Irresistible Easy Chicken and Bisquick Drop Dumplings: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Guide

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings to bring back cherished memories and provide ultimate comfort. This Easy Chicken and Drop Dumplings recipe delivers exactly that – a dish brimming with savory flavor, tender chicken, a rich, creamy broth, and impossibly fluffy dumplings. Best of all, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal or a quick fix for those sudden comfort food cravings.

The Magic of One-Pot Comfort: Unveiling Our Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings stands as a timeless classic in the realm of comfort food. It’s a dish that embodies warmth, simplicity, and wholesome goodness. Our version takes this beloved recipe and elevates it with an incredibly straightforward approach, thanks to the convenience of Bisquick baking mix for the dumplings. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken and tender vegetables swimming in a luscious, savory broth, crowned with light, airy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, designed to be prepared quickly and with minimal fuss, all within a single pot.

The beauty of a one-pot meal cannot be overstated, especially on busy days. It minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully. This particular recipe for chicken and Bisquick dumplings is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. The dumplings, dropped by spoonfuls directly into the simmering broth, puff up beautifully as they cook, transforming the dish into a deeply satisfying experience. Pair it with a crisp side salad or warm biscuits, and you have a complete, delightful meal that will surely become a family favorite.

Why Bisquick? The Secret to Fluffy Dumplings Every Time

At the heart of this recipe’s simplicity and success are Bisquick dumplings. For many home cooks, Bisquick is a pantry staple, renowned for making baking quick and easy. But what exactly is Bisquick, and why is it so effective for making light, fluffy drop dumplings?

What is Bisquick?

Bisquick is a pre-made baking mix that typically contains flour, shortening, salt, sugar, and baking powder. This convenient blend means you don’t have to measure out individual dry ingredients, saving you time and ensuring consistent results every time. Many store brands offer similar baking mixes; just ensure they list comparable ingredients to achieve the same fluffy texture. This convenience factor is what makes it a go-to for quick breads, pancakes, and, of course, tender dumplings.

The balance of leavening agents (baking powder) and fat (shortening) in Bisquick is perfectly calibrated to produce light and airy baked goods. When combined with liquid, it quickly forms a dough that cooks up beautifully, yielding dumplings that are soft on the inside and slightly chewy on the outside. This eliminates the guesswork often associated with scratch-made dumplings, making this recipe approachable for even novice cooks.

Essential Ingredients for Your Hearty Meal

Crafting this comforting dish requires a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty lies in their simplicity and how they come together to create a complex, heartwarming flavor profile.

Main Components:

• Chicken Tenders: Diced into bite-sized pieces, chicken tenders cook quickly and remain incredibly tender.
• Onion: Finely diced onion forms the aromatic base, adding a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Chicken Stock: The foundation of our flavorful broth, providing richness and body. A good quality stock makes all the difference.
• Chicken Gravy Mix: This packet is a secret weapon for thickening and enhancing the savory notes of the broth, giving it a wonderfully creamy consistency.
• Milk: Adds to the creaminess of the broth and helps blend with the gravy mix. Whole milk or half & half will yield the richest results.
• Frozen Peas and Carrots: (Optional, but highly recommended) These add color, texture, and a touch of vegetable goodness without extra prep time.
• Bisquick Baking Mix: The star for our quick and fluffy dumplings.
• Warm Water: Essential for mixing with the Bisquick to create the dumpling dough.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the dish to perfection, enhancing all the natural flavors.

Customization & Flavor Enhancers:

For those who prefer an even creamier, richer consistency in their chicken and dumplings, consider substituting the chicken gravy packet with a can of cream of chicken soup. The measurements for all other ingredients, including the milk, remain the same, ensuring a delicious and equally simple preparation. Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper to your taste, as these simple seasonings are crucial for bringing out the best in every ingredient.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

Creating this delicious comfort meal is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly balanced, flavorful, and hearty dish.

Preparing the Flavorful Base:

1. Start the Base: Place a large pot or Dutch oven on your stove over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken tenders, finely diced onion, and the chicken stock.
2. Cook Chicken and Onions: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, and the chicken is fully cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste as it cooks.
3. Thicken the Broth: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix (or cream of chicken soup, if using) and the milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot with the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything well to combine, then bring it back up to a gentle boil. This will allow the broth to thicken slightly, creating that desirable creamy consistency. At this point, you can also add the frozen peas and carrots, stirring them into the simmering broth.

Mastering the Dumplings:

4. Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix with the warm water. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly lumpy dough is perfectly fine and will yield more tender dumplings. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough dumplings.
5. Drop the Dumplings: Using a tablespoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the prepared Bisquick mixture directly into the simmering pot, spacing them out as evenly as possible. They will expand as they cook, so leave a little room between each one.

The Final Touch & Serving:

6. Steam the Dumplings: Once all the dumplings are in the pot, cover it tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the dumplings to steam for 8-10 minutes. It’s crucial not to lift the lid during this time, as the trapped steam is what makes the dumplings incredibly puffy and cooked through. They should be light and no longer doughy in the middle.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pot from the heat. Give the mixture a final taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) for a touch of color and fresh flavor, then ladle generous portions into bowls and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Bisquick?

Bisquick is a pre-mixed baking product primarily composed of flour, shortening, baking powder, salt, and sometimes sugar. It’s designed for convenience, allowing you to quickly make a variety of baked goods like pancakes, biscuits, and in this case, fluffy dumplings, by simply adding a liquid. There are several generic store brands available that offer similar baking mixes, which can be used as a direct substitute. Just make sure the ingredient list is comparable to traditional Bisquick for the best results.

What can I substitute for chicken tenders?

You have several excellent options for chicken! If you’re short on time or have leftovers, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic choice, adding a wonderful roasted flavor. Leftover roasted chicken works just as well. For raw chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces, are perfect substitutes. Thighs will offer a slightly richer flavor and more tender texture. Ensure whatever chicken you use is fully cooked before adding the dumplings.

How do you store leftover chicken and dumplings?

Chicken and dumplings, unfortunately, don’t always make the best leftovers. The dumplings tend to continue absorbing liquid over time, which can make them dense and soggy upon reheating. While edible, they lose their initial fluffy texture. For the best experience, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish on the same day it’s made. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the mixture has become too thick.

Can you freeze chicken and dumplings?

Similar to storing leftovers, freezing chicken and dumplings is generally not recommended. The freezing and thawing process further impacts the texture of the dumplings, causing them to absorb even more liquid and become very dense and thick, losing their desirable fluffiness. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.

Can I make homemade dumplings?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make your dumplings from scratch, it’s quite simple. You’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

To prepare them, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir in the milk and vegetable oil until a sticky dough forms. Do not overmix. Once your homemade dough is ready, proceed with the rest of the recipe as written, dropping spoonfuls into the simmering pot.

Can Chicken and Bisquick Dumplings be made in the slow cooker?

Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker! To do so, add all the ingredients (except for the Bisquick and milk for the dumplings) to a 5-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender. In a separate bowl, mix the Bisquick and milk for the dumplings. Then, drop tablespoonfuls of this dough into the slow cooker, ensuring they are somewhat spaced apart. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 30-60 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy.

What if my broth isn’t thick enough?

If your broth isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can create a simple slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (or flour) with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into your simmering broth gradually, allowing it to cook for a few minutes. The broth will thicken as it heats. Repeat if necessary until your desired consistency is reached.

Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables. Diced celery, corn, green beans, or even spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted) would be delicious additions. Add harder vegetables like celery along with the onions and chicken to ensure they have enough time to soften. Softer vegetables can be added with the peas and carrots.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Use a dairy-free milk alternative (like unsweetened almond milk or soy milk) in place of regular milk. Ensure your chicken stock is dairy-free, and if using cream of chicken soup, look for a dairy-free version or make a homemade dairy-free cream sauce base. For the Bisquick, check the ingredients as some mixes might contain dairy; many generic baking mixes are dairy-free, but always verify.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken and Bisquick Dumplings

• Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough: A few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough dumplings.
• Maintain a Gentle Simmer: The broth should be gently simmering, not a rolling boil, when you add the dumplings to ensure even cooking.
• Do Not Peek! Resist the urge to lift the lid while the dumplings are steaming. The trapped steam is essential for them to cook through and become puffy.
• Season Liberally: Taste and adjust seasonings multiple times throughout the cooking process to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the chicken and dumplings as soon as they are ready.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Comfort Meal

While this chicken and Bisquick dumplings recipe is a complete meal on its own, a few additions can elevate the experience:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty stew.
• Warm Biscuits or Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
• Extra Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or even thyme before serving adds a burst of freshness and aroma.
• Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing that complements the rustic charm of the dish.

Craving More Hearty Recipes?

If you loved this comforting dish, explore some of our other favorite hearty recipes:

• Crock Pot Chicken and Cheese Dumplings
• Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
• Ground Beef and Dumplings
• Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
• Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumpling Soup
• Chicken and Dumplings For Two
• Crack Chicken Soup with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
• Crock Pot Beef Dumplings
• Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
• White Chicken Chili with Cornbread Dumplings

Full Recipe: Easy Chicken and Bisquick Dumplings

This Easy Chicken and Bisquick Dumplings recipe is packed with flavor and incredibly quick, coming together in about 30 minutes. Enjoy a creamy broth, tender chicken, and wonderfully fluffy dumplings!

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders, diced
• ½ onion, finely diced
• 32 ounce container chicken stock
• 1 packet chicken gravy mix (or 1 can cream of chicken soup for creamier results)
• 1 cup milk (or half & half)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
• 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
• ⅔ cups warm water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Place a large pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken tenders, finely diced onion, and chicken stock.
2. Cook until the onions turn soft and the chicken is fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix (or cream of chicken soup) and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot with the chicken and vegetables.
4. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to thicken slightly.
5. Add the frozen peas and carrots (if using) and stir them into the pot.
6. In a medium bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix with warm water. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
7. Drop tablespoonfuls of the prepared Bisquick mixture into the pot, spacing the dumplings as evenly as possible.
8. Cover the pot tightly and reduce the heat to medium-low. Steam the dumplings for 8-10 minutes, without lifting the lid, until they are puffy and no longer doughy in the middle.
9. Season the entire mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Video Guide

Notes & Expert Tips

• For a creamier chicken and dumplings, use a can of cream of chicken soup instead of the chicken gravy packet. All other ingredient measurements, including milk, remain the same.
• Chicken and Dumplings typically do not make the best leftovers. The dumplings will continue to absorb the liquid, becoming dense. It’s best to consume the dish on the same day it’s prepared.
• For added flavor and convenience, you can substitute the raw chicken tenders with shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken.
• Ensure the pot is tightly covered during the dumpling steaming process. The trapped steam is crucial for achieving fluffy, thoroughly cooked dumplings.

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Estimated Nutrition Information

(Based on general estimates; actual values may vary depending on brands and portion sizes)

• Calories: 298 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 635mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 7g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Originally published: October 2011
Updated photos and republished: January 2023