Chicken and dumplings—the ultimate comfort food! This recipe elevates the classic dish by using store-bought biscuits for incredibly easy, fluffy dumplings. Forget the fuss of making dough from scratch; this method saves time without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to enjoy a hearty, soul-warming meal that's perfect for a chilly evening or any time you crave a comforting classic.
What Kind of Biscuits Work Best?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can use any brand of refrigerated biscuits you prefer. While some people prefer the flaky, buttery varieties, others find that a slightly denser biscuit holds its shape better in the broth. Ultimately, the choice is yours! Experiment to find your favorite. Even those slightly stale biscuits from the back of your fridge can work wonderfully, adding a bit of extra density to your dumplings.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds) – or use a rotisserie chicken for even faster prep!
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 tube (10-12 count) refrigerated biscuits
Instructions:
1. Making the Chicken and Broth:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chicken thighs, thyme, and rosemary. Season generously with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds. You can easily check doneness with a meat thermometer; it should register 165°F (74°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.
2. Creating the Fluffy Dumplings:
- While the chicken is simmering, preheat your oven according to the biscuit package instructions. This step is crucial for perfectly fluffy dumplings.
- Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, separate the biscuits. You can either leave them whole or cut them in half or quarters depending on your preference for size.
- Gently drop the biscuits into the simmering broth. Do not stir. Cover the pot and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through and fluffy.
3. Combining and Serving:
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot with the dumplings. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve immediately. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen biscuits instead of refrigerated biscuits?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure to follow the package instructions for thawing and cooking time. Frozen biscuits might require a slightly longer simmering time to cook through completely.
What if I don't have chicken broth?
You can substitute with chicken stock or even water, but for the best flavor, chicken broth is highly recommended. You could also create a quick homemade broth by simmering chicken bones in water with some aromatics (onion, garlic, carrots).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The chicken and dumplings are best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the dish just before serving for the best texture.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or peas to the broth along with the carrots and celery. Add these vegetables with the chicken and adjust the simmering time as needed.
How do I make sure my dumplings don't get soggy?
The key is to avoid over-stirring the broth once you've added the biscuits. Gently place them in the simmering liquid, cover the pot, and allow them to cook undisturbed. This prevents them from becoming waterlogged.
Enjoy your delicious, easy chicken and dumplings! This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners and cozy nights in. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!
