This Quick Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a comforting southern-style dish made simple for busy weeknights. With tender shredded chicken, pillowy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth, it brings homestyle flavor without the fuss. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and your bowl with pure coziness.

What makes this version so special is how effortlessly it comes together. You’ll use shortcut ingredients like pre-cooked chicken and store-bought refrigerated dough or ravioli to save time, without compromising on that from-scratch taste. Perfect for a family dinner or when you’re craving something hearty in a hurry.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Chicken And Dumplings

Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy days.
Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a dinner win.
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, savory, and soul-satisfying.
Versatile: Works with rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey.
One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes means more time relaxing.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into cooking, gather these essentials for a smooth prep:

Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Crucial for even cooking and holding the entire stew.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping any fresh herbs or optional veggies.
Ladle: To serve the soup while keeping those dumplings intact.
Mixing Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Gentle stirring helps prevent breaking the dumplings.

Each of these tools plays a part in ensuring your dumplings stay fluffy, your chicken stays tender, and your broth stays silky.

Ingredients for the Quick Chicken And Dumplings

Shredded Cooked Chicken: The protein-packed base that adds texture and heartiness. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Refrigerated Biscuit Dough or Cheese Ravioli: These act as quick dumplings. They soak up flavor while staying soft and doughy.
Chicken Broth: The foundation of the soup’s flavor. Use low-sodium if you prefer more control over saltiness.
Heavy Cream: For that rich, comforting, and creamy texture that makes the broth irresistible.
Butter: Adds depth and silkiness to the soup base.
Garlic and Onion Powder: Quick pantry-friendly flavors that enhance without extra chopping.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate the flavors.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a bright, herby finish.

How To Make the Quick Chicken And Dumplings

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in garlic and onion powder, letting it bloom in the butter for about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through for 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Dumplings

Cut biscuit dough into quarters or add cheese ravioli directly into the pot. Let them simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, uncovered, until they puff up or are fully cooked.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes until everything is velvety and thickened.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, top with fresh parsley if using, and serve warm.

Serving and Storing This Comfort Dish

Quick Chicken and Dumplings is best served hot and fresh, ladled into deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cracked black pepper on top. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a crisp side salad to balance the richness.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is ideal for this recipe. It’s flavorful, tender, and saves you cooking time.

What can I use instead of biscuit dough?

Refrigerated biscuit dough is convenient, but you can also use cheese ravioli, canned crescent rolls cut into pieces, or even homemade drop dumplings.

How do I keep the dumplings from falling apart?

Avoid over-stirring after adding dumplings. Use a silicone spatula and stir gently just to prevent sticking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, though it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, prepare the broth and chicken base, then add dumplings just before serving.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! Let it cool fully before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat slowly with extra broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Can I add vegetables?

You sure can! Diced carrots, peas, or celery work well and can be added in with the broth to simmer until tender.

Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this Quick Chicken and Dumplings, these comforting recipes are sure to become favorites too:

Each one is packed with bold flavors and designed for real life—easy prep, minimal mess, and maximum taste.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you try biscuit dough or ravioli? Add veggies? Swap the cream? I’d love to hear how you made it yours.

Looking for more daily recipe inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest at Kitchen By Kate for new comfort food classics every day.

Quick Chicken And Dumplings

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Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Quick Chicken and Dumplings recipe delivers all the comfort of the classic southern dish in under 30 minutes. With tender shredded chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s the perfect cozy dinner. Ideal for busy nights using shortcut ingredients like rotisserie chicken and biscuit dough or ravioli.