Chicken and dumplings with cream of chicken soup is a comfort food that fills the heart and soothes the soul. Its rich flavors and hearty textures make it a versatile dish, able to stand alone or shine alongside several accompaniments.
You can elevate your meal with a fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables for brightness. Consider pairing it with cornbread for a sweet contrast, or even a light fruit salad to cleanse the palate.
And who could resist serving it with a glass of chilled iced tea? Each option enhances your experience, creating a meal that is not just dinner but an event.
What is Chicken and Dumplings with Cream of Chicken Soup?
At its core, this dish blends tender chicken with fluffy dumplings, all enveloped in a luscious cream of chicken soup base. The simplicity of using a canned soup elevates the flavor while saving valuable time in the kitchen.
This dish is not just food; it represents the creativity of home cooking. It’s a blend that connects generations, where each kitchen adds its own personal touch.
Why This Recipe Works?
The beauty of this dish lies in its combination of textures and flavors. The creaminess from the soup adds a rich layer to the chicken, while the dumplings provide a delightful contrast. Rotisserie chicken simplifies the process, enabling you to create a satisfying meal quickly.
The use of garlic powder and thyme infuses a warm, aromatic flavor throughout. This recipe balances ease with taste, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve a delightful outcome.
What You'll Need to Make This Dish
- 3 cups of tender, shredded rotisserie-style chicken
- 3 cans of savory chicken stock
- 2 cans of rich and creamy condensed chicken soup
- 1 can of refrigerated flaky biscuit dough
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings with Cream of Chicken Soup?
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Begin by pouring the chicken stock into a large pot over medium heat. As it warms, add the two cans of cream of chicken soup. Stir well until fully combined. This creates a flavorful base that will envelop your chicken and dumplings.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
While the soup base is heating, take your rotisserie chicken. Remove the skin and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. The convenience of rotisserie chicken makes this step fast and easy. Toss the shredded chicken into the pot, mixing it into the creamy soup mixture.
Step 3: Season the Mix
Sprinkle in your garlic powder and thyme. Stir it up! Letting those spices meld with the chicken and soup elevates the flavor profile of the dish. Allow everything to simmer for a few minutes, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
Step 4: Create the Dumplings
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough. You can either cut the biscuits into quarters or leave them whole for bigger dumplings. I often opt for the quartered version for smaller, more bite-sized pieces that cook evenly.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings
Once your soup has reached a gentle simmer, carefully drop the dough pieces into the bubbling soup. Cover the pot and let them steam for approximately 15 minutes. This step is critical; the dumplings need time to rise and cook through, resulting in fluffy goodness.
Step 6: Final Touches
After about 15 minutes, check for doneness. The dumplings should be puffed and cooked through. Give them a gentle stir to blend, incorporating them throughout the dish. Your chicken and dumplings with cream of chicken soup is now ready!
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Use Fresh Rotisserie Chicken: For the best flavor, choose a fresh rotisserie chicken. The flavor will far exceed pre-packaged options.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: Allowing the chicken and dumplings to simmer together creates a cohesive flavor. Resist the urge to rush through it.
- Cut Dumplings for Uniform Cooking: If cutting the biscuit dough, aim for uniform sizes so that they all cook evenly.
- Experiment with Herbs: While thyme is lovely, consider adding rosemary or parsley according to your preference for a different flavor profile.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporating carrots or peas can add color and nutrition, enhancing both texture and taste.
How to Store Leftovers?
Storing leftovers is straightforward. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Defrost in the fridge overnight for best results when you’re ready to enjoy again.
How Would I Recommend Serving Chicken and Dumplings?
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and freshness that elevates the dish.
- Serve with Warm Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. It’s a simple addition that can take your meal to the next level.
- Pair with a Green Salad: A fresh salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette, provides a great contrast to the richness of the chicken and dumplings.
- Accompany with Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink balances the warmth of the dish. There’s nothing quite like a cool glass of iced tea to wash it down!
Conclusion
Chicken and dumplings with cream of chicken soup is more than just a meal; it's a plate full of memories and warmth. Whether you're looking to make a quick dish for a busy weeknight or aiming to impress family during Sunday dinner, this recipe delivers.
It’s a dish that comes together easily, allowing you to focus more on what matters—sharing good food with loved ones. The next time you're in the kitchen, remember this recipe and all its delightful possibilities. You might find yourself coming back to it over and over again, as I have.
Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and most importantly, make it your own.
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