The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

why make this recipe

This recipe is easy, fast, and warm. It uses a rotisserie chicken and simple pantry items. You get a full, comforting meal with little work. It is great for busy weeknights and for feeding family.

introduction

This easy chicken and dumplings recipe cooks in one pot and tastes like homemade comfort food. It uses shredded rotisserie chicken and a simple dumpling dough. If you want another easy chicken dinner idea, try the best smothered chicken and rice recipe for a different comfort meal.

how to make The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Heat oil or butter in a large pot. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft. Add garlic and thyme, then pour in chicken broth. Add shredded chicken and simmer so flavors blend. Make dumpling dough with flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. Cover and let dumplings cook without lifting the lid. Finish by thickening the broth if you like it creamier. Serve hot.

Ingredients :

• 1 rotisserie chicken (shredded (or 2 cups cooked chicken))
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 tablespoons butter (melted)

Directions :

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined; the dough should be slightly sticky.
8. Using a spoon, drop small mounds of dough into the simmering broth, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.
10. To make the broth creamier, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of flour with ¼ cup of water and stirring it into the broth.
11. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the broth thickens.
12. Serve the chicken and dumplings in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley.
13. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
14. Reheat leftovers gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

how to serve The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Serve in deep bowls so the broth and dumplings stay warm. Add chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. Offer crusty bread or a green salad on the side. Serve with extra black pepper if wanted.

how to store The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Cool the dish to room temperature for no more than two hours. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat slowly on the stove and add a little broth if it gets too thick.

tips to make The Easiest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
• Do not lift the lid while dumplings cook. Steam helps them rise.
• Space dumplings so they do not stick together.
• If dough is too wet, add a little more flour. If too dry, add a splash of milk.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
• For richer flavor, use low-sodium broth and add salt to taste.

variation (if any)

• Make it creamy by adding ½ cup heavy cream at the end.
• Add frozen peas in the last 5 minutes for color and sweetness.
• Use herbs like rosemary or parsley instead of thyme.
• Make smaller dumplings for more pieces per pot.
• Use chicken thighs instead of rotisserie chicken for more body.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dumplings ahead?
A: No. Dumplings are best cooked fresh in the hot broth. They get soggy if stored.

Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Any cooked, shredded chicken works fine. Use about 2 cups.

Q: How do I keep dumplings from getting dense?
A: Do not overmix the dough. Drop them with a spoon and keep the lid on while they cook.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: You can try a gluten-free flour blend, but texture may change. Test a small batch first.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers with dumplings?
A: You can freeze, but dumplings may become softer after thawing. For best texture, freeze broth and chicken separately.

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