Begin by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy base.
Add water according to your preferred soup consistency, then stir in the Better Than Bouillon chicken base. Mix until fully dissolved. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
In a separate bowl, combine the Bisquick, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and milk. Stir just until combined; do not overmix, as this keeps the dumplings tender.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Then uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Stir gently, being careful not to break the dumplings, and allow the soup to thicken slightly before serving.
Serving and Storage:
Serve chicken and dumplings hot, straight from the pot. It is a complete meal on its own, though it pairs beautifully with simple sides like crusty bread or a light salad.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture if needed.
Tips:
- Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to prevent dumplings from breaking apart.
- Avoid stirring too much after adding dumplings.
- Adjust thickness with extra milk or broth if desired.
- Use freshly shredded chicken for best texture.
- Let the soup rest briefly before serving for optimal thickness.
Conclusion:
Chicken and dumplings is a classic dish for a reason. It delivers warmth, nourishment, and comfort in every bite. This recipe offers a reliable, flavorful version that is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is perfect for sharing with family or enjoying as leftovers the next day. It is a timeless recipe that never goes out of style and always feels like home.
FAQ:
Can I use homemade chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, any cooked and shredded chicken works well.
How do I know the dumplings are done?
They should be firm yet fluffy and no longer doughy in the center.
Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
It can be frozen, though dumplings may soften slightly when reheated.
Can I make this thicker?
Yes, allow it to simmer uncovered a bit longer or add a small flour slurry.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The flavors are mild, comforting, and widely loved.