pillsbury chicken and dumplings recipe
The Best pillsbury chicken and dumplings recipe
I’ve been making Pillsbury Chicken and Dumplings for years, and there’s something about it that just feels right—like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table pause and say, “This is actually good,” even if they didn’t think they’d be impressed. My kids, especially my picky ones, will eat it straight from the pan, no questions asked, and my husband always takes a second helping because it’s so comforting. It’s not just a meal; it’s a tradition, something we pull out for holidays, game nights, or just a lazy Sunday when we don’t feel like cooking from scratch. The way the chicken melts into the broth and the dumplings float just right, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve done something special, even if it’s just rolling out dough and simmering it.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is yet how satisfying it is. There’s no fancy technique—just a few basic steps that anyone can follow, and the results are always consistent. My family loves it because it’s filling without being heavy, and the flavors are balanced—savory from the chicken, tender from the dumplings, and just enough seasoning to make it taste like home. It’s also a great way to use leftovers, whether it’s extra chicken from another meal or a bit of extra broth. Plus, the dumplings are a fun little activity for the kids to help with, which makes dinner feel less like work and more like a shared experience. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing like a steaming bowl of this on a cold day, especially when the kids are still in pajamas. It’s that kind of dish that makes you feel good about what you’re serving, whether you’re feeding your family or just treating yourself.
Pillsbury Chicken and Dumplings
A comforting classic featuring tender chicken in a savory tomato-based sauce, served with fluffy dumplings. Perfect for a cozy family meal.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup Pillsbury Tomato Sauce (or 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup water (plus extra if needed)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
👨🍳Directions
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1 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet, set aside.
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2 In the same skillet, melt butter. Stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in tomato sauce, chicken broth, thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
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3 For the dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add water and melted butter, stirring until a dough forms. If too dry, add a splash more water.
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4 Drop dumpling dough into the sauce using a spoon or dropper. Cover skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dumplings float to the top.
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5 Transfer chicken and sauce to a baking dish. Spoon dumplings on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and dumplings are golden.
🔧Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Dumpling dropper or spoon
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Pillsbury Chicken and Dumplings Works
This Pillbury Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a perfect go-to for any family gathering because it’s simple enough to make without stressing over complicated techniques, yet it still feels special and hearty enough to impress. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or a bigger holiday spread, the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings always bring comfort and warmth to the table, making it a reliable choice that never disappoints. Plus, it’s easy to scale up or down, so you can adjust for how many people you’re serving without any fuss.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pillsbury Chicken and Dumplings
1. What are the key ingredients required for making Pillbury Chicken and Dumplings?
The key ingredients for Pillbury Chicken and Dumplings include: – 1 (32 oz) can of chicken broth (preferably low-sodium) – 1 (15 oz) can of chicken broth (or water, if preferred) – 1 (15 oz) can of chicken pieces (or shredded rotisserie chicken) – 1 package of Pillbury Chicken and Dumplings mix (which includes biscuits and sauce) – Optional: 1 tsp of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
2. Can I substitute any of the ingredients in the Pillbury Chicken and Dumplings recipe?
Yes, you can make some substitutions while keeping the dish similar: – Broth: Use a homemade or low-sodium chicken broth instead of canned. – Chicken: Replace canned chicken with diced rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or even a homemade chicken stock for a richer flavor. – Dumplings: If you don’t have Pillbury mix, you can make homemade dumplings using all-purpose flour, baking powder, and water. – Sauce: If the mix calls for a specific seasoning, adjust with herbs like thyme or bay leaves, or add a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
3. How do I prepare the Pillbury Chicken and Dumplings correctly, and what’s the best cooking method?
To prepare correctly: 1. Cook the Chicken: Drain the chicken from its broth, then cook it in a large pot over medium heat until fully done (about 10-12 minutes). Remove and set aside. 2. Simmer the Broth: In the same pot, add the remaining broth (or water) and return the chicken to the pot. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly. 3. Add the Mix: Stir in the Pillbury Chicken and Dumplings mix according to the package instructions (usually 1-2 cups of water or broth). 4. Cook the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough into the sauce and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the dumplings float to the top. 5. Serve: Remove from heat and enjoy hot with a side of steamed veggies or crusty bread.
4. Why do the dumplings sometimes sink instead of floating in the sauce?
Dumplings may sink due to a few common reasons: – Overmixing the Dough: If the dough is too stiff or overworked, it won’t rise properly. Ensure the dough is soft and pliable. – Not Enough Liquid: If the sauce isn’t thick enough or lacks enough steam, the dumplings may not expand fully. – Cooking Time: If the pot isn’t covered tightly, steam isn’t trapped, preventing the dumplings from rising. – Solution: Adjust the dough consistency (add a little more water if too thick), ensure the pot is covered, and cook on low heat to allow steam buildup.
5. Can I make a larger batch of Pillbury Chicken and Dumplings for a crowd, and how do you adjust the recipe?
Yes, you can scale up the recipe: – Increase the Broth: Use 2 (32 oz) cans of broth or 2 (15 oz) cans of chicken pieces (or double the amount of rotisserie chicken). – Mix Adjustments: Follow the package instructions but use 2-3 cups of liquid (broth or water) per package of mix. Stir well before adding the dough. – Cooking Time: Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to allow the dumplings to rise fully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. – Serving Suggestion: Serve in a large pot or divide into individual bowls. Add extra broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
