Are you a fan of comfort food? If so, you’re in for a treat! Our easy chicken and dumplings recipe with frozen dumplings is the perfect weeknight meal that will satisfy your cravings with minimal effort. In this article, we will show you how to create this homestyle dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Key Takeaways
Using Frozen Dumplings for Chicken and Dumplings
For this recipe, we recommend using Reames frozen dumplings, but feel free to use any brand that is available in your local grocery store. The convenience of frozen dumplings means you can skip the process of making them from scratch, saving you time and effort.
To make this dish even easier, we suggest using pre-cooked chicken. You can easily shred or chop rotisserie chicken or use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. This shortcut will have dinner on the table in no time!
How to Make the Easiest Chicken and Dumplings
Let’s get cooking! This one-pot meal requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken broth (or chicken stock)
- Celery
- Onion
- Frozen dumplings (such as Reames brand)
- Shredded or chopped chicken
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let’s walk through the steps:
- Boil vegetables in broth: In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine chicken broth, celery ribs, and a chunk of onion. Boil the mixture, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the broth with flavor. Remove and discard the vegetable pieces.
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Add frozen dumplings: Add the frozen dumplings to the broth and gently stir. Increase the heat and bring the mixture back to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the liquid level gets too low, add water or additional broth to thin the mixture out.
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Add chicken: Once the dumplings are tender, add the shredded or chopped chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is heated through.
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Thicken the broth (optional): If you prefer a thicker broth, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Add the slurry to the pot and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the liquid thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
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Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and it’s ready to be served! This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for those chilly nights or anytime you’re in the mood for a delicious home-cooked meal.
Notes and Adaptations
- To save time, you can use cooked whole chicken from a store or cook boneless skinless chicken breasts in the broth while the vegetables are simmering.
- Feel free to add frozen vegetables like peas and carrots to the dish when adding the chicken. They will add extra flavor and nutrition to this classic meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
- While this recipe is flavorful on its own, you can add a dash of poultry seasoning if you prefer additional seasonings.
- Don’t forget to check out our list of side dishes for chicken and dumplings to complete your meal!
Now that you have this easy chicken and dumplings recipe with frozen dumplings in your repertoire, you can enjoy a comforting and delicious meal any time you want. For more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips, visit Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ. Happy cooking!
