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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
