item on this list is carefully chosen to create layers of flavor and texture, ensuring that each bite is comforting, hearty, and absolutely crave-worthy.

Olive oil: Just a tablespoon helps sauté your veggies to tender perfection and adds a touch of richness.
Onion (diced): The savory base for your broth, providing subtle sweetness and depth.
Carrots (peeled and sliced): Add color and natural sweetness, making every spoonful vibrant and flavorful.
Celery (sliced): Brings an aromatic crunch and classic soup flavor to the pot.
Garlic (minced): For that irresistible savory aroma and punch of flavor.
Chicken broth: The backbone of this recipe, creating a hearty, flavorful soup base.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders, but any cooked chicken will do for juicy protein-packed bites.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all of the wonderful flavors in the pot.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and mild spice.
Dried thyme: Brings earthy, herby notes that make the dish taste like home.
Poultry seasoning (optional): For an extra boost of savory, herby flavor—especially nice if you love holiday vibes.
Frozen peas (optional): Stir in at the end for pops of color and a touch of sweetness.
Cream of chicken soup: This shortcut ingredient creates a creamy, luscious texture without the fuss.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of your fluffy dumplings.
Baking powder: Gives the dumplings their irresistible lightness and lift.
Salt (for dumplings): Don’t skip this—seasoned dumplings are key.
Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dumpling dough.
Butter (melted): Infuses the dumplings with a buttery richness you’ll love.

How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until they’re just beginning to soften and release their sweet fragrance. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, filling your kitchen with that irresistible, cozy aroma.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, then gently stir in the cooked shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and poultry seasoning if you’re using it. Bring everything to a gentle boil so the flavors can meld together. Next, add the cream of chicken soup and stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer while you prepare the dumplings—this is when the magic really starts to happen.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt (for the dumplings). Pour in the milk and melted butter, then stir just until a sticky dough forms. The dough should come together easily but don’t overmix—lumpy is good here! Those lumps will turn into fluffy, tender dumplings.

Step 4: Drop and Steam the Dumplings

Using a spoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of the dough onto the surface of your simmering soup. Space them out a bit, as they’ll puff up while cooking. Cover the pot and let everything cook for 15 minutes without peeking—the steam is what makes these dumplings so light and airy. After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are cooked through (they should no longer be doughy inside).

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

If you’re using frozen peas, stir them in now and let the soup simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. The peas will add a pop of color and sweetness, balancing the comforting richness of the broth and dumplings. Ladle the finished Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe into bowls and serve hot for instant comfort.

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few cracks of black pepper on top for a bright, fresh finish. A little pinch of flaky sea salt or even a dusting of grated Parmesan can take each bowl to the next level. If you’re feeling fancy, a swirl of cream or a pat of butter on top will melt right in and make this Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe even more decadent.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish is a meal all on its own, but you can’t go wrong serving it with a crisp green salad or a slice of crusty bread to mop up every bit of creamy broth. Roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, are a great way to round out the meal without overpowering the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. If you have kids at the table, try using cookie scoops to make perfectly round dumplings—they’ll love the playful presentation! For a rustic dinner party, ladle the soup into oversized mugs and top each one with a sprig of thyme or a puff pastry round for a bistro-style vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container. The flavors will deepen and meld even more, making for an even tastier bowl the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, do so before adding the dumplings for the best texture. Freeze the chicken and vegetable soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the base and prepare fresh dumplings to drop in as it simmers.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the dumplings have absorbed some broth, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen things up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave—just cover and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for the Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. It’s juicy, flavorful, and makes the prep even faster—just shred and add to your simmering broth.

Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Just be aware the texture might be slightly different, but you’ll still get delicious, tender dumplings.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer to skip canned soup, you can make a quick roux with butter and flour, then whisk in some milk or extra broth to thicken your soup. The result is a from-scratch creamy base for your Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add diced potatoes, corn, green beans, or mushrooms—this recipe is wonderfully flexible and perfect for using up what you have on hand.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings are ready when they’re puffed up and look dry on top. You can cut one open to check—there should be no raw dough in the center, just fluffy, cooked-through goodness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that always delivers comfort and satisfaction, you can’t go wrong with this Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re sharing with family or treating yourself to a cozy night in. Give it a try, and let the warm, homemade flavors bring a little extra joy to your table!

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 18 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 classic made with tender shredded chicken, vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings simmered in a creamy chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this one-pot meal combines hearty flavors with simple ingredients for a satisfying dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup

Dumplings

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to enhance the flavor without burning it.
Prepare Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and mix in the shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and optional poultry seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add Cream Soup: Stir in the cream of chicken soup until fully integrated into the broth, creating a creamy base. Reduce heat and let it simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
Make Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring just until combined to form a sticky dough.
Drop Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering soup, spacing them evenly.
Cook Dumplings: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid to ensure the dumplings steam properly and become fluffy.
Finish Soup: After 15 minutes, check that dumplings are cooked through and fluffy inside. Stir in the frozen peas if using, and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat the peas.
Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot for a hearty and comforting meal.