How to Store Leftover Chicken and Dumpling?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Can I Freeze Chicken and Dumpling?

Place the cooled chicken and dumplings in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to reheat.

Reheat the leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of milk.

Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits

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This one-pot meal combines tender shredded chicken with fluffy biscuit dumplings in a rich broth. It is a practical, time-saving dinner solution for busy weeknights.

List of ingredients

2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts – provides the main protein.
4 cups water – used for the initial poaching process.
32 ounce chicken broth (4 cups) – creates the flavorful base for the stew.
1/2 cup all purpose flour – used to coat the biscuit pieces.
1 can pillsbury biscuits with layers – serves as the quick dumpling base.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – adds a touch of spice.
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning – provides classic savory herbal notes.

step-by-step instructions

Poach the chicken: Place 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a large pot and pour in 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 40 minutes or until the chicken is shreddable.
Shred the meat: Remove chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks for easy mixing.
Season the broth: Add 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning, and 32 oz chicken broth to the pot. Turn back to high heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
Prepare the dough: Pull the layered biscuits apart into three separate layers. Cut each circle into at least 4 pieces using a knife or pizza cutter.
Coat and drop: Dip each piece of dough into the flour to coat it, then drop them gently into the boiling broth.
Set the dumplings: Gently push the biscuits into the broth to ensure they are submerged and cook evenly.
Combine: Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot with the dumplings.
Final simmer: Allow the chicken and dumplings to cook uncovered for 10 minutes over medium high heat.
Finish: Turn the heat to low until you are ready to serve.

Ways to Enhance the Stew

Adding Frozen Peas and Carrots

Include a cup of frozen peas and carrots when you add the chicken broth. These vegetables cook quickly and add color and nutrients to the meal.

Incorporating Diced Celery and Onions

Sauté diced onions and celery in the pot before adding water if you prefer a deeper aromatic base. This adds traditional mirepoix flavors to the broth.

Mixing in Sweet Corn

Stir in canned or frozen corn during the final simmering stage. This adds a slight sweetness and a different texture to the creamy stew.

Using Fresh Mushrooms

Slice white or cremini mushrooms and add them before the boiling stage. Mushrooms provide an earthy depth that complements the poultry seasoning.

Substituting Chicken Thighs

Replace the chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs for a richer flavor. Thighs are more resistant to overcooking during the poaching phase.

Using Rotisserie Chicken

For a faster version, skip the poaching step and use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply add the shredded meat when the recipe calls for stirring in the chicken.

Adding Ranch Seasoning

Stir in one tablespoon of dry ranch seasoning powder into the broth. This introduces garlic, onion, and buttermilk notes to the liquid.

Using Fresh Thyme or Rosemary

Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary while the broth is simmering. Remove the woody stems before adding the dumplings to keep the texture smooth.

Adding Cream of Chicken Soup

Mix in one can of condensed cream of chicken soup for a thicker, creamier consistency. This transforms the broth into a rich gravy-like sauce.

Alternative Dumpling Options

Homemade Biscuit Dough

If you prefer not to use canned dough, make a quick mixture of flour, baking powder, salt, and butter. Drop small spoonfuls of the wet dough into the boiling broth.

Using Potato Gnocchi

Replace the biscuits with store-bought potato gnocchi for a different style of dumpling. These cook very quickly and provide a denser, chewier texture.

Slicing Refrigerated Pie Crust

Cut a chilled pie crust into small squares as an alternative to biscuits. These result in a thinner, more pastry-like dumpling that absorbs the broth well.

Cooking Techniques for Success

Achieving the Right Broth Consistency

If the liquid is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or milk.

Preventing Doughy Centers

Ensure the broth is at a full boil before adding the biscuit pieces. This immediate heat helps the dough set and cook through to the center.

Effective Chicken Shredding

Use two forks to pull the meat apart along the natural grain of the fiber. This creates small, uniform pieces that distribute evenly throughout the stew.

Correct Sizing for Dumplings

Avoid making the biscuit pieces too large, as they may remain raw in the middle. Cutting each circle into quarters or smaller ensures an even cook time.

The Importance of Flour Coating

Dipping the dough in flour creates a slight barrier that helps the dumpling hold its shape. This prevents the biscuits from dissolving into the broth.

Storage and Preservation

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store any remaining chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh and safe to eat for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions

Place the cooled stew in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thawing the Stew

Move the frozen container to the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly. This prevents the dumplings from breaking apart during the reheating process.

Reheating Methods

Stovetop Reheating

Place the leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently and cover with a lid to keep the moisture locked in.

Microwave Reheating

Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals. Stir between each interval to ensure the heat is distributed evenly through the dumplings.

Adding Liquid During Reheat

Dumplings tend to absorb liquid as they sit in the fridge. Add a small amount of milk or chicken broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Handling Biscuits That Stay Raw

If the dumplings are doughy, cover the pot with a tight lid and simmer on low for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. The trapped steam will cook the centers.

Fixing a Bland Broth

If the flavor is too mild, add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon brightens the savory notes of the poultry seasoning.

Preventing Overcooked Chicken

Avoid boiling the chicken violently for the full 40 minutes. A gentle simmer ensures the meat remains tender rather than becoming rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make sure biscuits are cooked and not doughy?

Ensure the broth is boiling vigorously before you drop the dough in. Additionally, do not stir the dumplings too aggressively, as this can collapse the air pockets needed for them to rise.

Can I use bouillon cubes instead of broth?

Yes, you can dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water to create a substitute for the 32 ounces of chicken broth. Follow the package directions for the correct water-to-cube ratio.

What is the best pot for this recipe?

A large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed stockpot is ideal. These pots distribute heat evenly and have enough depth to accommodate the rising dumplings.

Can I add heavy cream for extra richness?

You can stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream at the very end of the cooking process. This adds a velvety texture and a richer mouthfeel to the final dish.

Is it possible to make this in a slow cooker?

The poaching and boiling steps are designed for the stovetop to ensure the dumplings cook properly. For a slow cooker, you would need to adjust the liquid and add dumplings only in the last hour.

Can I use whole wheat flour for the coating?

Whole wheat flour can be used, though it may slightly change the flavor and color of the dumplings. All-purpose flour is recommended for the lightest texture.

How do I prevent the broth from becoming too salty?

Use low-sodium chicken broth if you are sensitive to salt. Since the biscuits contain salt, using a low-sodium base prevents the final stew from becoming over-salted.