Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings

Tender chicken swimming in a rich, savory broth with pillowy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth—that’s the magic of Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings. This classic comfort food brings together simple ingredients to create a hearty, soul-warming meal that feels like a grandmother’s hug in a bowl. The convenience of Bisquick mix transforms this traditionally time-consuming dish into an achievable weeknight dinner without sacrificing that homemade taste. You’ll learn how to create this nostalgic favorite with minimal effort while achieving maximum flavor that will have your family requesting it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings recipe stands out as a true family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and homemade quality—the Bisquick shortcut saves you time while still delivering that scratch-made taste. The contrast between the silky, flavorful broth and the cloud-like dumplings creates a delightful textural experience in every spoonful.

The recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Running low on certain vegetables? No problem—this dish welcomes substitutions. The one-pot approach means less cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want comfort without the kitchen chaos.

What truly sets this chicken and dumplings dish apart is how the dumplings cook directly in the broth, absorbing all those savory flavors while simultaneously thickening the soup to a perfect consistency. It’s a satisfying meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma, signaling to everyone that something special is coming to the table.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, sliced (about ¾ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold water
• ½ cup frozen peas

For the Bisquick Dumplings:

• 2 cups Original Bisquick mix
• ⅔ cup milk
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

The star ingredient is the Bisquick mix, which creates incredibly light, fluffy dumplings with minimal effort. Using both white and dark chicken meat provides the best flavor, while the combination of aromatic vegetables forms the flavor foundation of this easy chicken and dumplings recipe.

Pro Tips

Dumpling Perfection: The key to cloud-like dumplings is minimal handling of the batter. When mixing the Bisquick and milk, stir just until combined—overmixing will result in tough, dense dumplings. For even fluffier results, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before dropping it into the simmering stew.

Thickening Technique: For the perfect broth consistency, create a slurry by whisking flour and cold water together until smooth before adding it to the pot. This prevents lumps that can occur when flour is added directly to hot liquid. Add the slurry gradually, allowing the broth to simmer for a minute between additions until you reach your desired thickness.

Cooking Method: Never boil the dumplings! Once you’ve added them to the pot, maintain a gentle simmer with the lid tightly closed. Resist the urge to peek during the cooking process—the steam trapped inside the pot is essential for properly cooking the dumplings. Cook them exactly as directed (about 15 minutes) for that perfect balance between fully cooked and still tender.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base
Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot oil. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Foundation
In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and sage, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Form the Stew
Return the browned chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.

Step 4: Thicken the Broth
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering stew while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the broth thickens slightly. Stir in the frozen peas.

Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings
While the stew simmers, prepare the Bisquick dumplings. In a medium bowl, gently stir together the Bisquick mix, milk, and herbs if using. Mix just until combined—the batter should be thick and somewhat lumpy.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of the dumpling batter directly onto the surface of the simmering stew. Space them evenly as they will expand during cooking. You should get approximately 12-14 dumplings.

Step 7: Finish the Dish
Immediately cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam. Reduce heat to low and simmer without lifting the lid for 15 minutes. The dumplings are done when they’re firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving your Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings.

Variations

Herb-Enhanced Dumplings: Elevate your Bisquick dumplings by folding in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or dill into the dumpling batter. For a cheesy twist, add ⅓ cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese. These additions infuse the dumplings with extra flavor dimensions while maintaining their signature light texture.

Creamy Version: Transform the classic chicken and dumplings with Bisquick into a richer, more indulgent dish by stirring in ½ cup of heavy cream or ¼ cup of sour cream just before adding the dumplings. This creates a velvety, more luxurious broth that pairs beautifully with the fluffy dumplings.

Rotisserie Shortcut: For an even quicker weeknight version, skip cooking raw chicken and instead shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Add the shredded meat after your vegetables have softened, reducing the simmering time before adding dumplings. This variation of easy Bisquick chicken and dumplings delivers homemade comfort in under 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor.

Storage and Serving

Storage Instructions: Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will absorb more broth as they sit, so when reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew portion (without dumplings) for up to 3 months, then make fresh dumplings when reheating.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this hearty one-pot meal in wide, shallow bowls to showcase both the savory stew and pillowy dumplings. A side of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of the flavorful broth. For a complete meal with a refreshing contrast, pair with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. During colder months, enhance the comfort factor by serving with a side of cranberry sauce or applesauce, which adds a sweet-tart element that complements the savory flavors.

FAQs

Why are my dumplings dense instead of fluffy?
Overmixing the Bisquick batter or lifting the lid during cooking are the two most common culprits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and keep the lid tightly closed to trap steam, which is essential for properly cooking the dumplings.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the chicken and vegetables as directed, then transfer to a slow cooker with the broth. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then add the dumpling batter and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes with the lid on.

My broth is too thin. How can I thicken it?
Make another slurry with 2 tablespoons of flour and ¼ cup cold water. Add it gradually to the simmering broth before adding the dumplings, allowing it to cook for a few minutes between additions until desired thickness is reached.

Can I use Bisquick Heart Smart or Gluten-Free Bisquick?
Absolutely! Both alternatives work well in this recipe with no adjustments needed to the measurements.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
You can prepare the stew portion up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat to a simmer, then prepare and add the fresh dumpling batter as directed.

Conclusion

This Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings is comfort food at its finest — a warm hug in a bowl that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and pillowy dumplings in a savory broth. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into special family moments, with everyone gathered around the table eager to savor each spoonful. The beauty of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of homemade taste and convenient preparation, proving that soul-satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for leftovers that improve with time, this classic recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

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