Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. While the broth is simmering, prepare the biscuits. Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters.
6. Carefully drop the biscuit pieces into the simmering broth. They will float on top, which is normal.
7. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through.
8. After the dumplings are cooked, stir in the frozen peas for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Storing and Reheating

This Simple Southern Chicken and Dumplings recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if it seems too thick.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings

1. Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut on prep time. It adds flavor and saves you from cooking chicken from scratch.

2. Feel free to add more vegetables like corn or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition.

3. Adjust the thickness of the broth by adding more or less chicken broth, depending on your preference.

4. For a creamier texture, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.

Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can easily make adjustments to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Herbed Dumplings: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to the biscuit dough for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy version.
• Mushroom Lover: Incorporate sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Other Proteins: Substitute chicken with turkey or even cooked sausage for a different protein option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add it to the pot with the broth and cook it until fully cooked, then shred it before adding the dumplings.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure the chicken broth is also gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and dumplings. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove, adding a little broth to loosen the mixture.

4. What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can serve it with a side salad or some cornbread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Simple Southern Chicken and Dumplings with canned biscuits is a fantastic recipe for anyone looking to enjoy comforting, homemade food without spending hours in the kitchen. With its straightforward ingredients and easy instructions, it’s a perfect choice for meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, this dish will surely become a favorite. Give it a try, and savor the warm, hearty flavors of this Southern classic!