If you are craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is about to become your new best friend. With tender chunks of chicken swimming in a creamy, savory broth and soft, flaky dumplings made from scratch, this dish brings together simple ingredients that create a soul-satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll appreciate how straightforward and rewarding making this classic homestyle dinner can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s building the rich, hearty base or creating those delightfully tender dumplings. These simple staples come together beautifully to deliver a dish full of flavor, texture, and warmth.
- 4 cups cooked chicken or turkey: Provides the hearty protein and a base of savory flavor.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Adds a subtle crunch and refreshing balance to the richness.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Creates the creamy, comforting sauce that ties everything together.
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans chicken broth: Infuses the dish with deep, savory notes and forms the flavorful cooking liquid.
- 3 cans of water: Used to adjust the broth’s consistency for a perfectly balanced stew.
- 2 cups self-rising flour: The base for dumplings that turn soft and fluffy when cooked.
- ¼ cup shortening: Adds tenderness and flakiness to your dumplings.
- ¾ cup boiling water: Helps bring the dumpling dough together smoothly.
How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by combining your cooked chicken, chopped celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water in a large soup pot. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. This simmering process allows the flavors to marry beautifully, setting the stage for the dumplings.
Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough
In a large bowl, add the self-rising flour and cut in the shortening using a fork or pastry blender. You’ll want to work the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which ensures your dumplings will be tender and flaky rather than dense.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually stir in the boiling water, starting with about half a cup and adding more as necessary. Keep mixing until the dough just comes together into a ball. Handling the dough while it is warm ensures a silky texture, perfect for rolling out.
Step 4: Cut the Dumplings
Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and roll out your dough to about an eighth of an inch thick. Then, cut the dough into strips and squares, the size you prefer. The shape and size will slightly affect cooking time but all are delicious!
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Lift the lid off your simmering broth and add the dumpling squares one at a time, covering the pot quickly after each addition to keep the temperature steady. Allow about 30 seconds between adding each dumpling, so they don’t stick together and cook evenly.
Step 6: Simmer Until Perfect
After all the dumplings are added, reduce the heat to low and leave the pot uncovered, allowing it to simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom, and season with salt and pepper according to your tastes for that perfect finishing touch.
Step 7: Optional Drop Dumplings
If you’re craving a softer, fluffier style, skip rolling out the dough. Instead, pinch off small, uniform pieces and drop them directly into the boiling broth. Let them cook the same way, stirring gently until they’re fully cooked through and satisfyingly tender.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the steaming chicken and dumplings into bowls. This dish is best enjoyed warm, comforting, and ready to bring a little extra coziness to any meal.
How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your bowl with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme, which add a delightful pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy broth. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dash of paprika can also brighten the presentation.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is already hearty, pair it with something light like a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or simple roasted vegetables. These sides complement the richness without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in rustic bread bowls or hollowed-out small pumpkins during autumn for an impressive presentation. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce to mix up the flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and flavors tend to deepen overnight making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in portion-sized containers to enjoy later. Allow it to cool completely before freezing, and use within 2 months for the best quality. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the dumplings from sticking or breaking apart. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water will help restore moisture if the dish feels too thick.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly in the broth before adding dumplings. This way, the chicken will be tender and flavorful, but you might need to simmer a bit longer before adding the dumplings.
What can I substitute for shortening in the dumpling dough?
Butter or vegetable oil works well as substitutes and will still give you tender dumplings. Just keep in mind that butter may add a richer flavor, while oil keeps it neutral.
Are there gluten-free options for the dumplings?
Yes! Using a gluten-free self-rising flour blend can work well. However, texture might be slightly different, and cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the dumplings as they cook.
Can I add vegetables other than celery?
Definitely! Carrots, peas, and green beans are great add-ins that bring extra nutrition and color to the dish. Add them early enough to become tender but not mushy.
How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
Cooked dumplings will be firm yet tender and will float slightly in the broth. The edges won’t be doughy when pinched, and they should feel light when bitten.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe captures the essence of home cooking with its simple ingredients and satisfying flavors. It’s a dish that warms both the heart and the belly, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. So grab your pot and get ready to enjoy a bowlful of comfort—you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines tender cooked chicken with a savory broth and soft, homemade dumplings. A comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or chilly days, using simple pantry staples and straightforward preparation.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth
- 4 cups cooked chicken or turkey, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans chicken broth
- 3 cans of water (use the empty soup can to measure)
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- ¼ cup shortening
- ¾ cup boiling water (add gradually as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: Place the chopped chicken, celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water into a large soup pot. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce the heat to simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
- Mix the Dumpling Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the self-rising flour. Cut in the shortening using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Boiling Water: Gradually pour in the boiling water, starting with about half a cup and adding more as needed, until the dough forms into a ball.
- Roll and Cut Dumplings: Dust a clean surface with flour, roll the dough out to about â…›-inch thickness, and cut it into strips and squares.
- Add Dumplings to Broth: Remove the lid from the pot of boiling broth. Add the dumpling squares one at a time, quickly covering the pot each time to keep the temperature steady. Let them cook for about 30 seconds between each addition.
- Simmer Dumplings: Once all dumplings are added, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Alternative Drop Dumplings: For soft, fluffy drop dumplings, skip rolling the dough. Simply pinch off small, uniform pieces and drop them directly into the boiling broth. Simmer as directed until cooked through.
- Serve: Ladle the hearty chicken and dumplings into bowls and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken or turkey to reduce cooking time.
- Self-rising flour already contains leavening agents, so no additional baking powder is needed.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to your taste—consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
- For a thicker broth, cook uncovered for a few minutes longer to reduce the liquid.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
