Chicken & Dumplings

6 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 1 h 15 m Total: 1 h 25 m Beginner
4.0/5 (2)
Chicken & Dumplings
Simple Southern-style chicken and dumplings made easy with canned biscuits. Tender chicken simmers in seasoned broth, then fluffy biscuit pieces cook right in the pot for a comforting one-pot meal ready in under 90 minutes.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 roasting chicken (cut up)
  • 2 cans biscuits
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Red pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Season chicken to taste with salt and red pepper. Brown meat in oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, about 5-7 minutes per side until golden.
  2. Add enough water to cover the chicken (about 4-6 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 1 hour or until meat is tender and falls off the bone easily.
  3. Cut each biscuit into six pieces. Drop the biscuit pieces into the simmering broth one by one, stirring gently. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Serve over rice with your favorite vegetable. Enjoy!

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my dumplings tough or doughy?

A: Make sure the broth is at a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil) when you add the biscuit pieces, and keep the pot covered for the full 15 minutes so they steam properly. Don't lift the lid during cooking or they won't cook through.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken instead?

A: Yes, but bone-in chicken creates much more flavorful broth. If using boneless, reduce the initial cooking time to 30-40 minutes and consider adding chicken bouillon for extra flavor.

Tips and Techniques

Drop the biscuit pieces into the broth one at a time and stir gently to prevent them from sticking together. The dumplings will soak up quite a bit of liquid, so make sure you have enough broth covering the chicken before adding them.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • canned biscuits: refrigerated crescent roll dough cut into pieces
  • roasting chicken: chicken thighs or leg quarters
  • water: chicken broth or stock

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven with lid
  • Tongs for browning chicken
  • Knife and cutting board

Historical Context

Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort dish throughout the South, born from the tradition of stretching a whole chicken into a hearty meal. This shortcut version honors that tradition while making it weeknight-friendly.