Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) Recipe

There’s something magical about a big pot of Chicken and Dumplings (Easy): the creamy broth, plump dumplings soaking up all that savor, and plenty of tender chicken in every bite. Cozy, filling, and completely unfussy, this dish brings together family and friends with the kind of warmth only true comfort food can deliver. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll love how approachable this recipe is — as well as how rewarding the results turn out. On those days when you crave a little extra coziness, Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) is the ultimate answer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item in this recipe was chosen for maximum comfort and just the right touch of flavor. Simple doesn’t mean boring — each ingredient has a role, coloring the broth, fluffing up the dumplings, or making the dish wonderfully creamy. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what’s in your pot.

• Rotisserie Chicken (or Cooked Chicken Breasts): Rotisserie chicken brings extra flavor and makes this dish a breeze, but you can also use cooked chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Water: This is the base of your broth — simple, but totally essential.
• Better Than Bouillon Chicken: Infuses the soup with deep, savory chicken flavor, and is easily adjustable to your taste.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté your veggies to golden-soft perfection.
• Carrots: Bright pops of color and gentle sweetness, classic in chicken soup.
• Celery Stalks: Brings that fresh, herbal crunch and depth to the broth.
• Yellow Onions: Sweet, aromatic, and a must for building flavor.
• All-purpose Flour: Thickens the soup, making the broth beautifully creamy.
• Milk: Rounds out the bouillon and flour, giving you that signature creamy soup.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herby notes that make every spoonful more delicious.
• Salt: Brightens the flavors and keeps everything balanced.
• Garlic Powder: Easy, mellow garlic flavor that weaves throughout the broth and dumplings.
• Onion Powder: Pairs with the fresh onions for truly savory depth.
• Bisquick Baking Mix: The shortcut that makes dumplings light, fluffy, and impossible to mess up.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings (Easy)

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by making a quick, deeply flavorful base for your soup. In a large bowl, combine the water and Better Than Bouillon. Heat it up in the microwave until it’s piping hot and stir well — you’ll notice the magical chicken aroma instantly. This savory broth gives your dish an instant head start and lets you adjust exactly how intense you want your chicken flavor to be.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large stock pot, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, and diced onions to the pot, stirring so everything gets glossy and starts to soften. You’ll want to cook these for about 10 minutes, stirring often — this step ensures your veggies get sweet and tender, not crunchy or burned. By the time you’re done, the kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour over your buttery veggies and stir it in to create a kind of roux. This ensures your broth will be thick and creamy instead of runny. Pour in the hot chicken broth, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and then turn the heat to low. At this point, add your shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and milk. Let it all simmer gently while you whip up your fluffy dumplings.

Step 4: Mix Up the Dumplings

In a separate bowl, add the Bisquick, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss to mix everything evenly. Pour in the milk and gently stir until just combined — don’t overmix! The goal is to have a slightly lumpy, thick batter that will puff up into dumplings. Let the mix rest for a couple minutes while the batter hydrates.

Step 5: Drop and Steam the Dumplings

Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, gently drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering soup, making sure to leave some space between them — they’ll plump up as they steam. Cover your pot tightly and let everything simmer for 15 minutes. The steam trapped under the lid is the secret to truly fluffy dumplings. Don’t peek until the timer’s up!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

After 15 minutes, carefully flip each dumpling over in the pot (very gently, so they don’t break apart) and let them cook another 2 to 3 minutes, uncovered. The dumplings will be tender, puffy, and ready to soak up even more flavor. Now, all that’s left is to ladle out that creamy, steaming goodness and dig in. That’s Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) — comfort in a bowl!

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings (Easy)

Garnishes

While this dish is wonderful all by itself, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or snipped chives just before serving livens up the presentation and adds a hint of herby brightness. If you love a little pop, try a few cracks of fresh black pepper or even a swirl of extra-virgin olive oil for richness.

Side Dishes

Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. A slice of soft, warm bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining broth, and classic Southern sides like green beans or coleslaw are always welcome at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) in wide soup bowls topped with extra dumplings, or in rustic mugs for a fun, cozy feel. For dinner parties, ladle the soup into small ramekins or cocottes for individual servings — it looks special with hardly any extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to a covered container. Stored in the fridge, Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The dumplings will continue to absorb broth as they sit, so the soup gets even thicker overnight — think of it as an extra hearty bonus!

Freezing

If you’re planning to freeze, the best approach is to store the soup and dumplings separately, as the dumplings can become a bit dense after thawing. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in airtight containers for up to 2 months, then whip up fresh dumplings when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent sticking. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or milk to loosen it. For the fluffiest dumplings after reheating, let them steam under a lid for a few minutes, just as you did during the initial cooking.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken thighs instead of rotisserie or breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer even more rich, savory flavor and shred beautifully into the creamy soup. Just be sure to remove the skin and bones before adding them to your pot.

Is it possible to make Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) gluten-free?

Yes — simply swap regular Bisquick and flour for their gluten-free counterparts. Always check your bouillon for hidden gluten, too; many brands now offer gluten-free versions.

Can I add more veggies or other ingredients to the soup?

Definitely. Feel free to toss in peas, corn, or even a handful of baby spinach in the last few minutes of simmering. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so make it work for your family’s tastes.

What’s the secret to making sure the dumplings are light and fluffy?

The trick is two-fold: don’t overmix the dumpling batter, and make sure you keep the pot covered while they steam. Peeking lets out the steam that fluffs up your dumplings, so trust the process and let them do their thing.

If my soup gets too thick, how do I fix it?

Just stir in a little additional chicken broth or milk until you reach your preferred consistency. Dumplings naturally thicken the broth as they cook, so a splash more liquid brings everything back to creamy perfection.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this cozy, soul-warming Chicken and Dumplings (Easy) — it’s everything a comforting meal should be: simple, generous, and bursting with old-fashioned flavor. Whether you’re new to making dumplings or have your own family traditions, this recipe is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a go, and let the pot’s happy aroma fill your kitchen!

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