Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Frozen Dumplings Recipe
A comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring tender shredded chicken and frozen dumplings simmered in a flavorful chicken broth, thickened to a rich gravy-like consistency. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Broth and Vegetables
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 ribs celery, broken in half
- 1/2 onion (as a chunk, not sliced or chopped)
Dumplings and Chicken
- 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 the broth: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine 6 cups of chicken broth, 2 ribs of celery broken in half, and a 1/2 chunk of onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the broth with the vegetable flavors.
- Remove vegetables: After simmering, remove and discard the celery and onion pieces from the pot to leave a clear broth base for the dumplings.
- Add frozen dumplings: With the liquid still simmering, gently add the 12 oz of frozen dumplings to the pot. Stir carefully to distribute them evenly, then increase the heat to bring the mixture back to a full boil.
- Simmer the dumplings: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot partially, and let the dumplings simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Stir the dumplings frequently to prevent sticking at the bottom.
- Adjust liquid if needed: If too much liquid evaporates and the dumplings start sticking, slowly add 1/2 cup water or broth at a time, up to 1 to 2 cups total, to keep a nice, loose consistency.
- Add chicken: Once the dumplings are tender, stir in 2 cups of shredded or chopped cooked chicken. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.
- Thicken the broth: To achieve a gravy-like consistency, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering broth and cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
- Season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste, remove the pot from heat, and serve the warm chicken and dumplings immediately.
Notes
- Using pre-cooked chicken speeds up preparation and enhances flavor.
- Frozen dumplings do not require thawing before adding to the pot.
- Stir dumplings often to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust thickness by adding more or less cornstarch slurry depending on desired gravy consistency.
- Optional: add fresh herbs like parsley for garnish and extra flavor.
Keywords: chicken and dumplings, frozen dumplings, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, stovetop soup
