Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
The comforting aroma of simmering chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings fills your kitchen, conjuring memories of home-cooked meals shared with family on cozy nights. There’s something magical about a pot of Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings bubbling away on the stove. It transforms not just the room but also your very spirit, reminiscent of simpler days when care and time mattered in cooking.

What makes this dish even more appealing is its combination of simplicity and heartiness. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul. It’s easy to toss together on a busy weeknight yet special enough for Sunday supper or holiday gatherings. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get ready to make a bowl of nostalgia that everyone will cherish.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish makes weeknight meals a breeze.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich, creamy broth mingles delightfully with tender chicken and soft dumplings, making every bite comforting.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The fluffy dumplings resting atop a bowl of golden broth are visually delightful.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for supper or an easy meal prep option, perfect for family dinners or larger gatherings.
- Diet-Friendly Options: With a simple adjustment, you can adapt it to various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 10.5 ounces cream of celery soup: This adds a creamy, savory base. You can substitute with cream of chicken if you prefer.
- 32 ounces chicken stock or broth: Homemade or store-bought works here. Use low sodium if you’re controlling salt intake.
- 16.3 ounces refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count): The secret to fluffy dumplings; the convenience of refrigerated dough saves time.
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded): Great for eliminating prep work. Any cooked chicken could work if rotisserie isn’t available.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing flavor. Don’t skip this step to elevate the dish.
How to Make Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
- Prepare the Broth: Pour the 10.5 ounces cream of celery soup and 32 ounces chicken stock into a large pot, whisking it together until fully blended with no lumps remaining.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. You want to see a few bubbles without it boiling too aggressively.
- Prep the Dumplings: While the broth heats, take the 16.3 ounces refrigerated biscuit dough and open the tube. On a lightly floured cutting board, separate each biscuit.
- Roll Out the Dough: Flatten each biscuit as thin as possible, aiming for about one-quarter inch thick. A rolling pin works wonders here.
- Cut the Dumplings: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice each flattened biscuit into small, bite-sized pieces. Set the cut pieces aside, breathing in the comforting scent of dough.
- Combine Chicken and Broth: Once the broth is simmering gently, stir in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, infusing it with rich flavors.
- Add the Dumplings: Drop the cut biscuit pieces into the simmering broth one at a time. Ensure they’re submerged by giving the pot a gentle stir.
- Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings have puffed up and are no longer doughy in texture.
- Season the Broth: Taste the broth and add salt and pepper as needed. A little seasoning elevates all the flavors beautifully.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the warm, comforting chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve immediately. Your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas that call everyone to the table.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for about two hours before needing refrigeration, where it’ll be good for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it in a suitable container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth to maintain the creamy texture. Keep in mind that the dumplings may absorb some of the broth upon storage, so a little refreshing will enhance the flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid greasing the pot; the dumplings need to sit in the broth to cook properly.
- For more flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth while it simmers.
- If the dumplings seem too dense, ensure they’re rolled out evenly and cooked long enough to fully puff.
- Experiment with different cream soups, such as cream of chicken or mushroom, for unique twists.
- This meal can be easily made ahead of time. Prepare everything and store it in the fridge, cooking only when you’re ready to eat.
If you’re looking for a cozy comfort food that bridges generational gaps, Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings is just the ticket. Each spoonful warms you from the inside out, creating lingering memories worthy of any family table.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
How can I make this recipe creamier?
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
Can I add vegetables?
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Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
This Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings brings home the comfort with its creamy broth, tender dumplings, and shredded chicken. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or family gatherings.
- Prep Time 15 minutes
- Cook Time 30 minutes
- Yield 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 10.5 ounces cream of celery soup
- 32 ounces chicken stock or broth
- 16.3 ounces refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pour the cream of celery soup and chicken stock into a large pot.
- Whisk together until fully blended with no lumps.
- Heat the pot over medium heat until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
- While the broth heats, open the tube of biscuit dough and separate each biscuit.
- On a lightly floured cutting board, flatten each biscuit to about one-quarter inch thick using a rolling pin.
- Cut each flattened biscuit into small, bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Set the cut biscuit pieces aside.
- Once the broth is simmering, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Drop the biscuit pieces into the simmering broth one at a time.
- Stir gently to ensure all dumplings are submerged.
- Lower the heat to medium-low.
- Simmer the dumplings uncovered for about 15 minutes or until they are cooked through and not doughy.
- Taste the broth and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock.
Feel free to mix in vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
This dish can be made in advance and reheated for later meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.




