Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Rate this post

Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that many people love. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for a cozy dinner. This easy chicken and dumplings recipe makes it simple to whip up this delicious dish at home. With tender chicken, hearty dumplings, and rich broth, it’s sure to warm your heart and tummy!

Delicious plate of easy chicken and dumplings ready to serve

Why Make This Recipe

Making easy chicken and dumplings is a great way to turn leftover chicken or turkey into a tasty meal. It’s quick to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, this dish captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food, bringing back fond memories of family dinners.

How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings


Ingredients:

  • 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)
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 3/4 cup boiling water (add gradually as needed)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Make the chicken broth by placing the chopped chicken, celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water into a large soup pot.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and let it simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
  3. In a large bowl, add the self-rising flour. Cut in the shortening with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Gradually pour in the boiling water—start with about half a cup and add more as needed—until the dough forms a ball.
  5. Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut it into strips, then into squares.
  6. Remove the lid from the boiling broth. Add dumpling squares a few at a time, quickly replacing the lid after each addition to keep the temperature steady. Let cook about 30 seconds between each addition.
  7. After all dumplings are added, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Optional – Drop Dumplings: If preferred, skip rolling the dough. Pinch off small uniform pieces and drop them directly into the boiling broth. Simmer as directed until cooked through. Serve ladled into bowls and enjoy warm.

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Serve your chicken and dumplings warm in bowls. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra touch. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread!

How to Store Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings

  • Use leftover chicken or turkey for a quicker prep.
  • Don’t skip the simmering step; it helps the flavors meld together.
  • If you like a thicker broth, let it simmer a little longer before adding the dumplings.

Variation

You can add vegetables like carrots or peas to your chicken and dumplings for extra nutrition and flavor. Feel free to replace chicken with turkey or any other preferred protein.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup.

Q: Are there gluten-free options for the dumplings?
A: Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dumplings.

Q: How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?
A: The dumplings will expand and become fluffy when they’re fully cooked. They should also feel firm to the touch and not doughy inside.

Enjoy making this easy chicken and dumplings and share the warmth with your family and friends!

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

A classic comfort food recipe featuring tender chicken and hearty dumplings in a rich broth, perfect for cozy dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the broth

  • 4 cups cooked chicken or turkey, chopped Use leftover chicken or turkey for a quicker prep.
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
  • 2 cans chicken broth (10.5 oz each)
  • 3 cans 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.
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Make the chicken broth by placing the chopped chicken, celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water into a large soup pot.
  • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and let it simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
  • In a large bowl, add the self-rising flour. Cut in the shortening with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Gradually pour in the boiling water—start with about half a cup and add more as needed—until the dough forms a ball.
  • Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut it into strips, then into squares.

Cooking

  • Remove the lid from the boiling broth. Add dumpling squares a few at a time, quickly replacing the lid after each addition to keep the temperature steady. Let cook about 30 seconds between each addition.
  • After all dumplings are added, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

  • Serve your chicken and dumplings warm in bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Notes

Use leftover chicken or turkey for a quicker prep. Don’t skip the simmering step; it helps the flavors meld together. For a thicker broth, let it simmer longer before adding dumplings.
Keyword Chicken and Dumplings, Comfort Food, Cozy Dinner, Easy Recipe, Leftover Chicken