Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) Recipe

Introduction

Chicken and dumplings is a comforting classic that blends tender shredded chicken with fluffy, flavorful dumplings in a rich broth. This easy recipe brings warmth and homey goodness to your table with minimal fuss. Perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (about 3-4 cups)
• 8 cups water
• 4 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 4 carrots, cut in half lengthwise and diced (2 ½ to 3 cups)
• 4 celery stalks, diced (2 ½ to 3 cups)
• 2 small yellow onions, diced finely (1 ½ cups)
• ½ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups bisquick
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
• ⅔ cup milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the water and Better Than Bouillon chicken base to make chicken broth. Microwave for 3 minutes, then remove and stir well. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat a large stock pot over medium heat and add carrots, celery, onions, and 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir well and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the onions from burning.
3. Step 3: Add the flour to the vegetables and stir to combine. Then pour in the prepared chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Stir in shredded chicken, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well and reduce heat to low to let it simmer while preparing the dumplings.
5. Step 5: To make the dumplings, combine the bisquick with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning in a bowl. Gently stir to mix the dry ingredients.
6. Step 6: Slowly drizzle in the milk and gently stir to combine into a thick, paste-like batter. Avoid overmixing. Let the batter rest for 1–2 minutes before using.
7. Step 7: Using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering chicken mixture, leaving space between each as they will expand while cooking. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: After 15 minutes, gently turn each dumpling over without breaking them, then continue cooking uncovered for another 2–3 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the broth while simmering.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, cook slightly longer before adding dumplings or add a little more flour when sautéing the vegetables.
• Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
• Vegetarian option: substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken, increasing the vegetables instead.
• Try adding peas or corn to the soup for additional texture and sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Dumplings may thicken the broth upon reheating; add a splash of broth or water to loosen if needed. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as dumplings may become tough or soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works perfectly and can save time while still delivering great flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon?

You can substitute with 8 cups of prepared chicken broth or stock. If using bouillon cubes or powder, adjust quantity to match 8 cups of broth accordingly.

Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 120 reviews

This comforting Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful homemade broth with vegetables, topped with fluffy, seasoned dumplings cooked to perfection. An easy stovetop meal perfect for cozy family dinners.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Broth

• 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (about 3–4 cups)
• 8 cups water
• 4 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 4 carrots, cut in half lengthwise and diced (2 ½ to 3 cups)
• 4 celery stalks, diced (2 ½ to 3 cups)
• 2 small yellow onions, finely diced (1 ½ cups)
• ½ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Dumplings

• 2 cups Bisquick
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
• ⅔ cup milk

Instructions

1. Make broth: In a large bowl, combine 8 cups of water and 4 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken to create a rich chicken broth. Microwave for 3 minutes, then stir well. Set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables: In a large stock pot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons salted butter. Add diced carrots, celery, and onions. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to soften vegetables and avoid burning the onions.
3. Create roux and add broth: Sprinkle ½ cup flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to combine. Slowly add the prepared chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add chicken and seasonings: Stir in shredded chicken, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well.
5. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently while you prepare the dumpling batter.
6. Prepare dumplings mixture: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups Bisquick with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Drizzle in ⅔ cup milk and gently stir until just combined into a thick, paste-like batter. Avoid overmixing. Let rest for 1 to 2 minutes.
7. Add dumplings to pot: Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering chicken mixture, spacing them apart to allow expansion.
8. Cook dumplings covered: Cover pot with lid and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, allowing dumplings to cook through.
9. Turn dumplings: Carefully turn each dumpling using a spoon to brown the other side without breaking them. Cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes.
10. Serve: Remove pot from heat and serve hot, enjoying the tender chicken, flavorful broth, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings.

Notes

• Do not overmix dumpling batter to keep them light and fluffy.
• Ensure dumplings have space in the pot as they expand during cooking.
• Shredded cooked chicken can be prepared ahead or use leftover rotisserie chicken.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and herbs.
• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent dumpling sizes.
• Stir vegetables often during sauté to prevent burning.

Keywords: chicken and dumplings, chicken soup, comfort food, homemade broth, easy chicken recipe, dumplings, hearty soup, stovetop chicken recipe