Bisquick Chicken And Dumplings

There are some dishes that instantly make a kitchen feel warmer, and Chicken and Dumplings is one of them. From the gentle simmer on the stove to the creamy, aromatic broth filling the air, this classic comfort food is all about slowing down and enjoying something truly satisfying.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, looking for a cozy weekend dinner, or craving something hearty after a long day, homemade chicken and dumplings delivers every time. Tender chicken, soft vegetables, a rich, velvety soup, and fluffy dumplings come together into one irresistible bowl that feels like a hug.

This easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe is creamy, flavorful, and flexible. You can make the dumplings from scratch or use shortcuts when needed, but either way, the result is a comforting, soul-warming meal perfect for any season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty, cozy, and deeply comforting
• Creamy, flavorful broth with tender chicken
• Fluffy homemade dumplings that steam right on top
• Family-friendly and great for leftovers
• Perfect one-pot dinner for busy or chilly nights

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For searing the chicken and building flavor.
• 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Creates a richer, more flavorful broth (thighs are extra juicy).
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning every layer.
• 5 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and helps form the creamy base.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced – Brings gentle sweetness and depth.
• 1 cup carrots, diced – Adds color, sweetness, and texture.
• 2 celery stalks, diced – Classic aromatic base for soups.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Boosts savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds subtle umami depth.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Frank’s recommended) – Enhances flavor without making it spicy.
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour – Thickens the soup into a creamy consistency.
• 4 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium) – The savory backbone of the soup.
• 1 chicken bouillon cube (optional) – Extra richness if desired.
• 1 ½ cups half and half – Makes the broth creamy and comforting.
• ¾ cup frozen peas – Adds freshness and color.

Seasoning Mix

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon each: dried basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

These herbs and spices create that classic, cozy chicken soup flavor.

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour – Cake flour makes extra-soft dumplings.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps dumplings rise and stay fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Adds tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Light savory note.
• 2 teaspoons sugar – Enhances flavor without making them sweet.
• ¾ cup cold sour cream – Makes dumplings soft and tender.
• ¼ cup cold milk – Adds moisture.
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted – Richness and flavor.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook about 3 minutes per side, until lightly golden.
Remove from the pot and let rest for 10 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones.

Tip: Searing adds color and depth, but you can skip this step and add raw or cooked chicken directly to the soup if you’re short on time.

Build the Soup Base

Mix all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
In the same pot, melt butter and scrape up any browned bits.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté about 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasoning mix. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to keep the soup smooth.
Stir in half and half and the bouillon cube if using.
Add peas and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Make the Dumplings

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and sugar.
Add sour cream, milk, and melted butter. Gently fold just until combined.
Do not overmix. A slightly lumpy dough makes softer dumplings.

Assemble and Cook

Return chicken and any juices to the pot. Stir gently and reduce heat to low.
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly over the surface.
Spoon a little hot broth over each dumpling.
Cover tightly and let simmer gently for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid. The dumplings need steam to cook properly.
Test one with a toothpick. If it doesn’t come out clean, cover and cook a few more minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips for Success

• Bone-in chicken creates the richest flavor, but boneless works too.
• Keep the simmer gentle. Boiling can break dumplings apart.
• Never lift the lid while dumplings steam. This keeps them fluffy, not soggy.
• If soup thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or milk.
• Taste at the end and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and wooden spoon
• Small cookie scoop or spoon
• Ladle

Recipe Variations

• Shortcut Chicken and Dumplings: Replace homemade dumplings with small pieces of refrigerated biscuits.
• Vegetable-Loaded Version: Add corn, green beans, or chopped spinach.
• Extra Creamy Style: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end.
• Spicy Comfort Bowl: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
• Low-Carb Inspired: Skip dumplings and serve the creamy chicken soup on its own.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper.
• Pair with a crisp green salad for balance.
• Offer hot sauce at the table for those who like extra heat.

FAQs

Can I use cooked or rotisserie-style chicken?
Yes. Use about 3 cups cooked chicken and add it just before dropping in the dumplings.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it sits.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
You can freeze the soup base, but dumplings may change texture after freezing. For best results, make dumplings fresh.

What if my dumplings fall apart?
Make sure the soup is gently simmering, not boiling, and that the lid stays on while they steam.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and dairy-free sour cream alternatives, but the flavor and texture will change slightly.

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Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is the kind of meal that brings people to the table without being asked. It’s creamy, hearty, and filled with classic comfort in every spoonful. From busy weeknights to slow weekend dinners, this homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is always a welcome favorite.