Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Introduction
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting classic that combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a warm, hearty stew. Perfect for cozy evenings, this dish offers a delicious balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (about 3-4 cups)
- 8 cups water
- 4 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 carrots, cut in half lengthwise and diced (2 ½ to 3 cups)
- 4 celery stalks, diced (2 ½ to 3 cups)
- 2 small yellow onions, finely diced (1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups Bisquick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- ⅔ cup milk
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the water and Better Than Bouillon chicken to make broth. Heat in the microwave for 3 minutes, then stir well and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large stockpot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the carrots, celery, and onions. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the onions from burning.
- Step 3: Stir in the flour to coat the vegetables. Slowly add the prepared chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 4: Add the shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir well, then reduce heat to low and let simmer.
- Step 5: To make the dumplings, mix the bisquick with salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasonings in a bowl.
- Step 6: Drizzle the milk into the bisquick mixture and gently stir until just combined. The batter should be thick and paste-like; avoid overmixing. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 7: Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon scoop, gently drop dumpling batter into the simmering pot, leaving space between each dumpling to allow for expansion.
- Step 8: Cover the pot and cook the dumplings on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Step 9: Carefully turn each dumpling over without breaking them and continue cooking uncovered for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 10: Remove from heat and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of bouillon and water.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to brighten the taste.
- Make the dumplings smaller or larger depending on your preference, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a creamier stew, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. The dumplings may thicken the stew as they sit, so add a little broth or water if needed when reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just be sure to fully cook and shred the chicken before adding it to the stew.
What can I substitute for Bisquick in the dumplings?
You can make your own biscuit mix or use self-rising flour combined with some baking powder and salt, but the texture may vary slightly.
PrintHearty Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Classic Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender shredded chicken simmered with fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth, topped with soft, fluffy dumplings made from a seasoned bisquick mixture. Perfect for cozy dinners, this recipe combines simple ingredients with time-honored cooking techniques to deliver warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Broth
- 8 cups water
- 4 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken
Chicken and Vegetable Base
- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (about 3–4 cups)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 carrots, cut in half lengthwise and diced (2 ½ to 3 cups)
- 4 celery stalks, diced (2 ½ to 3 cups)
- 2 small yellow onions, diced finely (1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Dumplings
- 2 cups bisquick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- ⅔ cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Broth: In a large bowl, combine 8 cups of water with 4 tablespoons of Better Than Bouillon Chicken. Microwave for 3 minutes, then stir well and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large stock pot over medium heat, add 4 tablespoons of salted butter, diced carrots, celery, and finely diced onions. Stir to combine and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the onions from burning.
- Make Roux and Add Broth: Sprinkle ½ cup of flour into the pot with vegetables and stir to combine. Slowly add the prepared chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded chicken along with 1 teaspoon each of Italian seasonings, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix well, reduce heat to low, and let simmer while preparing the dumplings.
- Make Dumpling Batter: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups bisquick with 1 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasonings. Drizzle ⅔ cup milk into the dry mix and gently stir until just combined into a thick, paste-like batter. Avoid overmixing. Let the batter rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Drop Dumplings into Soup: Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, gently drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering chicken and vegetable mixture, spacing them apart as they will expand.
- Cook Dumplings Covered: Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Turn Dumplings and Continue Cooking: Carefully flip each dumpling to the other side without breaking them. Continue cooking uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat and serve the chicken and dumplings hot for a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the dumpling batter to keep them tender.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized dumplings for uniform cooking.
- Allow dumplings enough space to expand while cooking to avoid sticking together.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before adding dumplings if desired.
Keywords: chicken and dumplings, chicken soup, comfort food, homemade dumplings, one pot meal, hearty soup

