This recipe for Easy Chicken and Dumplings is so cozy and comforting, no one will ever know there are a few shortcuts involved!
I grew up LOVING this as a kid (and still do!). It was one of my favorite comfort foods that my mom made and she always prepared it using Anne’s Frozen Dumplings. They taste so close to homemade that I’ve always used them, too.
This is not a sponsored recipe, I just really love the convenience, taste and texture of these dumplings!
I’ve added my own personal spin to my mom’s recipe over the years by adding cream of chicken and celery soups to make it creamier (her version is delicious as well!). Given that, if you’re against using those soups, this probably isn’t the recipe for you (but I personally love it!).
How Many People Does This Serve?
I measured just a little over 13 cups in this recipe. It serves 6 people a generous portion of a little over 2 cups each. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, it’s even better the next day.
More Comfort Food Soups and Stews You’ll Love
Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 ½ to 3 pounds whole chicken giblets removed
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons ground sage
- 2 teaspoons dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10 ½ ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 ½ ounce) can cream of celery soup
- 12 ounces frozen Anne's Flat Dumplings ½ of a 24 ounce package – 8 sheets
Instructions
- Place whole chicken, celery, onion, bay leaves, sage, dill, salt and pepper in a 6 quart Dutch oven (or large soup pot) and cover with water (just enough to cover chicken).
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium low. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked and juices run clear (internal temperature should be 165 degrees F).
- Carefully remove chicken and place on a platter or cutting board. Allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove skin from chicken and discard. Remove chicken from bones and shred. Discard bones. Set chicken aside.
- Add cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup to pot. Stir well to combine. Return to a boil over medium high heat.
- While returning to a boil, remove dumplings from freezer (they will need to thaw about 5 minutes so they’re easier to separate) and slice or break each dumpling slice into half or thirds.
- Once boiling, slowly add dumplings, a handful at a time, stirring between each addition.
- Reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 20 minutes (or until dumplings are tender and cooked), stirring frequently so that dumplings do not stick together.
- Stir in chicken and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove and discard bay leaves. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.
Originally published December 14, 2011. Updated with photographs and recipe revised on October 21, 2019.
Erica
This was sooo good! My neighbors and I enjoyed every bite!
NAN
I used crock pot an hour ahead of dinner. Left the crock pot on low. Great idea for a crowd. Thanks for your recipe. I threw in some finely chopped organic carrots and celery into soup.
M
I have made this twice so far. I believe the dill is a Secret to success here. I had sage I put up last year and always add a little extra. I did add an extra can of cream of celery and some broth. Huge hit! Grandkids loved it and husband asked for second batch. Healing meal I believe when you have sickness in the house. Needed some salt.
Carolyn
I am a deep-south southerner, and there is nothing that conveys love and comfort like a pot of chicken and dumplings. Bless your heart, for sharing this great recipe!
Linda
All was fine until it was time to put the frozen dumplings in. After 20 minutes they still weren’t thawed enough to cut.
Edward P Ivan
Great recipe. I changed it a little bit. I use a half stick of margarine.
I use chicken bullion cubes instead
Refer to directions on packing for mixture ratio. I add black pepper. I also personally only use chicken breast white meat. And I add a few dabs of parsley flakes. That’s the great thing about this dinner you can add and take away things to fit your diet and taste. Enjoy
Amy
This is an outstanding recipe! I had half a rotisserie chicken leftover so I skipped the boiled chicken step. So that means I had to add some liquid that otherwise would have come from that step. I sweated the veggies in some olive oil and used about 2/3 box of chicken broth and the rest of the ingredients. Added a touch of cayenne for slight heat. Really quick and satisfying meal!
Rex
I use 3 tbs Olive Oil before dumpling drop. This keeps dumplings from sticking together.
Megan sellers
Awesome recipe! Thanks for sharing
Amy
Thank you, Megan – So glad you enjoyed it!
Connie
This recipe is so easy and delicious! Any recipe I find that is a hit with my picky 8 year old is a winner! Didn’t have any dill but I will make sure I have it for the next batch. Thanks for sharing!
Lauren
This was delicious!! It will definitely be my “go-to” chicken and dumplin’s recipe in the future. Adding the dill was an awesome idea!