Bisquick Dumplings: Fluffy, comforting, and ready in minutes! Have you ever craved a warm, hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings but felt intimidated by the thought of making the dumplings from scratch? I have! That’s where this incredibly easy recipe comes in. Forget complicated doughs and lengthy rising times. With this recipe, you can have tender, flavorful dumplings simmering in your favorite broth in under 30 minutes.
Dumplings, in their various forms, have a rich history across many cultures. From Asian potstickers to Italian gnocchi, these little pockets of deliciousness have been nourishing families for centuries. While this particular recipe utilizes the convenience of Bisquick, it still captures the essence of homemade comfort food. It’s a modern twist on a classic, making it accessible to even the busiest home cooks.
What makes Bisquick Dumplings so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of soft, pillowy texture and savory flavor. They soak up all the deliciousness of the broth, creating a truly satisfying and comforting meal. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip them up any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch, these dumplings are sure to become a family favorite. I know they are in my house!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- ? cup milk (I prefer whole milk for richness, but any kind works!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver!)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh, your choice peas, carrots, corn are classic)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste (remember, the broth might already be salty!)
Preparing the Chicken Base:
- First, let’s get our chicken base ready. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. This adds a nice richness to the broth.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer. We want it hot, but not boiling vigorously.
- Now, add the shredded cooked chicken and mixed vegetables to the simmering broth. Stir well to combine everything.
- Season the broth with dried thyme, dried rosemary, and black pepper. These herbs add a wonderful savory flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
- Give it a good stir and then taste the broth. Add salt to taste. Remember to be cautious with the salt, as the chicken broth might already contain some sodium. You can always add more later, but you can’t take it away!
- Reduce the heat to low and keep the chicken broth mixture simmering gently while you prepare the dumplings. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Making the Bisquick Dumplings:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix and milk.
- Stir with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing will result in tough dumplings. You want the batter to be slightly sticky and shaggy. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Let the dumpling batter rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the Bisquick to absorb the milk and helps the dumplings become light and fluffy.
Cooking the Dumplings:
- Now comes the fun part! Increase the heat under the chicken broth mixture to medium. We want it to be simmering steadily.
- Using a spoon (I like to use a tablespoon), drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering chicken broth. Try to space the dumplings evenly around the pot so they have room to cook.
- Important: Do not overcrowd the pot! If you have too many dumplings, they won’t cook properly and may stick together. If necessary, cook the dumplings in batches.
- Once all the dumplings are in the pot, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time! This is crucial for the dumplings to cook through properly. Lifting the lid will release steam and can cause the dumplings to become dense and gummy.
- After 15 minutes, carefully lift the lid and check the dumplings. They should be puffed up and cooked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a dumpling. If it comes out clean, the dumplings are ready. If not, continue simmering for a few more minutes, checking periodically.
- If the broth has thickened too much during cooking, you can add a little more chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Serving and Enjoying:
- Once the dumplings are cooked through, remove the pot from the heat.
- Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls. Make sure each bowl gets a good mix of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! These Bisquick dumplings are best enjoyed hot.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Sauté some diced onion and celery in the butter before adding the chicken broth. This will create a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as diced potatoes, green beans, or mushrooms.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor of the soup. Sage, oregano, or marjoram would all be delicious additions.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little bit of heat.
- Creamy dumplings: For richer dumplings, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some of the milk in the dumpling batter.
- Cheese dumplings: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dumpling batter for cheesy dumplings.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken broth mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook the dumplings, simply bring the broth to a simmer and proceed with the recipe.
- Freezing: While the dumplings themselves don’t freeze well (they can become mushy), you can freeze the chicken broth mixture without the dumplings. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then cook the dumplings according to the recipe instructions.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free Bisquick baking mix to make gluten-free dumplings.
- Slow Cooker Method: You can also make this in a slow cooker! Add the chicken broth, chicken, vegetables, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During the last 30 minutes, drop the dumpling batter into the slow cooker and cook on high until the dumplings are cooked through. Be sure to keep the lid on as much as possible.
Troubleshooting:
- Dumplings are too tough: You probably overmixed the dumpling batter. Be sure to stir the batter only until just combined.
- Dumplings are gummy: You may have lifted the lid too often while the dumplings were cooking. Avoid lifting the lid until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Dumplings are not cooking through: Make sure the broth is simmering gently and that the pot is covered tightly with a lid. If the dumplings are still not cooking through, you may need to add a little more liquid to the pot.
- Broth is too thick: Add more chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Broth is too thin: Simmer the broth uncovered for a few minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the broth to thicken it.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
- Protein: 25-35 grams per serving
- Fat: 15-25 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving
This recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly day. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do!
Conclusion:
So there you have it! These Bisquick Dumplings are truly a game-changer for any soup, stew, or even a simple chicken and gravy dinner. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Dumplings? From Bisquick? Really?” But trust me on this one. The ease of preparation combined with the fluffy, comforting texture makes this recipe an absolute must-try, even for the most seasoned home cooks.
What makes these dumplings so special? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and satisfaction. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just a box of Bisquick, some milk, and a few minutes of your time. The result? Tender, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors of your dish. They’re the ultimate comfort food, and they’re ready in a fraction of the time it would take to make traditional dumplings from scratch.
But the best part? The versatility! While I personally love serving these dumplings in a hearty chicken noodle soup, the possibilities are endless. Imagine them nestled in a rich beef stew, soaking up all that savory goodness. Or perhaps you’re craving something a little different? Try adding a pinch of herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dumpling batter for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking can also elevate these simple dumplings to a whole new level.
For a sweeter twist, you could even try dropping these dumplings into a simmering pot of fruit compote. Think warm apple dumplings with a dollop of vanilla ice cream pure heaven! And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different types of milk? Buttermilk will add a tangy flavor, while coconut milk will give them a subtle tropical twist.
Serving suggestions? Oh, where do I even begin! These Bisquick Dumplings are fantastic with classic comfort foods like pot roast, chili, or even just a simple cream of mushroom soup. They’re also a great way to stretch a meal further, making them perfect for feeding a crowd. And if you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven. Just be sure to add a little extra broth or gravy to keep them moist.
I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving something comforting and satisfying. It’s also a great way to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab that box of Bisquick and give these dumplings a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and what dishes you served them with. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I’m always eager to hear from my readers and see how they’re putting their own spin on my recipes.
I’m confident that these Bisquick Dumplings will become a staple in your kitchen, just as they have in mine. They’re the perfect way to add a touch of comfort and warmth to any meal. Happy cooking!
Bisquick Dumplings: Easy Recipe & Fluffy Results
Comforting and easy chicken and dumplings made with Bisquick baking mix. A classic, hearty meal perfect for a cozy night.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- ? cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Base: Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add shredded chicken and mixed vegetables to the simmering broth. Stir well.
- Season with thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Stir and taste; add salt to taste.
- Reduce heat to low and keep simmering while preparing dumplings.
- Make Dumplings: In a medium bowl, combine Bisquick and milk. Stir with a fork until just combined (do not overmix). Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Cook Dumplings: Increase heat under chicken broth to medium. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering broth, spacing evenly. Do not overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- After 15 minutes, check dumplings. They should be puffed up and cooked through (toothpick inserted should come out clean). If not, continue simmering, checking periodically.
- If broth is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle chicken and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté diced onion and celery in the butter before adding the chicken broth.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as diced potatoes, green beans, or mushrooms.
- Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor of the soup. Sage, oregano, or marjoram would all be delicious additions.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little bit of heat.
- For richer dumplings, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some of the milk in the dumpling batter.
- Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dumpling batter for cheesy dumplings.
- You can prepare the chicken broth mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook the dumplings, simply bring the broth to a simmer and proceed with the recipe.
- While the dumplings themselves don’t freeze well (they can become mushy), you can freeze the chicken broth mixture without the dumplings. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then cook the dumplings according to the recipe instructions.
- Use gluten-free Bisquick baking mix to make gluten-free dumplings.
- You can also make this in a slow cooker! Add the chicken broth, chicken, vegetables, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During the last 30 minutes, drop the dumpling batter into the slow cooker and cook on high until the dumplings are cooked through. Be sure to keep the lid on as much as possible.
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