Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Comforting: A warm, rich broth with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 1 hour with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Customizable: Make drop dumplings for a softer texture or roll the dough for a more traditional bite.
Low Calorie: A lighter take on classic chicken and dumplings that still delivers on flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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)
2 cups self-rising flour
¼ cup shortening
¾ cup boiling water (add gradually as needed)

Directions

Make the Chicken Broth:

Place the chopped chicken, celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water into a large soup pot. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer while you prepare the dumplings.

Prepare the Dumplings:

In a large mixing bowl, add the self-rising flour. Cut in the shortening using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually pour in the boiling water—start with about half a cup and add more as needed—just until the dough forms into a ball.
Dust a clean surface with flour, roll the dough out to about ⅛-inch thickness, and cut it into strips and squares.

Cook the Dumplings:

Remove the lid from the pot of boiling broth. Add the dumpling squares one at a time, quickly covering the pot each time to keep the temperature steady. Let them cook for about 30 seconds between each addition.
Once all the dumplings are added, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Optional – For Drop Dumplings:

If you prefer soft, fluffy drop dumplings, skip rolling the dough. Simply pinch off small, uniform pieces and drop them directly into the boiling broth. Simmer as directed until cooked through.

Serve:

Ladle the hearty chicken and dumplings into bowls and enjoy warm. Perfect comfort food for any day!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Thicker Broth: Add more cream of chicken soup or a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the broth to your liking.
Extra Flavor: Feel free to add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or thyme for an added depth of flavor.
Vegetable Add-ins: Add carrots, peas, or any vegetables of your choice to make the dish even heartier.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if needed to restore the soup’s consistency.
Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and dumplings for up to 3 months. Freeze the broth and dumplings separately for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the broth for a little heat.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, frozen peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables work great and save time.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

While it’s best to cook the dumplings fresh, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with a healthier option?

You can use low-fat or fat-free cream of chicken soup or even substitute with a homemade cream sauce.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal. With tender chicken, soft dumplings, and a rich broth, it’s a simple yet delicious dish that everyone will love. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner or prepare it ahead for meal prep, it’s sure to become a favorite!