Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Frozen Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

This easy chicken and dumplings recipe uses frozen dumplings for a quick and comforting meal. Tender chicken and flavorful broth come together in a simple one-pot dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 ribs celery, broken in half
• 1/2 onion (as a chunk, not sliced or chopped)
• 12 oz frozen dumplings (such as Reames brand)
• 2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
• Optional: 1-2 cups water (or additional broth), as needed
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken broth, celery, and onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Remove the celery and onion pieces and discard them.
3. Step 3: With the liquid still simmering, add the frozen dumplings to the pot. Stir gently, then increase heat to bring the mixture back to a boil.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer partially covered for about 20 minutes. Stir the dumplings often to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: If too much liquid evaporates and the dumplings begin to stick, add 1/2 cup of water or additional broth as needed. You can add up to 1 to 2 cups total to thin the liquid.
6. Step 6: Once the dumplings are tender, add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot and stir. Let simmer for about 5 minutes to heat through.
7. Step 7: To thicken the broth to a gravy-like consistency, whisk together cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Stir the slurry into the simmering broth and cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
8. Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
• Add cooked carrots or peas during the last 10 minutes for extra vegetables.
• For a richer broth, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth.
• If you prefer a thinner broth, skip the cornstarch slurry and serve as is.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the broth thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a little water or broth to loosen it before warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh dumplings instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh dumplings can be used, but cooking times may vary. Follow the package instructions for fresh dumplings and adjust simmering time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Consider adding extra vegetables and plant-based protein like tofu for more substance.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Frozen Dumplings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 125 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe uses frozen dumplings for a quick, comforting meal. Tender chicken simmers in flavorful broth with celery and onion, creating a classic Southern-style dish thickened to a perfect gravy consistency. It’s a simple one-pot recipe ideal for cozy family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Broth and Vegetables

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 ribs celery, broken in half
• 1/2 onion (chunk, not sliced or chopped)

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz frozen dumplings (such as Reames brand)
• 2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken

Thickening and Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional

• 1–2 cups water or additional broth, as needed

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Instructions

1. Prepare broth: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken broth, celery ribs, and onion chunk. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the broth with flavor.
2. Remove vegetables: Take out the celery and onion pieces from the pot and discard them, leaving a clear broth base for the dumplings and chicken.
3. Add frozen dumplings: With the broth still simmering, add the frozen dumplings to the pot. Stir gently to distribute the dumplings evenly, then increase the heat to bring the mixture back to a boil.
4. Simmer dumplings: Lower the heat to medium-low and partially cover the pot. Let the dumplings simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Adjust liquid if needed: If the liquid reduces too much and the dumplings begin to stick, gradually add 1/2 cup increments of water or additional broth, up to 1 to 2 cups, to maintain a good consistency.
6. Add chicken: Once the dumplings are tender, stir in the shredded or chopped cooked chicken. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to heat through completely.
7. Thicken the broth: To achieve a gravy-like consistency, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering broth and cook for a few more minutes until the liquid thickens.
8. Season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste, remove the pot from heat, and serve the chicken and dumplings hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Using frozen dumplings speeds up cooking and ensures consistent texture.
• Simmering partially covered prevents excessive evaporation while avoiding condensation dripping.
• You can adjust the thickness by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry added.
• Leftover chicken and dumplings can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
• For added flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley during the broth simmering step.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Southern

Keywords: Chicken and dumplings, frozen dumplings, comfort food, one-pot meal, easy dinner, classic Southern recipe