Quick and Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Nothing says love more than a home-cooked meal. In the South, we all know that Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. Our version is quick and easy to make, thanks to the use of canned biscuits. We’re talking tender chicken, a creamy broth, and fluffy canned-biscuit dumplings – ready in about 30 minutes. No rolling pins. No drama. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s love at first bite.
This classic Southern staple was adapted from my mother-in-law’s “don’t overthink it” method, and it’s the version my family loves. The easiest and fastest way to make chicken with dumplings is to use a can of biscuits. It’s true, canned biscuit dough makes excellent dumplings in this classic Southern comfort food dish. Our family loves this quick and easy recipe, and we’re confident yours will too!
Ingredients
There are only a few items that you need to make this super delicious one-pot dish:
- 32 ounces chicken broth (bone broth works too for deeper flavor)
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups cooked chicken , shredded
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuits (or 1 large can of Grands)
- Black pepper , to taste
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken and Dumplings With Canned Biscuits
- Heat the broth. Add the cooked chicken.
- Cut the biscuits. Slice the biscuits into small pieces (they puff!). Stir them into the broth.
- Make it creamy.
- Pepper generously. A light layer over the top does wonders.
- Simmer. Reduce heat and simmer 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dumplings are cooked through.
Pro Tip
Smaller dumplings cook more evenly, but don’t cut them too small or they will dissolve into the broth. If you’re new to biscuit dumplings, toss them very lightly in flour first to help them hold together.
Love the cozy flavors of classic chicken and dumplings? Try my Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings for a true set-it-and-forget-it dinner, or make Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings when you want the same comforting meal without turning on the stove. However you cook it, you’ll end up with the same creamy, savory goodness everyone craves.
Quick and Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
Method
- Heat chicken broth in pot on medium-high heat and cook until gently boiling. Add the shredded chicken.
- Cut biscuits into small pieces and place in chicken broth mixture. Stir well.
- Add the cream of chicken soup and stir until smooth.
- Season with black pepper.
- Reduce the heat, stir well, and let simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on brands used. Values for 2 cans of Pillsbury™ Buttermilk Refrigerated Biscuits (from a Value Pack), 2 cups of chicken, and 12 ounces of cream of chicken soup were used in the calculation.
- Smaller biscuit pieces cook more evenly.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Variations and Substitutions
- Rotisserie chicken: Total time-saver – just pull the meat and drop it in.
- Bone broth: Richer flavor, darker color.
- Half the biscuits: Prefer it soupier? Use one can of biscuits or only half of a can of Grands.
- Cream of celery and cream of chicken: A great combo if you prefer a more savory depth. (Reader-approved.)
- Add veggies: Frozen peas/carrots or mixed veg at the end for color and comfort.
- Seasoning boosts: Poultry seasoning, thyme, a pinch of cayenne, or dry mustard (a great tip from a reader to balance the sweetness of the biscuits).
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick.
FAQs about Chicken & Dumplings
Final Bite
If you make it, rate it (stars help me reach more hungry people) and drop your favorite twist in the comments – Bisquick? Rotisserie? Veggies? Bring it.
And if you’re on Pinterest, pin it for later so you can find it the next time your soul needs soup (and dumplings). 😉
Hi! I found this through Pinterest. I was wondering how much chicken you used and what size can of soup? Thanks!
Hi Marie,
I typically will boil 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. After it has cooled, I shred it. (Sometimes I will freeze it and use it later.) You could use as much as you’d like. I would guesstimate that 2-3 cups worth would be ideal.
Thanks for stopping by!
Lynda
Is it a small 10oz can of soup or the larger size can? Thanks! Can’t wait to make this!!!
A 10 ounce can would work fine. I hope you enjoy it!
Did you use 2 cans of 8 biscuits or 2 cans of 5?
Great question. It would be 2 cans of 8 biscuits. Thanks for stopping by.
My mom made them almost just like that
I am simmering this as I type.
I made 2 changes:
(1) I only halved the biscuits, and boiled them first in broth before adding anything else.
(2) Added some mized frozen vegetables; for color and add’l nutrution.
If I had some cayenne pepper, I’d sprinkle that liberally too.
It’s a tad soupier than pictured, but it still mighty tasty.
Adding vegetables is an interesting twist – I like it. Did you add the cream of chicken soup? The additional biscuits may have been the key to making it thicker. Thanks for stopping by!
Just found this on Pinterest. My husband and I both enjoyed it. It’s super easy and cooked up perfectly. Why didn’t I know about this when my kids were home!
Thank you so much. My mother-in-law would be delighted.
I made this and it was super yummy, althoug it took much, much longer than 5-10 minutes for the biscuit dough to cook all the way through.
I am glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for writing and letting me (and others) know. The cooking time could vary depending on the size of the dumpling – the smaller the dumpling the less amount of time it takes. Take care!
This looks amazing! My aunt always made the best chicken pot pie which was really chicken and dumpling. Not sure why we called it that.
This looks so easy.. I’m thinking I can do this. Let’s just say I am not the cook of the family but I am always looking for quick and easy meals for my family. Thank you!!
This is very similar to my recipe but yours look much simpler.
Looks delicious!
Yum. Sounds great.
My MIL just made chicken and dumplings last week and it was DELICIOUS!
I make mine a bit differently but this has ALWAYS been one of my comfort foods!
Yum! I love chicken and dumplings.
Looks yummy!
This is very similar to my Chicken & Dumplings recipe. It goes over quite well with my family!