Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

There’s something so incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in a warm hug, transporting you back to childhood kitchens and simpler times. Maybe it’s the creamy, savory broth, the tender chunks of chicken, or those fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. Whatever it is, it just feels like home. And the best part? You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to make this classic dish! I’m so excited to share this super easy chicken and dumplings recipe with you, because it’s ridiculously simple and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Easy Chicken and Dumplings

• Fast: Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal without the fuss.
• Easy: Seriously, if you can boil water, you can make this!
• Giftable: Make a big batch and share the cozy goodness with neighbors or friends who could use a little comfort.
• Crowd-pleasing: Picky eaters and seasoned foodies alike will adore this classic.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to deliciousness! Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Chicken and Broth:
  • 4 cups cooked chicken or turkey, chopped (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here!)
  • 1 cup chopped celery (adds a lovely subtle flavor and texture)
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (the secret to that super creamy broth!)
  • 2 (10.5 oz) cans chicken broth (use your favorite brand)
  • 3 cans water (just use an empty soup can to measure – easy peasy!)
• For the Dumplings:
  • 2 cups self-rising flour (this is key for fluffy dumplings!)
  • 1/4 cup shortening (or butter if you prefer, but shortening gives them that classic tenderness)
  • 3/4 cup boiling water, plus more as needed (be careful with this!)

How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at the results.

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

First things first, let’s get our flavorful broth base going. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine your chopped cooked chicken (or turkey!), the chopped celery, that can of cream of chicken soup, the chicken broth, and the water. Give it a good stir. Now, bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. This is where all those delicious flavors start to meld together while you get ready for the dumplings!

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

Time for the magic! In a medium-sized bowl, add your self-rising flour. Now, cut in the shortening. You can do this with a pastry blender or even just a fork. You want to work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. It’s a bit like making pie crust! Gradually add the boiling water. Start with about 1/2 cup and add more a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together into a soft ball. Don’t overmix it, we want tender dumplings!

Step 3: Shape the Dumplings

Now for the fun part: shaping! Lightly flour a clean countertop or a cutting board. Gently roll out your dumpling dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. It doesn’t need to be perfect – rustic is good! Then, cut the dough into strips, and then cut those strips into little squares. You can make them as big or as small as you like. I usually go for about 1-inch squares.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

Here’s where the real magic happens! Take the lid off your simmering broth. Now, carefully drop your little dumpling squares into the pot. It’s best to add them a few at a time. The trick is to replace the lid quickly after adding each batch. This helps trap the steam and cook the dumplings perfectly. Give them about 30 seconds between additions.

Step 5: Simmer

Once all your lovely dumplings are in the pot, reduce the heat to low. Let them simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. Give them a gentle stir every so often to make sure they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. This is also when you’ll want to season your chicken and dumplings with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust – that’s the best part of cooking!

Step 6: Serve

And there you have it! Ladle that wonderfully creamy, comforting chicken and dumplings into cozy bowls. Serve it up warm and watch everyone’s faces light up. This is truly a meal that nourishes the soul.

Substitutions & Additions

While this recipe is pretty perfect as is, feel free to play around! If you don’t have celery, you could skip it or add a pinch of dried celery flakes. Some people love to add a splash of milk or cream to the broth for extra richness, or a dash of herbs like parsley or thyme. For a little extra flavor, you could even add some sautéed onions or garlic to the broth before you start. And if you’re feeling adventurous, how about a side of my Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for dessert? Talk about a perfect meal!

Tips for Success

Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way to make your chicken and dumplings even better:

• Don’t Overwork the Dumpling Dough: Too much handling makes tough dumplings. Mix it just until it comes together.
• Keep the Lid On (Mostly): When adding dumplings, quickly cover to trap steam. Once simmering, leaving it uncovered helps the dumplings cook through.
• Adjust Consistency: If your broth seems too thick, you can always add a little more chicken broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer.
• Prep Ahead: You can cook the chicken and chop the celery the day before to save even more time on cooking day.

If you’re looking for more comforting dinner ideas, you might enjoy my Easy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole or perhaps something a bit lighter like this Quick Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon.

How to Store Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Leftovers? Lucky you! Let the chicken and dumplings cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. They should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems a little thick.

FAQs

• Can I use canned biscuits for dumplings? While this recipe uses homemade dumplings for the best texture, you can certainly use canned biscuit dough cut into small pieces in a pinch!
• Can I make this recipe with raw chicken? Yes, you can! If using raw chicken, place it in the pot with the broth ingredients and cook until done, then shred or chop it before proceeding with the dumpling step.
• What if I don’t have self-rising flour? You can make your own by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

I hope you love this easy chicken and dumplings recipe as much as I do! It’s such a simple way to bring warmth and comfort to your table.

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