Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits

Hi, I’m Laura. I’m 40 years old and living in the United States, and my journey with cooking has been a mix of curiosity, trial and error, and a lot of laughter with a close friend. Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits was one of those recipes we pinned ages ago — the kind of comfort food that kept popping up whenever we needed something warm and homey. One weekend, we finally gave it a try, and it turned into the coziest little kitchen experiment. Between the bubbling pot, the smell of chicken and butter, and our laughter echoing through the house, it became one of those meals that felt like a hug in a bowl. If you’ve pinned this one too, give it a go — and tell me how it turns out!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits

This is comfort food made simple. You don’t need to roll dough or wait for anything to rise — just pop open a can of biscuits and let them transform into fluffy dumplings right in your pot. It’s an easy, forgiving recipe that feels nostalgic yet totally effortless.
Perfect for families or anyone short on time, it combines homestyle flavor with weeknight practicality. It’s hearty, cozy, and sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

Ingredients (Detailed & Humanized)

• Butter (2 tbsp) – Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
• Yellow onion (1 large, diced) – The aromatic base that brings a gentle sweetness.
• Celery (3 stalks, sliced) – Adds a light crunch and that comforting soup flavor.
• Matchstick carrots (½ cup) – Give subtle sweetness and color to the creamy broth.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Brings warmth and depth to every spoonful.
• Cooked, shredded chicken (3 cups) – Rotisserie chicken makes this quick and flavorful.
• Evaporated milk (8 oz) – Adds creaminess without heaviness.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz) – The key to that smooth, velvety texture.
• Chicken broth (40 oz) – The flavorful base that ties everything together.
• Salt and cracked black pepper – Essential for seasoning the broth just right.
• Canned buttermilk biscuits (16.3 oz can) – These transform into tender dumplings.
• All-purpose flour (¼ cup) – Helps thicken the soup and keeps dumplings from sticking.

Directions (Step-by-Step Cooking Guide)

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Stir often as they soften and start to brown slightly — that’s when the magic aroma starts filling your kitchen.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, evaporated milk, and cream of chicken soup. Stir gently until the mixture begins to come together, and season with salt and pepper. Let it come to a gentle simmer — not a full boil.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuits

While the broth warms, cut each biscuit into quarters and toss them lightly in the flour. This step gives the dumplings their signature thickness and helps them hold together in the soup.

Step 4: Add the Dumplings

Carefully drop the floured biscuit pieces into the pot, spreading them out evenly. Use a spoon to press them just below the surface of the broth.

Step 5: Steam Until Fluffy

Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep the lid on so the steam can puff up the biscuits into tender, fluffy pillows.

Step 6: Stir and Separate

Peek under the lid and give a gentle stir to separate any dumplings that might be sticking together. Press them under the broth again so they cook evenly.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Check one dumpling by cutting it in half — it should be soft and fully cooked through, not doughy. If it’s ready, turn off the heat.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Let the pot sit uncovered for a couple of minutes before serving. This resting time thickens the broth slightly and lets the flavors settle perfectly.

Cultural or Technique Note

Chicken and dumplings are a true staple of Southern comfort cooking. Traditionally, the dish was made with rolled or dropped dough simmered in a rich chicken broth, often served on Sundays or for special family dinners. This version keeps all the same comforting elements but uses canned biscuits — a modern shortcut that still captures that homemade Southern heartiness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of green beans or roasted carrots.
• Pair with a simple garden salad for freshness.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
• Enjoy with a slice of warm cornbread to soak up the broth.

Pro Tips for Success

• Have all ingredients prepped before you start — the recipe moves quickly.
• Use a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, so the dumplings don’t fall apart.
• Tossing the biscuit pieces in flour helps them cook perfectly.
• Cover the pot while the dumplings cook to keep them fluffy.
• Let the dish rest a few minutes after cooking so the broth thickens.
• Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving for the best flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Boiling too hard: Makes dumplings tough — keep the heat low and steady.
Skipping the flour toss: Dumplings may clump and lose texture.
Overcooking: Dumplings can become soggy or fall apart if simmered too long.
Adding biscuits too early: Wait until the broth is gently simmering before dropping them in.
Forgetting to rest: A few minutes off heat lets the sauce thicken naturally.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store airtight for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Store airtight for up to 2 months.
Reheat: On low heat (stove or oven) with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Canned chicken works in a pinch, though rotisserie adds richer flavor.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the soup base ahead, but wait to add biscuits until right before serving.
Q3: Can I use cream of celery or mushroom soup instead?
: Absolutely. Either one will work and add a slightly different flavor profile.
Q4: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
A4: Yes! Just follow similar steps and add the biscuit dough toward the end of cooking.
a5.Can I add herbs for extra flavor?
A pinch of thyme or poultry seasoning adds a lovely savory note.

Closing Paragraph

This Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits recipe is everything cozy dinners should be — quick, creamy, and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just need a bowl of something warm on a long day, this dish delivers big flavor with little effort. Keep it classic, or sprinkle in your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own. Every bite feels like home, and you’ll want to come back to it again and again.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this dish so many times on chilly evenings when I just needed something soothing and simple. The way the biscuit dumplings puff up in the creamy broth still makes me smile every time. It’s cozy, satisfying, and so easy to love.