Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you are looking for a comforting, heartwarming meal that feels like a big hug from the inside, Easy Chicken and Dumplings is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines tender chunks of chicken, flavorful broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. It’s the perfect blend of creamy and savory, making it an unbeatable recipe for cold evenings or anytime you crave a taste of home. With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, Easy Chicken and Dumplings is a classic that anyone can master and share with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and you won’t believe how simple they are to gather. From the hearty chicken to the delicate dumplings, every element is essential to achieving that authentic, cozy taste.

• 4 cups Cooked chicken or turkey: Provides tender, savory protein as the heart of the stew.
• 1 cup Chopped celery: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness that brightens the rich broth.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup: Brings a creamy texture that makes the broth luscious and smooth.
• 2 cans (10.5 oz) Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful, savory base for the stew.
• 3 cans Water (use empty soup can): Dilutes the broth perfectly while maintaining delicious taste.
• 2 cups Self-rising flour: The secret to light and fluffy dumplings that soak up all that goodness.
• 1/4 cup Shortening: Makes the dumplings tender and helps create a tender crumbly dough.
• 3/4 cup Boiling water: Gently combines the dough ingredients while keeping dumplings soft.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor in the pot.

How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Hearty Broth

Start by adding your cooked chicken or turkey, celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and measured water into a large soup pot. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors evenly, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and let it gently simmer — this slow simmering melds all the hearty flavors together to create that deep, comforting base you’ll love.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the broth simmers, it’s time to whip up the dumpling dough. In a large bowl, measure out the self-rising flour and add in the shortening. Use a fork or a pastry blender to cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, gradually pour in the boiling water, starting with about half a cup, mixing as you go. Keep adding water until your dough forms a soft, cohesive ball that’s easy to handle—this ensures tender, fluffy dumplings every time.

Step 3: Shape the Dumplings

Lightly flour your countertop before turning out the dough. Roll it gently to about 1/8 inch thickness—thin enough to cook through quickly but sturdy enough to hold their shape. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips, then cut those strips into small squares about 1 to 2 inches in size. These bite-sized dumplings will cook quickly and absorb all the delicious flavors from the soup.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings in the Broth

Remove the lid from your simmering stew and, working swiftly, drop a handful of dumpling pieces into the bubbling broth. Replace the lid quickly to keep the heat in and let the dumplings simmer for about 30 seconds before adding more to avoid crowding. Once all dumplings have been added, reduce the heat to low and allow everything to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Remember to stir gently every few minutes so the dumplings don’t stick to the pot and cook evenly.

Step 5: Season and Final Touches

Give your stew a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can skip the rolling and cutting and instead pinch off small bits of dough to drop directly into the broth for a classic drop-dumpling approach. Either way, your Easy Chicken and Dumplings will turn out warm, comforting, and irresistibly delicious.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the hot Easy Chicken and Dumplings into bowls, making sure to scoop up plenty of those fluffy dumplings and tender chicken pieces. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, hearty goodness that makes this dish a family favorite year after year.

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or scallions adds a pop of vibrant green and fresh flavor that brightens the bowl and complements the rich broth beautifully. For a touch of indulgence, a little cracked black pepper and a pat of butter melting on top can elevate the experience even more, creating a visually appealing and tasty garnish.

Side Dishes

Though the Easy Chicken and Dumplings is a hearty one-pot meal, it pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that add texture and contrast. For a more indulgent touch, buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up every last delicious drop.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this at a dinner party or want to impress family on a cozy night, consider serving your Easy Chicken and Dumplings in individual rustic bowls topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You can also offer small ramekins of extra pepper, hot sauce, or grated cheese on the side for guests to customize their bowls just how they like. Presentation is all about making that homey dish feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Chicken and Dumplings reheats beautifully, making it a perfect dish for leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days. The dumplings may thicken the broth upon standing, but a gentle rewarming with a splash of broth or water will refresh the consistency.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze leftover stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It’s best to freeze the stew without the dumplings and add fresh ones when reheating to keep them light and fluffy. Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal flavor. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your Easy Chicken and Dumplings slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew is too thick, add a little warm chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dumplings tough. Reheating gently preserves that tender texture and rich flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?

Absolutely! If you prefer to cook the chicken in the stew, simply use raw pieces and allow extra simmering time until the chicken is cooked through before adding the dumplings. This method will still yield delicious results, though using cooked chicken speeds up the process.

What if I don’t have self-rising flour?

No worries! 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. This homemade mix works perfectly for light dumplings in this recipe.

Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?

Yes, but you’ll need a gluten-free self-rising flour blend to replace the regular flour. Keep in mind that textures may vary slightly, but the dish will still be wonderfully comforting and tasty.

Is there a vegetarian version of Easy Chicken and Dumplings?

You can create a delicious vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and substituting cooked mushrooms or tofu for the chicken. This will give you a savory stew that’s just as satisfying with fluffy dumplings.

How thick should the dumplings be rolled out?

Rolling the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness is ideal—it ensures the dumplings cook through quickly without being doughy or dense. Thin dumplings soak up the broth perfectly while remaining tender.

Final Thoughts

Easy Chicken and Dumplings is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, inviting you to slow down and savor every bite. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a kitchen treasure you’ll return to again and again. Go ahead and try this recipe—you deserve a bowl of pure comfort and joy!

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