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If you’ve been craving a comforting, soul-warming meal that feels like a cozy hug, then this Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Tender chunks of chicken swimming in a rich, creamy broth with pillowy homemade dumplings make every bite a delightful experience. With simple pantry staples and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want hearty food without a fuss. Get ready to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your table with pure comfort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a bowl full of comfort. Each component plays a key role—the chicken provides the hearty protein, celery adds a fresh crunch, and the dumplings bring that irresistible soft texture that makes this dish so special.
- 4 cups cooked chicken or turkey: Use pre-cooked meat to save time and keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Adds a mild, refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the broth.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Brings creamy thickness and deep chicken flavor to the broth.
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans chicken broth: Forms the flavorful, savory base of the stew.
- 3 cans of water (measured with empty soup can): Dilutes the broth to the perfect consistency, making it cozy and satisfying.
- 2 cups self-rising flour: The foundation of the dumplings, giving them their soft, fluffy texture.
- ¼ cup shortening: Adds richness and helps create tender, flaky dumplings.
- ¾ cup boiling water: Slowly incorporated to form the perfect dumpling dough without overworking it.
How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Build the Hearty Broth
Start by placing the cooked chicken, chopped celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and measured water into a large soup pot. Bring everything to a lively boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to let it simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings. This simmering process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully into a rich, savory base.
Step 2: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a large bowl, pour in the self-rising flour. Cut in the shortening using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this step is key to ensuring your dumplings turn out light and flaky.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Carefully pour in the boiling water a little at a time, starting with about half a cup, then adding more if needed. Stir gently until the dough just comes together in a ball. Avoid overmixing to keep your dumplings tender and soft.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dumplings
Lightly dust a clean surface with flour, then roll the dough out to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips and squares—these will become the irresistible little pillows that float atop your broth.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings in the Broth
Remove the lid from the simmering pot and drop the dumpling squares in one at a time, quickly placing the lid back each time to keep the temperature steady. Let each dumpling cook about 30 seconds before adding the next—this helps them cook evenly without sticking together.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
After all the dumplings are nestled in the pot, reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer uncovered for around 20 minutes. Give it an occasional stir to keep the dumplings from sticking. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking—this final touch brings all the flavors to life.
Step 7: Optional Drop Dumpling Variation
For a softer, fluffier dumpling, skip rolling and cutting. Instead, pinch off small, uniform pieces of dough and drop them directly into the boiling broth. Simmer until cooked through—this effortless method still delivers all the wonderful comfort you expect.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle this hearty Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe into bowls and enjoy it warm, sharing in that timeless feeling of home-cooked goodness.
How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper on top adds a burst of color and a fresh herby note. If you like a hint of brightness, a squeeze of lemon jewel can wake up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines spectacularly on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables balances the meal perfectly. A slice of warm, crusty bread is always a welcomed companion to mop up every last bit of that luscious broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving this cozy dish in individual mini cocottes or rustic bread bowls to elevate the presentation—perfect for a dinner party or special family meal. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of hot sauce can also add an exciting twist for those who love a bit of extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for easy weekday lunches or second servings.
Freezing
If you want to keep this comforting dish on hand longer, freeze it in a sturdy container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the dumplings’ tender texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking down the dumplings. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if the mixture thickens too much. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use raw chicken and cook it in the broth until tender before adding the dumplings. Just increase the simmering time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
No worries! You can make your own by combining 2 cups all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. This substitute works great for the dumplings.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, peas, or green beans can be wonderful additions, adding color and extra nutrition. Just be sure to add sturdy vegetables early and delicate ones later to avoid overcooking.
Is shortening necessary for the dumplings?
Shortening gives dumplings tenderness and helps them hold their shape, but you can substitute with butter for a richer flavor if you prefer.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Try using a gluten-free self-rising flour blend for the dumplings and be sure to use gluten-free broth and cream soup alternatives to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly heartwarming and delicious. Whether you’re serving it up for family or cozying up with a bowl on a chilly day, it never fails to satisfy. So grab your favorite pot, get cooking, and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
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Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines tender cooked chicken and aromatic celery in a creamy chicken broth base with soft, fluffy homemade dumplings. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal that serves six, this dish is simple to prepare using pantry staples and simmered gently on the stovetop to develop deep flavors.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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)
Dumplings
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- ¼ cup shortening
- ¾ cup boiling water (add gradually as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: Place the chopped cooked chicken, chopped celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and measured water into a large soup pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to let it simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
- Make 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 has a coarse crumb texture, similar to coarse meal.
- Add Boiling Water to Form Dough: Gradually pour in the boiling water, starting with about half a cup and adding more as needed until the dough forms a ball that is workable but not sticky.
- Shape Dumplings: Dust a clean work surface with flour and roll out the dough to approximately â…›-inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips and squares for dumplings.
- Add Dumplings to Broth: Remove the lid from the simmering pot. Add the dumpling pieces one at a time into the boiling broth, covering quickly after each addition to maintain temperature. Allow about 30 seconds between each addition for the dumplings to start cooking.
- Simmer Dumplings: After all dumplings are added, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Alternative Dumpling Method: For softer, fluffier drop dumplings, skip rolling and cutting. Instead, pinch off small, uniform pieces of dough and drop them directly into the boiling broth. Simmer as above until cooked through.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve warm for a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use cooked chicken breast, thighs, or leftover turkey for this recipe.
- Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt; avoid adding extra salt to the dumpling dough.
- Shortening can be substituted with cold butter if preferred, for a richer flavor.
- Keep lid covered between adding dumplings to keep broth boiling and to cook dumplings evenly.
- Simmer gently after adding dumplings to avoid breaking them apart.
- Adjust seasoning at the end since the cream of chicken soup and broth add saltiness.
- For gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free self-rising flour blend as a substitute.
