Discover the ultimate collection of quick and easy chicken and dumplings recipes that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine. These 8+ speedy comfort food classics deliver homestyle flavor without the traditional time commitment, perfect for busy families seeking hearty, satisfying meals in 30 minutes or less. From stovetop shortcuts using rotisserie chicken to Instant Pot and slow cooker variations, these streamlined recipes maintain all the savory broth, tender poultry, and fluffy dumplings you crave while eliminating lengthy cooking processes.
Transform ordinary evenings into extraordinary culinary experiences with these rapid chicken and dumplings preparations that don’t sacrifice taste for convenience. Whether you prefer Southern-style drop dumplings, biscuit-topped versions, or creamy soup-inspired interpretations, this curated selection offers something for every palate. Each recipe features protein-rich chicken breast or thighs paired with pillowy dumplings in a velvety, aromatic broth enhanced with fresh herbs, vegetables, and seasonings. Master these time-saving techniques and efficient meal solutions to bring this beloved comfort dish to your dinner table any night of the week, no special occasion required.
8 Fast Chicken and Dumplings Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
Busy weeknights call for meals that are both comforting and quick, and chicken and dumplings perfectly fits the bill. Traditional recipes often require hours of simmering, but modern cooks have developed ingenious shortcuts that deliver all the homestyle flavor in a fraction of the time. These eight speedy recipes utilize time-saving ingredients like rotisserie chicken, pre-made biscuit dough, and condensed soups to streamline the cooking process. With minimal prep work and efficient cooking methods, you can have a steaming bowl of this classic comfort food on the table in under half an hour. Many of these recipes are one-pot wonders, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. Whether you prefer fluffy drop dumplings or flat, noodle-style versions, there’s a quick recipe to satisfy your craving. These fast recipes prove that you don’t need to sacrifice taste or satisfaction when cooking on a tight schedule.
– Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut Dumplings
– 20-Minute Pressure Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
– Canned Biscuit Drop Dumpling Soup
– Quick Skillet Chicken and Dumplings
– Sheet Pan Chicken with Easy Drop Dumplings
– Microwave-Friendly Individual Chicken and Dumplings
– 15-Minute Cream of Chicken Soup Hack
– Store-Bought Gnocchi Chicken „Dumplings“
– One-Pot Shredded Chicken and Dumplings
– Air Fryer Chicken with Steamed Dumplings
– Leftover Chicken Weeknight Dumplings
– Frozen Vegetable Quick Chicken and Dumplings
Quick Stovetop Chicken and Herb Dumplings for Busy Weeknights
When time is of the essence but you still crave comfort food, this stovetop chicken and herb dumplings recipe will become your weeknight savior. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder combines tender chicken chunks with fluffy herb-infused dumplings that cook right in the savory broth. The secret lies in starting with store-bought rotisserie chicken, which eliminates lengthy cooking times while still delivering that homemade taste your family craves. Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, and chives add brightness to the dumplings, elevating them beyond basic comfort food without requiring extra effort. A splash of lemon juice added just before serving cuts through the richness and brings all the flavors into perfect harmony. For busy parents, this recipe offers the added advantage of creating minimal dishes while still putting a nutritious, satisfying meal on the table. The entire dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches when your schedule is particularly hectic.
• Uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save significant time
• One-pot preparation minimizes cleanup
• Ready in approximately 30 minutes from start to finish
• Herb-infused dumplings cook directly in the broth
• Can use frozen mixed vegetables to eliminate chopping time
• Self-thickening broth requires no additional roux-making step
• Perfect for using leftover chicken from previous meals
• Freezes well for future quick dinners
• Drop dumplings require no rolling or cutting
• Can substitute dried herbs if fresh aren’t available
• Kid-friendly comfort food with hidden vegetable benefits
• High protein content keeps family fuller longer
• Works with gluten-free flour blends for dietary restrictions
• Easily doubles for larger families or planned leftovers
• Adaptable to slow cooker for hands-off preparation
• Brightened with lemon juice for balanced flavor
• Creamy without heavy cream—uses milk instead
• Provides complete meal in one bowl—protein, vegetables and carbohydrates
Instant Pot Chicken and Fluffy Dumplings: A Speedy Comfort Meal
Are you craving a bowl of homestyle comfort that won’t keep you slaving in the kitchen for hours? Your Instant Pot is about to become your new best friend when it comes to creating incredibly tender chicken and pillowy dumplings in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of pressure cooking, you can transform ordinary chicken, vegetables, and biscuit dough into a hearty, soul-warming meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The rich, velvety broth infuses every bite with savory goodness while the pressure-cooked chicken falls apart at the touch of your fork. Even on your busiest weeknights, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in about 30 minutes from start to finish. No more waiting hours for traditional stovetop versions when you can satisfy your comfort food cravings in less time than ordering takeout. Your family will be amazed at how you’ve managed to create such deep, developed flavors in this quick-fix version of a classic American favorite.
1. Use frozen vegetables to cut prep time in half while maintaining nutrition
2. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness
3. Create fluffy dumplings using refrigerated biscuit dough cut into quarters
4. Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for extra richness
5. Include dried herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth of flavor
6. Sauté onions and garlic in butter before pressure cooking for better taste
7. Use the natural release method for 5 minutes to keep dumplings tender
8. Thicken the broth with a simple cornstarch slurry for perfect consistency
9. Finish with fresh parsley for brightness and visual appeal
10. Store leftovers separately from dumplings to prevent sogginess
20-Minute Rotisserie Chicken and Drop Dumplings
Hey there, busy home cook! I’m about to share a game-changing recipe that transforms store-bought rotisserie chicken into a comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings in just 20 minutes flat. This shortcut method gives you all the homestyle flavor without the hours of simmering traditionally required. The secret lies in starting with a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which provides instant flavor and cuts your cooking time dramatically. You’ll love how the tender chicken combines with fluffy drop dumplings that practically cook themselves while floating in rich, savory broth. Even on your most hectic weeknights, you can pull this meal together faster than delivery would arrive at your door. Trust me, your family will think you’ve been cooking all day when you serve up this cozy, soul-warming dish that tastes deceptively like it took hours to make.
• Purchase a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store
• Remove all meat from the chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces
• Save the bones and skin if you want to make homemade stock another time
• Heat 4 cups of good-quality chicken broth in a large pot
• Add 1 cup each of diced carrots and celery
• Stir in 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and poultry seasoning
• Bring mixture to a simmer for 5 minutes until vegetables slightly soften
• Whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water
• Add cornstarch slurry to broth to thicken slightly
• Stir in shredded chicken and ½ cup frozen peas
• In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt
• Add ½ cup milk and 2 tablespoons melted butter to make dumpling batter
• Drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the simmering broth
• Cover pot and cook for 8-10 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through
• Add ¼ cup heavy cream for richness (optional)
• Season with salt and pepper to taste
• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving
• Ladle into bowls while hot
• Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings That Prep in 10 Minutes
When you’re craving comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is your perfect solution. You’ll only need 10 minutes to prep everything before your trusty slow cooker takes over, doing all the heavy lifting while you handle other tasks. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and return later to a home filled with mouthwatering aromas that’ll make your stomach growl. Even on your busiest days, you can enjoy homemade chicken and dumplings without the traditional time commitment that grandma’s recipe demanded. The tender chicken falls apart effortlessly, swimming in a rich, creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. Fluffy dumplings cook right in the savory mixture during the final stretch, soaking up all those delicious flavors while maintaining their light, pillowy texture. This no-fuss approach delivers all the comforting goodness of traditional chicken and dumplings but fits perfectly into your hectic schedule without sacrificing that made-from-scratch taste.
1. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness
2. Substitute cream of chicken soup for homemade roux to save time
3. Add frozen mixed vegetables in the last hour for color and nutrition
4. Use refrigerated biscuit dough cut into quarters for quick dumplings
5. Season with poultry seasoning for that classic chicken and dumplings flavor
6. Add a dash of garlic powder for depth without chopping garlic
7. Include a bay leaf for subtle aromatic flavor
8. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content
9. Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for extra richness
10. Use dried herbs instead of fresh to eliminate chopping time
11. Add a diced onion for flavor without extensive prep
12. Include a can of cream of celery soup for additional flavor complexity
13. Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
14. Shred chicken right in the slow cooker to minimize dishes
15. Add black pepper to taste just before serving
16. Drop dumpling dough in the last 30 minutes of cooking time
17. Keep the lid closed while dumplings cook for proper steaming
18. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for color (optional)
19. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days
20. Freeze individual portions for quick future meals
21. Serve with a simple side salad for a complete dinner in minutes
One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Buttermilk Biscuit Dumplings
Are you craving comfort food but don’t have the time for a complex recipe? This One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Buttermilk Biscuit Dumplings is your answer to a quick, soul-warming meal that’ll have your family thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how the tender chicken simmers in a velvety sauce while fluffy buttermilk biscuit dumplings steam right on top, absorbing all those incredible flavors. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation. With store-bought biscuit dough as a shortcut, you can have this hearty meal ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. The creamy sauce, packed with aromatic vegetables and herbs, creates the perfect base for the light, pillowy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. What’s great about this recipe is its versatility—you can easily customize it with seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand in your fridge. Trust me, this one-pot wonder will quickly become your go-to recipe when you need quick comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice flavor!
1. Use rotisserie chicken to save even more time
2. Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits work perfectly as dumplings
3. Add a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick
4. Frozen mixed vegetables can replace fresh for convenience
5. Heavy cream creates the richest, most velvety sauce
6. Fresh thyme and rosemary elevate the flavor profile
7. Chicken broth provides more flavor than water as a base
8. Garlic powder adds depth without the prep of fresh garlic
9. Black pepper enhances all the flavors in the dish
10. Bay leaves infuse the sauce with subtle complexity
11. Cut biscuits into quarters for faster cooking
12. A splash of white wine adds sophistication (optional)
13. Pre-chopped mirepoix saves vegetable prep time
14. Shredded cheese can be added to the biscuits for extra flavor
15. Allow dumplings to steam with the lid on for best texture
16. Use a Dutch oven for even cooking and heat retention
17. Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast meat
18. Dried herbs work if fresh aren’t available
19. A cornstarch slurry can quickly thicken the sauce if needed
20. Peas add a pop of color and sweetness
21. Lemon zest brightens the entire dish
22. Don’t overwork the biscuit dough for tender dumplings
23. Low sodium broth lets you control the salt level
24. Mushrooms add umami depth to the sauce
25. Serve in bowls to capture all the delicious sauce
Shortcuts to Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings: Express Edition
Craving that comforting taste of grandma’s chicken and dumplings but short on time? You’re not alone – many busy home cooks want those nostalgic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. With a few clever shortcuts and time-saving techniques, you can whip up this classic comfort food in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. I’ve perfected these quick methods through countless busy weeknight dinners when my family needed something hearty and satisfying fast. The secret lies in strategically using store-bought ingredients while maintaining that homemade taste everyone loves. These shortcuts don’t just save time; they also reduce kitchen cleanup, making this express edition perfect for hectic days. Best of all, these speedy adjustments still deliver that soul-warming goodness that makes chicken and dumplings such a beloved family favorite.
1. Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken
2. Opt for pre-made biscuit dough as dumpling shortcuts
3. Utilize frozen mirepoix (pre-chopped carrots, celery, and onions)
4. Substitute bouillon cubes or base for homemade stock
5. Choose cream of chicken soup as a quick broth thickener
6. Use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to reduce cooking time
7. Try refrigerated rolled dough sheets cut into squares for dumplings
8. Add pre-minced garlic from a jar to save chopping time
9. Incorporate frozen peas and carrots for instant vegetables
10. Use poultry seasoning blend instead of measuring individual herbs
11. Try drop dumplings instead of rolled ones to save preparation time
12. Choose condensed chicken broth for stronger flavor without reduction
13. Simmer with the lid on to cook dumplings faster
14. Use a food processor to make quick homemade dumpling dough
Fast Chicken and Cornmeal Dumplings with Fresh Herbs
Want to know how to create the most amazing comfort food in no time? Our Fast Chicken and Cornmeal Dumplings with Fresh Herbs combines tender chicken and fluffy cornmeal dumplings in a savory broth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—but it’s ready in just 30 minutes! You’ll love how the cornmeal adds a subtle texture and earthy flavor that perfectly complements the aromatic fresh herbs. This quick recipe saves you hours in the kitchen while delivering that homemade taste that makes chicken and dumplings such a beloved classic. The secret lies in our time-saving techniques that don’t sacrifice flavor, allowing you to put a delicious, hearty meal on the table even on your busiest weeknights. The fresh herbs elevate this dish from simple to spectacular, infusing every bite with bright, garden-fresh flavors that make this comfort food feel surprisingly light and modern. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a soul-warming meal without the wait, this recipe will quickly become your go-to when cravings for comfort food strike.
1. Use rotisserie chicken to save significant prep time
2. Combine cornmeal with all-purpose flour for more textured dumplings
3. Add fresh thyme, parsley, and chives to the dumpling mixture
4. Use chicken stock concentrate instead of regular broth for deeper flavor
5. Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking
6. Drop dumplings by tablespoon for consistent cooking time
7. Don’t peek while dumplings steam—keep the lid closed
8. Incorporate lemon zest in the dumpling mix for brightness
9. Use a wide, shallow pot for more efficient dumpling cooking
10. Shred chicken instead of cubing for better texture in every bite
11. Add a splash of white wine to the broth for complexity
12. Include a bay leaf during simmering for subtle aromatic flavor
13. Finish with fresh black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice
14. Freeze leftover portions in individual containers for quick meals
15. Substitute gluten-free flour blend if needed (keep the cornmeal)
16. Use a mixture of dark and white meat chicken for best flavor
17. Garnish with additional fresh herbs just before serving
