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
Scale
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.
