Name: Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into pieces; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 2 Tablespoons butter; 3-4 medium red skin potatoes, diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced or thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 bay leaf; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 quart chicken stock; 8 ounces Jiffy buttermilk biscuit mix; 1/2 cup warm water; Parsley; 1 cup frozen green peas

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 22 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl of cozy comfort that’s quick enough for a weeknight and special enough for Sunday supper, you’re about to fall in love with Easy Chicken and Dumplings. Hearty chicken, tender veggies, and fluffy biscuit dumplings all come together in just 30 minutes and only one pot—leaving you more time to enjoy good food with your favorite people. This is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, bringing back memories of grandma’s kitchen while fitting right into your busy life.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Chicken and Dumplings is just how approachable the ingredient list is; each item plays an important role, adding its own flavor or texture to make this dish extra special. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!

Chicken breasts or tenders: These are quick-cooking and perfect for bite-sized pieces that soak up all the flavor.
Olive oil: A touch for sautéing gives a light, lovely base for your veggies and chicken.
Butter: Adds that signature richness and depth you expect from any great comfort food.
Red skin potatoes: Their creamy texture and pop of color make the stew extra hearty and inviting.
Carrots: Sweet and colorful, they bring both flavor and visual appeal.
Onion: The foundation of savory soups, onion provides delicious aromatic notes.
Bay leaf: Just one small leaf transforms the broth with subtle, earthy undertones.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: These basics highlight every other flavor and keep the dish perfectly seasoned.
Poultry seasoning: An easy, fuss-free way to infuse that classic, herby chicken taste.
All-purpose flour: Just a bit gives silky body to the broth and helps the sauce cling to everything wonderfully.
Chicken stock: This is where all the ingredients come together, forming a deliciously savory base.
Jiffy buttermilk biscuit mix: The secret shortcut to cloud-like, tender dumplings with zero kneading or fuss.
Warm water: It brings the dumpling mixture together for perfect spoonfuls every time.
Parsley: Fresh or dried, it adds a little lift and color to both the dumplings and final presentation.
Frozen green peas: Tossed in at the end, peas provide a sweet, fresh burst of flavor and a pretty pop of green.

How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by dicing your chicken into bite-size pieces, so each forkful fits perfectly on your spoon. A sprinkle of salt and pepper wakes up the flavors and ensures every piece is seasoned before it goes in. Set the seasoned chicken aside so it’s ready to toss in when the broth starts bubbling.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Aromatics

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Next, add the diced potatoes, carrots, onion, and bay leaf. This is when things start to smell amazing! Stir frequently for about 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften and the flavors begin to build. Sprinkle in a little more salt, pepper, and your poultry seasoning for that classic savory aroma.

Step 3: Add Flour for Thickening

Sprinkle the flour into the veggie mixture and stir. Let it cook for 2 minutes—just enough to banish the raw flour taste and help create a velvety, rich base that will thicken the stew later.

Step 4: Pour in the Stock and Cook the Chicken

Pour the chicken stock into your pot and crank the heat to bring it to a boil; this turns all your carefully sautéed bits into something deeply flavorful. Once it’s nice and hot, add in those prepared chicken pieces and stir. The chicken will poach gently, making it juicy and tender.

Step 5: Mix and Drop the Dumplings

In a separate bowl, mix up the biscuit mix, warm water, and parsley. Stir the mixture until it just comes together (don’t overdo it!). Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto the bubbling pot, spacing them out to give each dumpling room to puff up beautifully as they steam.

Step 6: Steam the Dumplings

Pop the lid on your pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything steam for 8 to 10 minutes—no peeking! The dumplings will soak in flavor and become irresistibly fluffy.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Take off the lid and give everything a gentle stir to break up the dumplings a bit and thicken the sauce further. Toss in the peas right at the end, letting the residual heat warm them through, then serve your Easy Chicken and Dumplings piping hot in big, happy bowls.

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and an herby lift—simple yet so satisfying. A twist of cracked black pepper can also bring a little sparkle to each serving. If you want even more freshness, a squeeze of lemon brightens up the whole bowl.

Side Dishes

You hardly need sides with Easy Chicken and Dumplings since it’s a whole meal in one, but a fresh green salad or some crisp steamed green beans can make your dinner table feel like a feast. For bread lovers, a slice of rustic sourdough is perfect for soaking up every last drop of broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, ladle your chicken and dumplings into oven-safe bowls, top with a sprinkle of cheese, and pop under the broiler for a minute or two until golden and bubbly. Or, serve in individual ramekins for a cozy, personal touch. Leftovers can even be layered into a casserole with extra veggies for the next day’s lunch surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Easy Chicken and Dumplings into an airtight container as soon as it’s cooled. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days—making cold weather lunches or speedy suppers an absolute treat.

Freezing

If you’d like to stash some away, freeze the cooled dumplings and stew together in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Just remember, the dumplings may soften a bit when thawed, but the flavor remains hearty and satisfying. They’ll keep for up to two months in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring occasionally until hot. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. The microwave works, too—just heat in one-minute bursts, stirring gently in between to keep the dumplings tender.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken makes Easy Chicken and Dumplings even quicker. Simply chop or shred the chicken, stir it in with the broth, and heat until it’s warmed through.

Can I make this gluten free?

You sure can. Substitute your favorite gluten-free biscuit mix for the dumplings and swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free thickener, such as cornstarch. The stew will still be creamy and comforting!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! While this recipe calls for classic carrots, potatoes, and peas, you can toss in celery, corn, or even mushrooms. Just chop everything to a similar size so they cook evenly.

How do I keep the dumplings from getting too dense?

The key is not to over-mix the dough and to let them steam gently with the lid on. If you stick to spoonfuls and avoid peeking, the dumplings come out perfectly fluffy each time.

What if I don’t have Jiffy mix?

No worries! You can make a quick biscuit dough using flour, baking powder, a dash of salt, and buttermilk (or milk and a splash of vinegar). The goal is a sticky dough that forms soft dumplings on top of your stew.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bowl of Easy Chicken and Dumplings—it’s comfort in every sense, and so much easier than you’d ever guess. If you’ve never made it before, you’re in for a treat. Give it a try the next time you want to share a little warmth and happiness with your loved ones!