Why You’ll Love this Homemade Chicken Dumpling
When comfort food calls your name, nothing quite answers like this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe. I’m talking about tender chicken pieces swimming in rich, savory gravy with fluffy, cloud-like dumplings that soak up all that goodness. Can you imagine a more perfect meal on a chilly evening?
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. With Bisquick dumplings and frozen vegetables, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes. The secret? Don’t stir those dumplings while they cook, or you’ll end up with a gummy mess.
What Ingredients are in Homemade Chicken Dumpling?
For this comforting classic, you’ll need a combination of simple, hearty ingredients that come together to create something truly special. The beauty of chicken and dumplings lies in transforming basic pantry staples into a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, when really it’s quite straightforward.
The ingredients fall into two main categories: the savory chicken base and the fluffy dumplings that crown the dish.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1¾ cups water
- 1 cup milk (for the chicken mixture)
- 1 envelope (7/8 ounce) chicken gravy mix
- ¾ teaspoon marjoram or rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 bag (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower)
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- ⅔ cup milk (for the dumplings)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters but don’t overthink it. Frozen vegetables work perfectly here and save precious prep time.
You could substitute fresh vegetables if you prefer, but honestly, who’s time for all that chopping? The Bisquick is non-negotiable for those perfectly fluffy dumplings, though some cooks might be tempted to make dumpling dough from scratch.
And while the recipe calls for chicken breast, thighs would work beautifully too—they tend to stay more tender during cooking. Just remember, the simplicity of these ingredients is what makes this dish so approachable for weeknight cooking.
How to Make this Homemade Chicken Dumpling
Making chicken and dumplings is surprisingly straightforward, even for those of us who typically burn toast. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add your 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast pieces and cook until they turn a lovely golden brown, giving them a stir frequently to guarantee even cooking.
Don’t we all love that sizzle when the chicken hits the hot pan?
Once your chicken is beautifully browned, it’s time to create that savory base. Pour in 1¾ cups water and 1 cup milk, then sprinkle in the chicken gravy mix (still in its dry form), ¾ teaspoon marjoram or rosemary (dealer’s choice!), and ½ teaspoon salt. Toss in the 16-ounce bag of frozen veggies and bring this colorful mixture to a boil over high heat.
When it starts bubbling away, reduce the heat until it’s just gently boiling. While your chicken mixture simmers, quickly whip up your dumpling batter by combining 2 cups of Bisquick with ⅔ cup milk until it forms a soft dough.
Now comes the fun part—adding the dumplings! Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture right on top of your simmering chicken concoction. Here’s the counterintuitive part that trips up many first-timers: resist the urge to stir!
Cook those dumplings uncovered for 10 minutes, then cover and cook for 10 minutes more. The hands-off approach might feel strange, but trust me, stirring will give you doughy, dense dumplings instead of the fluffy clouds we’re aiming for.
The steam works its magic under that lid, transforming simple ingredients into comfort food perfection. For even faster meal prep, consider using a kitchen food processor to quickly chop your vegetables and shred chicken. Before you know it, you’ll be ladling up bowls of steaming chicken and dumplings that would make any grandmother proud.
Homemade Chicken Dumpling Substitutions and Variations
Several delicious variations can transform this chicken dumpling recipe into an entirely new dish with just a few simple swaps. I’m a firm believer in making recipes your own.
For a heartier version, try adding diced potatoes or corn to the vegetable mix. Don’t have Bisquick? Make your own with flour, baking powder, salt, and cold butter.
Herbs can completely change the flavor profile—swap marjoram for thyme, dill, or even curry powder. For creamier dumplings, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
Vegetarians might enjoy substituting mushrooms and vegetable broth for the chicken components. The possibilities are endless, really.
What to Serve with Homemade Chicken Dumpling
When you’ve got a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings in front of you, what else should grace your table?
I’m a firm believer that classic comfort foods deserve equally comforting companions.
The recipe itself suggests some perfect pairings: cheese grits (a Southern staple), applesauce, or fried apples for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory dumplings.
And let’s not forget sweet tea—practically mandatory for a proper Southern meal.
I’d also suggest a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some cornbread for sopping up that delicious gravy.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with this chicken dumpling recipe, I’m convinced it deserves a place in your regular meal rotation. The combination of tender chicken, savory gravy, and fluffy dumplings creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
That tip about not stirring the dumplings? Absolute gold for avoiding the dreaded doughy texture.
What I love most is how versatile it is—pair it with cheese grits, applesauce, or sweet tea for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug.
Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and delicious results. Isn’t that what home cooking is all about?
