Description
This easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines tender cooked chicken with a creamy broth and homemade dumplings. Simmered to perfection on the stovetop, this comforting dish is perfect for a family meal that’s warm, hearty, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 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)
Dumplings
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- ¼ cup shortening
- ¾ cup boiling water (add gradually as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the 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.
- Make the dumpling dough: 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.
- Add boiling water: Gradually pour in the boiling water—starting with about half a cup—and add more as needed just until the dough forms into a ball.
- Roll and cut dumplings: Dust a clean surface with flour, roll the dough out to about â…›-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.
- Simmer: 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.
- Alternate dumpling method: For 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.
Notes
- Using self-rising flour makes the dumplings light and fluffy without needing additional leavening agents.
- Adjust the amount of boiling water carefully to achieve the right dough consistency—sticky dough may cause dumplings to fall apart.
- Adding the dumplings one at a time helps maintain the broth temperature and ensures even cooking.
- Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste at the end; the soup base and broth already carry a mild seasoning.
- You can substitute turkey for chicken if preferred.
- This recipe can be made ahead; store the soup and dumplings separately and combine when reheating.
