Easy Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings: A Comfort Food Classic
Chicken and dumplings is the epitome of comfort food. Warm, hearty, and satisfying, it’s a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. While traditionally made with homemade dumplings, this recipe offers a simplified and quicker version using Bisquick baking mix. This method cuts down on prep time without sacrificing the delicious, comforting flavor we all crave. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this Bisquick chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why Bisquick Dumplings?
Bisquick simplifies the dumpling-making process considerably. It eliminates the need to measure out individual ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt. The pre-mixed blend ensures a consistent texture and rise, resulting in light and fluffy dumplings every time. Plus, it’s readily available in most grocery stores, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients:
* **For the Chicken:**
* 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a combination)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Bisquick Dumplings:**
* 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
* 2/3 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, but adds flavor)
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup frozen corn
* Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s walk through the process of making this delicious Bisquick chicken and dumplings:
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
* **Option 1 (Slow Cooker):** This is the easiest method. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
* **Option 2 (Stovetop):** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken on all sides until lightly browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the seared chicken back to the pot. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
* **Option 3 (Instant Pot):** Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the Instant Pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes (for breasts) or 10 minutes (for thighs), followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release.
**2. Shred the Chicken:**
* Once the chicken is cooked (regardless of the method used), remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Set aside.
**3. Make the Bisquick Dumplings:**
* In a medium bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix and milk. If using, stir in the melted butter. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough dumplings.
**4. Add the Dumplings to the Soup:**
* Bring the chicken broth (with the vegetables) to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls of the Bisquick mixture into the simmering broth. Aim for about 1-inch sized dumplings. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot; you may need to cook the dumplings in batches. You can use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to portion the dumpling batter.
**5. Cook the Dumplings:**
* Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. The dumplings should be puffy and no longer doughy in the center. Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently, as this can release steam and prolong the cooking time. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a dumpling; it should come out clean.
**6. Stir in the Chicken and Optional Add-ins:**
* Gently stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. If using frozen peas and/or corn, add them now as well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken and vegetables are heated through.
**7. Season and Serve:**
* Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings
* **Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the Bisquick, resulting in tough dumplings. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** Cooking the dumplings in batches ensures that they cook evenly and don’t stick together.
* **Resist Lifting the Lid:** Lifting the lid while the dumplings are cooking releases steam and can prolong the cooking time. Be patient and let them cook undisturbed.
* **Use Quality Chicken Broth:** The flavor of the chicken broth is crucial to the overall taste of the dish. Use a good quality chicken broth or homemade chicken stock for the best results.
* **Add Herbs and Spices:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Thyme and rosemary are classic choices, but you can also try adding a pinch of sage, marjoram, or garlic powder.
* **Customize the Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, green beans, or mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a richer, creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Make it Ahead:** The chicken stew part of the recipe can be made ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, bring the stew to a simmer and add the dumplings.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Chicken and dumplings can be frozen, although the texture of the dumplings may change slightly. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** For an even richer flavor, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with cream of chicken soup. Use about 1-2 cans, depending on your preference.
* **Cheddar Cheese Dumplings:** Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the Bisquick dumpling batter for cheesy dumplings.
* **Herb Dumplings:** Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill, to the dumpling batter.
* **Spicy Chicken and Dumplings:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a little heat.
* **Bisquick Drop Biscuits:** For a heartier dumpling, try using Bisquick to make drop biscuits instead of the traditional dumplings. Follow the instructions on the Bisquick box for drop biscuits, but make the biscuits smaller so they cook through more quickly in the soup.
* **Rotisserie Chicken:** For an even quicker meal, use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken yourself. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup.
* **Vegetarian Version:** Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and add more vegetables for a vegetarian version of this classic dish. You can also add plant-based chicken substitutes.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a few side dishes to round out the meal:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and dumplings.
* **Cornbread:** Cornbread is a classic accompaniment to chicken and dumplings. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture complements the savory soup.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or roasted green beans are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For an even more comforting meal, serve chicken and dumplings over mashed potatoes.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken and dumplings on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth if the dumplings have absorbed too much of the liquid. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Conclusion
This Bisquick chicken and dumplings recipe is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish. The use of Bisquick makes the dumpling-making process quick and easy, while the flavorful broth and tender chicken create a truly memorable meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings! This recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easier than you think. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!