Chicken and dumplings is that kinda meal your mom or grandma used to make on chilly nights. The chicken turns out soft and the dumplings stay all fluffy in a tasty broth that just warms you up. A lot of old recipes take forever, but this quicker way lets even the busiest families eat homemade chicken and dumplings without all the fuss.
What makes this easier is using biscuits as dumplings. Biscuits cut out a bunch of steps and still give you a flaky outside with a soft inside that soaks up every bit of flavor from the broth. You can grab ready-made biscuit dough or mix up a simple batch yourself and save loads of time.
You dont have to be a cooking pro, this recipe works for beginners or anyone who just wants a warm meal fast. It’s great for weeknight dinners, family nights, or when you’re craving something comfy. Easy chicken and dumplings with biscuits is gonna become your go-to.
What Are Chicken and Dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings is a simple but filling dish lots of people love. It started back when folks needed to cook everything in one pot with what they had. Basically its chicken soup with soft dough pieces that cook right in the broth. Over time, each region gave it their own flavor so you’ll find creamy versions, veggie-loaded ones, and more.
In Southern cooking it’s a big deal, often made for family gatherings and holidays. Every family seems to guard their special recipe and pass it down. It’s not just about eating; it’s the feeling you get sitting around the table together.
Today there are faster methods that still taste homemade. Whether you’re new to cooking or you do it every day, chicken and dumplings stays a cozy one-pot meal anyone can make.
Why Choose Biscuits for Dumplings?
Picking biscuits for your dumplings really changes the feel of the dish. Instead of wrestling with flour dough and careful measuring you just drop in pieces of biscuit and you good to go. It makes the cooking so much easier and it still soaks up all that yummy broth.
Biscuits give you flaky layers and a buttery taste that works perfect with the chicken. You can use store bought dough or if you want you can mix your own and even throw in some cheese or herbs for extra flavor. Either way you get a little crisp on the outside and soft inside.
Since biscuits dont take long to mix or cook, this recipe is great for nights when youre in a rush. Just mix the dough, drop it in, and boom you have a warm meal ready in no time.
Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken Selection
Picking the right chicken matters for flavor. You can cook a whole chicken for richer broth or shred a rotisserie chicken if youre short on time. Organic or free-range chickens will give you a bit better taste.
Vegetables
Veggies add color and nutrition. Try:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onions
- Peas
Spices and Seasonings
Herbs and spices make the broth pop. Dont forget:
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
Biscuit Ingredients
For homemade biscuits, youll need:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Milk
Detailed Recipe for Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits
Ingredients List
Before you start, get these ready:
- For the chicken and veggie base:
- 1 whole chicken or pre-cooked chicken, shredded
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, diced
- Onions, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the biscuit topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup milk
Directions
- Prepare the chicken and broth: In a large pot, put chicken and broth. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer till chicken is cooked through.
- Sauté vegetables: Take chicken out and shred it. In the same pot, add carrots, celery, and onions. Cook till they get soft.
- Combine chicken, veggies, and broth: Put shredded chicken back in, season with salt and pepper, and stir everything together.
- Make and drop biscuit dough: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter till crumbs form. Stir in milk just till it comes together. Drop spoonfuls onto the simmering mix.
- Cook until biscuits rise and chicken is tender: Cover pot and let it cook for 15–20 minutes or till biscuits are fluffy and done.
- Final touches and serving suggestions: Serve hot, maybe with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, and enjoy your cozy meal!
Cooking Tips & Variations
To get the best chicken and dumplings, try these tips:
- For perfect chicken: Use white and dark meat mix for more flavor.
- For tender biscuits: Don’t overmix the dough or biscuits get tough.
- Variations: Swap chicken for turkey or beef, or make a veggie version with beans or lentils. For a creamy twist, try the chicken pot pie soup for even more comfort.
- Diet needs: Use gluten-free flour or dairy-free milk if needed.
Serving Suggestions
To go with your chicken and dumplings, try:
- Warm cornbread with butter
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed veggies for extra nutrients
For drinks, sweet tea is a classic Southern pick, or a chilled white wine if you want something fancy.
Nutritional Information
This dish has protein, fiber, and good stuff from veggies. On average, one serving has:
- Calories: About 400–500
- Fat: 15–20 g
- Protein: 25–30 g
- Carbs: 40–45 g
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just cook it longer till it’s done, then shred.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to three days.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Sure! Put everything in on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add biscuits in the last hour.
How do I reheat it?
Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring now and then. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
Conclusion
Now you’re ready to make this easy chicken and dumplings with biscuits. Roll up your sleeves and get cooking. The simple steps and cozy taste will make it a hit at your table. Feel free to share how it went or any twists you tried in the comments below!
easy chicken and dumplings with biscuits
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 stirring spoon
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used for easier preparation.
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables Carrots, peas, corn.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste none salt
- to taste none pepper
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated biscuit dough
- optional none fresh parsley For garnish.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, chicken broth, mixed vegetables, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- While the pot is simmering, preheat your oven according to the biscuit package instructions.
- Open the can of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters and drop them carefully into the simmering chicken mixture.
- Once all the biscuit pieces are in, cover the pot and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes without lifting the lid. This will allow the dumplings to steam and cook through.
- After 10 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness; they should be fluffy and cooked through. If they need a little more time, cover and simmer for a few more minutes.
- If you need to, place the uncovered pot in the oven (according to biscuit package instructions) to achieve a golden-brown top for about 5-10 minutes.
- Once done, serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
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