Introduction

Enjoy a comforting bowl of easy chicken and dumplings made with frozen dumplings. This simple recipe brings together tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings for a satisfying meal perfect any day of the week.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Frozen Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

6 cups chicken broth
2 ribs celery, broken in half
1/2 onion (as a chunk, not sliced or chopped)
12-oz frozen dumplings (such as Reames brand)
2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
Optional: 1-2 cups water (or additional broth), as needed
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 Tablespoons water
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the chicken broth, celery, and onion in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Remove the celery and onion pieces and discard them.
Step 3: With the liquid still simmering, add the frozen dumplings to the pot. Stir gently, then increase the heat to bring the mixture back to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer partially covered for about 20 minutes, stirring the dumplings often to prevent sticking.
Step 5: If too much liquid evaporates and dumplings begin to stick, add 1/2 cup of water or broth as needed. You can add up to 1 to 2 cups total to maintain the right consistency.
Step 6: Once the dumplings are tender, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken to the pot and stir. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to heat through.
Step 7: To thicken the broth to a gravy-like consistency, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Slowly add this slurry to the simmering broth, stirring well. Cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade or store-bought cooked chicken, such as rotisserie, to save time.
For extra flavor, add a bay leaf or fresh thyme when simmering the broth, removing before adding dumplings.
If you prefer a thicker broth, increase the cornstarch slurry slightly but add gradually to avoid clumps.
Vegetables like carrots or peas can be added with the chicken for more texture and color.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh dumplings instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh dumplings can be used but cooking times may vary. Follow the package or recipe instructions for fresh dumplings to ensure proper cooking.

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Cooked chicken that is shredded or chopped works best. Rotisserie chicken is convenient, but you can also poach or roast chicken breasts or thighs before adding them to the soup.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Frozen Dumplings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 91 reviews

This Easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe uses frozen dumplings for a quick and comforting meal. Simmered in flavorful chicken broth with celery and onion, then combined with shredded cooked chicken, this dish is simple to prepare yet deeply satisfying. The option to thicken the broth with cornstarch creates a rich, gravy-like consistency perfect for a cozy dinner.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

6 cups chicken broth
2 ribs celery, broken in half
1/2 onion (as a chunk, not sliced or chopped)
12-oz frozen dumplings (such as Reames brand)
2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
Optional: 1-2 cups water (or additional broth), as needed

Thickening and Seasoning

2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 Tablespoons water
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the broth: Combine chicken broth, celery ribs, and the onion chunk in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Remove aromatics: Discard the celery and onion pieces from the broth.
Add frozen dumplings: With the broth still simmering, carefully add frozen dumplings to the pot. Stir gently to prevent sticking, then increase the heat to bring the mixture back to a boil.
Simmer dumplings: Reduce heat to medium-low and cover partially. Let the dumplings simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent them from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
Adjust liquid if needed: If the broth reduces too much or dumplings start sticking, add 1/2 cup increments of water or additional broth as needed, up to 1-2 cups total, to maintain a good consistency.
Add chicken: Once the dumplings are tender, stir in the shredded or chopped cooked chicken. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.
Thicken the broth (optional): To create a gravy-like consistency, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to form a slurry. Add this mixture to the simmering pot and stir constantly for a few minutes until the broth thickens.
Season and serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, remove from heat, and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

Using frozen dumplings saves time compared to making them from scratch while still delivering delicious texture.
Adjust the amount of water or broth added depending on your preferred thickness and to prevent sticking.
You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
The broth can be thickened or left as a lighter soup according to your preference.
Stir often during simmering to keep dumplings from clumping or adhering to the pot.

Keywords: chicken and dumplings, easy chicken and dumplings, frozen dumplings recipe, comfort food soup, quick chicken soup