Chicken and dumplings is a beloved comfort food dish that evokes feelings of warmth and home-cooked goodness. Traditionally, dumplings are made from scratch, requiring flour, baking powder, butter, and milk. However, in today’s busy world, not everyone has time for that. A convenient and delicious alternative is using canned biscuits for chicken and dumplings. This shortcut not only saves time but also produces fluffy, tender dumplings that pair perfectly with the savory chicken broth. Whether you are preparing dinner on a weeknight or feeding a crowd, this method offers ease without compromising flavor.
Why Choose Canned Biscuits for Chicken and Dumplings?
Using canned biscuits in place of homemade dumplings can dramatically reduce the time and effort involved in preparing this dish. Canned biscuits are pre-mixed, portioned, and ready to be shaped. They are designed to rise and become light and airy when cooked, which makes them perfect for simmering in a hearty soup or stew.
Convenience and Speed
One of the main benefits of using canned biscuits is the convenience. You skip the steps of mixing dough, measuring ingredients, and kneading. Instead, you simply open the can, separate the biscuits, and cut them into smaller pieces suitable for dumplings. This allows you to focus more on flavoring the broth and preparing the chicken.
Consistency in Results
Another advantage of canned biscuit dough is consistency. Every biscuit is pre-measured, ensuring that the dumplings cook evenly. Homemade dumplings can sometimes be too dense or fall apart in the soup if not prepared carefully. With canned biscuits, the texture is reliably fluffy, making the final dish more enjoyable.
How to Prepare Chicken and Dumplings with Canned Biscuits
To create a flavorful and comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings, follow a few simple steps. The process begins with making the chicken base and ends with adding the biscuit dumplings into the simmering broth.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use a whole rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Boil or sauté the chicken with onions, celery, carrots, and garlic to infuse flavor into the broth. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and a bay leaf.
Step 2: Make the Broth
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. Add chicken broth to the vegetables and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. You can add a splash of heavy cream or milk to give the soup a creamy consistency, or use a roux to thicken the broth slightly before adding the dumplings.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuits
Open a can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Use kitchen scissors or a knife to cut each biscuit into quarters or smaller chunks, depending on your preference. You may want to lightly flour the pieces to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 4: Add the Biscuit Dumplings
Drop the biscuit pieces gently into the simmering broth one at a time to prevent clumping. Stir gently after all dumplings are added. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 1015 minutes on low to medium heat. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as steam is essential for the dumplings to rise properly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
After the dumplings are fluffy and fully cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir everything together gently, taste for seasoning, and adjust as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips for Best Results
Making chicken and dumplings with canned biscuits is simple, but there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t over-stir: Once the biscuit pieces are in the broth, avoid excessive stirring to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Use a wide pot: A larger pot gives the dumplings room to expand and cook evenly without crowding.
- Simmer, don’t boil: Keeping the heat too high can cause the dumplings to fall apart or cook unevenly.
- Add cream for richness: If you want a creamier base, stir in a bit of cream or evaporated milk toward the end of cooking.
Customizing the Recipe
There are many ways to put a personal touch on your chicken and dumplings. The basic recipe is forgiving and easily adaptable to suit different tastes.
Vegetables
Add extra vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional content and add variety. Frozen vegetables can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for a convenient addition.
Seasonings
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Poultry seasoning, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, or even a dash of cayenne can deepen the flavor profile. A bit of garlic powder or onion powder can also enhance the savory base.
Protein Substitutes
If you’re not in the mood for chicken, you can use turkey, ham, or even plant-based protein substitutes. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the chosen ingredient.
Storage and Reheating
Chicken and dumplings made with canned biscuits store well and are great for leftovers. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 34 days.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to the pot to loosen the consistency, as dumplings tend to absorb liquid over time. Warm slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving in large batches, as this can lead to uneven heating and gummy dumplings.
Using canned biscuits for chicken and dumplings is an excellent kitchen shortcut that maintains the integrity and comfort of the traditional recipe. It offers a faster, easier method for busy home cooks while still producing a dish full of rich flavor and satisfying texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or making a cozy meal for one, this method delivers every time. Give it a try and enjoy how easy it is to bring a homemade classic to the table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.