Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, hearty dish that has warmed hearts and filled bellies for generations. With its tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings, this recipe is the epitome of a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this one-pot wonder is both simple and versatile. For busy weeknights, it’s quick and easy to prepare, yet it’s still satisfying enough to impress your guests during special occasions. What’s more, using Bisquick simplifies the process even further, making it not only faster but also more accessible for cooks of all levels. As a result, you can enjoy that beloved homemade flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings, from gathering the right ingredients to mastering the technique for perfectly fluffy dumplings. For those curious about alternative chicken recipes, you can learn how to make a flavorful whole chicken in under an hour to use as a base for this dish. With a few extra tips and tricks, you’ll have a dinner that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat.
For those who enjoy exploring more chicken-based recipes, check out this guide to making Instant Pot Whole Chicken in under an hour—a versatile option for meal prep and busy schedules.
Table of contents
Ingredients for Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings
What makes this recipe a favorite among home cooks is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Most of the items are pantry staples, and the others can be easily found at any grocery store. You don’t need unfamiliar ingredients or advanced techniques to achieve a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
For the Chicken Soup Base:
- 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut).
- 1 cup diced carrots.
- 1 cup diced celery.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium for better control of seasoning).
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream for richness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour to thicken the broth.
- 1 teaspoon thyme, rosemary, or sage for depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Bisquick Dumplings:
- 2 cups Bisquick mix.
- ⅔ cup milk.
- Optional additions: 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese or ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
These simple ingredients come together beautifully, creating a dish that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. For instance, it’s perfect for a cozy evening at home. To elevate the meal even further, serve it with a comforting side like mashed potato puffs or a crisp, fresh garden salad. Together, these elements make for a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.
For a heartier meal idea, consider pairing your dish with sheet pan sausage and veggies—a quick and nutritious side.
How to Make Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings
The process of making this dish can be broken into two main parts: preparing the chicken soup base and making the dumplings. Each step is designed to be straightforward and approachable, ensuring success even for beginner cooks.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Soup Base
- Cook the Chicken: If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, boil 2–3 chicken breasts in salted water for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked. Let the chicken cool, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery—commonly known as mirepoix—and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Make the Roux
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables and cook the mixture for about a minute, eliminating the raw flour taste.
- Add the Broth and Milk: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, add the milk or cream and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Season and Simmer: Add the shredded chicken, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to incorporate the flavors. Let the soup simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld into a delicious, creamy consistency.
Step 2: Making and Adding the Dumplings
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick mix and milk. Stir gently until the ingredients are just incorporated, forming a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dumplings dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Shape the Dumplings: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form small, evenly sized portions of dough. Drop them directly onto the simmering soup.
- Steam the Dumplings: Place the prepared dough gently on top of the simmering mixture in the pot. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and allow the dumplings to steam for 10–12 minutes. The steam is crucial for cooking the dumplings to a tender, fluffy texture, so avoid lifting the lid during this time to retain the steam.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure the dumplings are fully cooked, cut one open. It should be soft and fluffy inside.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overworking it can result in tough, dense dumplings. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Keep the lid on tight: This traps the steam necessary to cook the dumplings evenly.
- Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning of the broth before adding the dumplings to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Add a splash of cream: For an extra indulgent broth, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
For those who love experimenting with flavors, consider trying a spicy twist by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth. Alternatively, make it vegetarian by swapping chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas and using vegetable broth.
Why This Recipe Works for Everyone
This recipe appeals to a broad audience because of its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a one-pot meal, ensuring minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor. The ingredients are budget-friendly and commonly available, making it accessible to most home cooks. Additionally, using Bisquick for the dumplings cuts down on prep time, making it an excellent choice for busy families or anyone craving a hearty, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Creative Variations to Try
Low-Calorie Version:
- Use low-fat milk instead of cream.
- Opt for olive oil instead of butter for the roux.
Gluten-Free Option:
- Use gluten-free Bisquick mix and ensure your broth is also gluten-free.
Herb Lover’s Delight:
- Add fresh parsley, dill, or chives to the dumpling mix for a burst of flavor.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings is best served hot, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color and added flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: The soup base can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, for best results, make fresh dumplings when reheating.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the broth thickens too much, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it.
FAQs About Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings
Can you use Bisquick instead of flour for chicken?
Yes, Bisquick can replace flour for dredging chicken or as a thickening agent in recipes, providing a similar consistency with added flavor.
How do you keep Bisquick dumplings from falling apart?
Ensure the dough isn’t too wet or overmixed, and drop dumplings into simmering (not boiling) liquid to help them hold their shape.
What are the ingredients for chicken and dumplings?
The main ingredients are chicken, broth, vegetables (like carrots, celery, and onion), Bisquick mix, milk, and seasonings like thyme or rosemary.
Why aren’t my Bisquick dumplings fluffy?
Overmixing the dough or cooking them at too high a heat can make dumplings dense. Stir gently and cook them covered on a gentle simmer for best results.
Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting classic recipe combining tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings made with Bisquick for a quick, delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Soup Base:
- 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great).
- 1 cup diced carrots.
- 1 cup diced celery.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium).
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
- 1 teaspoon thyme, rosemary, or sage.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Bisquick Dumplings:
- 2 cups Bisquick mix.
- ⅔ cup milk.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese or ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Soup Base
- Cook or shred chicken. Sauté vegetables in olive oil or butter, then add garlic.
- Stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually add broth and milk, simmer, and season.
- Make and Add Dumplings
- Mix Bisquick and milk to form dough. Drop spoonfuls onto simmering soup.
- Cover and steam for 10–12 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh herbs. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free Bisquick.
- Customize with herbs or spices like cayenne for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg 700mg700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings, comfort food, quick dinner
Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings is a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and joy to any table. From its creamy, flavorful broth to the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners, this meal is as versatile as it is delicious.
For more meal ideas, don’t forget to check out slow cooker garlic Parmesan chicken for another simple and satisfying option.