Chicken and Dumplings (with Biscuits)

Ingredients

• 2 cans (414 ml each [14 fl oz])chicken broth
• 1/2chicken bouillon cube
• 1/2 tsppoultry seasoning
• 2 cansbiscuits
• 1/4 tsppepper
• 2chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil the broth

   Put the chicken broth, bouillon cube, poultry seasoning and pepper in a large pot. Bring to a boil.

2. 2

   Add the biscuits

   Cut or pinch the biscuits into small pieces, about the size of a quarter, and add them to the pot.

3. 3

   Simmer covered

   Cover the pot and simmer for 10–15 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the chicken

   Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken just before serving.

What is chicken and dumplings?

Chicken and dumplings is a comforting American dish of chicken cooked with dumplings in broth. This version uses canned biscuits in place of dumpling dough, making it a quick way to get soft, filling pieces into the pot.

The broth seasons the biscuit pieces as they simmer, while the cooked chicken goes in at the end to warm through.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 60 calories, 6g protein, 3g carbs, 2g fat.

The biscuit pieces provide most of the carbohydrates, while chicken contributes protein; the broth, biscuits and chicken together make up the fat in the dish. Pair a serving with vegetables or salad for a more varied plate.

The broth and seasoning

Broth base: Chicken broth provides the liquid for the dumplings to cook in. The bouillon cube and poultry seasoning add savoury flavour, so taste the broth before serving if you want to check its seasoning.

Shaping the dumplings

Small pieces: Pinch or cut the biscuits to roughly the size of a quarter, as directed. Keeping them fairly similar in size helps them cook at a similar rate.

Simmering for tenderness

Gentle heat: Once the biscuit pieces are in the pot, cover it and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Keep the liquid at a simmer rather than a vigorous boil.

When to add the chicken

Cooked chicken: The chicken is already cooked and shredded, so it only needs to be added just before serving. This warms it through without asking it to cook for the full dumpling simmer.

What to serve alongside

Bread: Crusty bread is a natural accompaniment for the savoury broth. For a simple plate, add a green salad or a lightly cooked vegetable alongside the bowl.

Recipe notes & tips

• Have the cooked chicken shredded before you start so it is ready to add at the end.
• Cut or pinch the biscuits into pieces of similar size for more even cooking.
• Use a large pot so the biscuit pieces have room in the broth.
• Keep the pot covered during the simmer.
• Add the chicken just before serving, as the recipe directs.

Variations

• Add vegetables: Stir in cooked peas or carrots with the chicken to serve.
• Use fresh herbs: Finish each bowl with chopped parsley for a fresh note.
• Adjust the pepper: Add a little more or less to suit your taste.
• Serve with greens: Pair the bowl with a simple green salad or cooked vegetables.
• Use homemade broth: Swap in homemade chicken broth for the canned broth.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Oversized biscuit pieces: They may not cook through evenly; keep them about the size of a quarter.
• Boiling too hard: A rolling boil can disturb the dumplings; keep the pot at a simmer.
• Leaving the pot uncovered: The recipe calls for a covered simmer, so put the lid on while the biscuits cook.
• Adding chicken too early: Stir in the cooked chicken just before serving so it only needs warming.
• Skipping the seasoning check: Taste the broth before serving and adjust only if needed.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and use within 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan until hot throughout; add a splash of broth if the mixture has thickened.

Frequently asked questions