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Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits

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Creamy, cozy, and topped with fluffy golden biscuits, this Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits is the kind of dinner that makes the whole house smell like comfort. Tender shreds of chicken simmer in a rich, savory gravy with carrots and celery, then get finished with soft biscuit “dumplings” that bake up right on top.

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The best part? You don’t need to fuss with homemade dumpling dough. A can of refrigerated biscuits gives you all the pillowy goodness you want, with a fraction of the effort. This is a weeknight-friendly twist on a classic Southern favorite, and it still tastes like something Grandma would proudly serve.


Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits

This recipe is built for real life, not just Sunday dinner. It uses simple ingredients you probably keep on hand—like cooked chicken, broth, and a can of biscuits—but the result feels like a slow-simmered labor of love.

You’ll love it because:

  • It’s true comfort food. Rich, creamy broth, soft veggies, and buttery biscuits give you that hug-in-a-bowl feeling.
  • Huge flavor with minimal effort. Using cooked chicken (rotisserie works great) and biscuit dough keeps prep simple without sacrificing taste.
  • One-pan convenience. Everything cooks in a single deep skillet or Dutch oven, from the gravy to the biscuit topping.
  • Family-friendly. Mild, cozy flavors mean picky eaters usually clean their bowls, and the biscuits on top are always a hit.
  • Perfect for leftovers. The gravy thickens as it cools, making tomorrow’s lunch even better.

What Kind of Biscuits Should I Use for Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits?

For this shortcut version of chicken and dumplings, refrigerated canned biscuits are your best friend. Jumbo buttermilk-style biscuits work especially well because they puff up tall and turn beautifully golden while staying fluffy inside.

If your biscuits are very large, cutting them into halves or quarters helps them cook through evenly and gives you more little dumpling bites across the top. You can also use flaky-layer biscuits if you want more texture—the layers separate slightly as they bake, creating little nooks that soak up the creamy sauce.

If you love baking from scratch, feel free to swap in your favorite homemade biscuit dough. Just pat or drop portions of dough over the hot chicken mixture and bake until cooked through and lightly browned. The key is simply this: whatever biscuit you choose, make sure it’s tender, buttery, and able to soak up all that delicious gravy.


Ingredients for the Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits

Before you start cooking, it helps to know why each ingredient is there so you can make smart substitutions if needed.

  • Cooked shredded chicken – The star of the dish, adding protein and hearty texture. Rotisserie chicken, poached chicken breasts, or leftover roasted chicken all work beautifully.
  • Chicken broth – Forms the flavorful base of the creamy gravy. Low-sodium broth gives you control over the salt level.
  • Butter – Adds richness and helps cook the vegetables. It also combines with flour to create a roux that thickens the sauce.
  • All-purpose flour – Thickens the broth so it turns into a silky, spoon-coating gravy that clings to the chicken and biscuits.
  • Onion – Provides savory depth and a hint of sweetness as it softens and cooks.
  • Carrots – Add color, gentle sweetness, and a bit of texture to balance the creamy sauce.
  • Celery – Brings classic soup flavor and a subtle herbal note that pairs perfectly with chicken.
  • Garlic – Infuses the gravy with warm, aromatic flavor that makes the whole dish smell irresistible.
  • Milk or half-and-half – Makes the sauce creamy and luxurious without needing a ton of heavy cream.
  • Dried herbs (thyme, parsley, and a pinch of rosemary) – Layer in that comforting, homestyle flavor that feels like a from-scratch stew.
  • Bay leaf – Simmered in the broth to add a deeper, rounded savory taste, then removed before serving.
  • Frozen peas (optional) – For a pop of color and sweetness; they’re an easy way to sneak in more veggies.
  • Salt and black pepper – Essential for bringing all the flavors together and balancing the richness.
  • Refrigerated canned biscuits – These become your dumplings, baking right on top of the creamy chicken mixture until fluffy and golden.
  • Fresh parsley – Sprinkled over the finished dish for a fresh, bright finish and a pretty pop of green.

How To Make the Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits

This skillet dinner comes together in simple steps: build a flavorful base, make the creamy gravy, stir in the chicken, then bake with biscuit dumplings on top.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Melt butter in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly golden around the edges. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir until everything is coated and no dry spots remain. Cook this mixture for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste. It will look thick and a bit pasty—that’s exactly what you want.

Step 3: Add Broth and Cream to Make the Gravy

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking or stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the milk or half-and-half, dried herbs, bay leaf, and a little salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. As it bubbles, the sauce will thicken into a creamy gravy.

Step 4: Stir in the Chicken (and Peas)

Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. If you’re using frozen peas, stir them in now. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken warms through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.

Step 5: Top with Biscuit Dumplings

Preheat your oven according to the biscuit package directions. While it heats, cut each biscuit into halves or quarters, depending on how large you want your dumplings. Arrange the biscuit pieces evenly over the surface of the hot chicken mixture, leaving a little space between them so they can puff up.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the biscuits are cooked through, tall, and golden brown on top, and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the tops brown too quickly, you can tent the skillet lightly with foil.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes; the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color. Serve generous scoops of chicken, veggies, creamy gravy, and biscuit dumplings in warm bowls.


Serving and Storing Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits

This recipe is hearty and generous, making it perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. As written, it comfortably serves about 6 people, especially when paired with a simple side like a salad or steamed veggies.

Serve the chicken and dumplings straight from the skillet, making sure everyone gets a good balance of chicken, vegetables, sauce, and biscuits. A sprinkle of extra black pepper or a little more fresh parsley on each bowl adds a finishing touch.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The biscuits will soften as they sit in the gravy, turning almost like traditional dumplings.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat a larger amount in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. If you’d like freshly crisped tops, you can pop the reheated dish under the broiler for a minute or two—just watch closely.

For longer storage, the chicken and gravy portion freezes well for up to 2–3 months. Freeze it without the biscuits, then reheat on the stovetop and add fresh biscuit dumplings right before serving.


What to Serve With Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits?

1. Simple Green Salad

A crisp green salad with mixed lettuces, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch to balance the rich, creamy chicken and dumplings.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with this meal. Their caramelized edges and earthy flavor contrast the soft biscuits and velvety gravy.

3. Steamed Green Beans with Lemon

Bright, lightly steamed green beans tossed with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt make an easy, colorful side that keeps the plate from feeling too heavy.

4. Fruit Salad or Sliced Fresh Fruit

A simple bowl of fresh fruit—or a light fruit salad—brings sweetness and juiciness to the table, making this cozy dinner feel complete without being over-the-top.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can start with raw chicken if you prefer. Sear diced or thinly sliced chicken in a bit of oil or butter in the skillet first, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Once the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, remove it to a plate, then proceed with sautéing the vegetables in the same pan. Add the chicken back in when you stir the sauce together. You may need to add a few extra minutes of simmering so the chicken becomes tender.

What if I don’t have canned biscuits?

If you don’t have canned biscuits, you can make a simple drop biscuit or dumpling dough from scratch using flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. Drop spoonfuls of dough over the simmering chicken mixture. For a more classic dumpling texture, cover and simmer on the stovetop until the dumplings are cooked through, or bake uncovered until golden.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can fully prepare the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture a day in advance, then cool and refrigerate it in the skillet or a baking dish. When you’re ready to serve, warm the mixture on the stovetop until hot and bubbly, then add the biscuit pieces on top and bake as directed. This is a great strategy for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting guests.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

To lighten things up, use milk instead of half-and-half, and reduce the butter slightly. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or green beans to stretch the meal further without adding much richness. Another option is to use smaller pieces of biscuit dough so each serving includes less bread while still feeling satisfying.

If you enjoy slightly lighter but still cozy meals, you might also like a bowl of creamy, veggie-full dishes such as our creamy Parmesan Tuscan soup, which offers similar comfort with lots of greens and beans.

What other cozy chicken dinners do you recommend?

If this becomes a family favorite (and it probably will!), you might love other comforting chicken dinners too. Think of baked casseroles like a homestyle chicken stuffing casserole or cheesy skillet dinners with pasta and veggies. These types of recipes use many of the same pantry ingredients while giving you totally different flavor profiles.

For another ultra-comforting option, try a creamy pasta dish like garlic Parmesan chicken pasta for nights when you’re craving noodles instead of biscuits.


Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use rotisserie chicken or cook your own? Did you add extra veggies like peas or mushrooms?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and share more cozy meals.


Conclusion

Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits is everything you want in a comforting, budget-friendly dinner: creamy, hearty, and just special enough to feel like a treat. Thanks to a few shortcuts, you can get it on the table with minimal prep but still enjoy that from-scratch flavor.

Keep this recipe in your regular rotation for chilly nights, busy evenings, or any time your family needs a warm, satisfying meal. And if you’re on the hunt for more easy comfort-food ideas, don’t forget to explore other cozy dishes like garlic-and-herb skillet chicken, creamy soups, and hearty casseroles.

For even more delicious dinner inspiration and step-by-step visuals, you can follow along on Pinterest at Meals We Share, where new recipes are shared regularly.


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Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits


  • Author: Sally Roberts
  • Total Time: 45
  • Yield: 6

Description

Creamy, comforting, and loaded with tender shredded chicken and vegetables, this Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits is the perfect quick dinner when you need cozy food ideas fast. Fluffy biscuit “dumplings” bake right on top of a rich, homemade-style gravy, giving you an easy recipe that feels like a slow-simmered classic. It’s a simple one-pan meal that doubles as a weeknight favorite, weekend comfort food, and a go-to option when you’re searching for breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, or a hearty, healthy-ish snack to reheat the next day.


Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

1 small yellow onion finely diced

2 medium carrots peeled and sliced

2 celery stalks sliced

3 cloves garlic minced

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup milk or half and half

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste

3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)

1 cup frozen peas optional

1 can refrigerated jumbo buttermilk biscuits (8 biscuits)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven according to the temperature on your biscuit can (usually 350–375°F / 175–190°C).

2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the olive oil if using, then stir in the diced onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, until the vegetables soften and begin to turn golden.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.

4. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook the flour for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, to remove the raw taste and form a thick paste-like roux.

5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking or stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the milk or half and half, dried thyme, dried parsley, crushed rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Let it bubble for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens into a creamy gravy that coats the back of a spoon.

7. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and frozen peas (if using). Simmer for another 3–5 minutes so the chicken warms through and the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf.

8. While the filling simmers, open the can of biscuits. Cut each biscuit into halves or quarters, depending on how large you want the dumplings.

9. Arrange the biscuit pieces evenly on top of the hot chicken mixture, leaving a little space between each piece so they can puff up as they bake.

10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the biscuits are fully cooked through and golden brown on top and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the biscuits brown too quickly, tent the pan loosely with foil.

11. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

12. Ladle the chicken, vegetables, creamy gravy, and biscuit dumplings into warm bowls and enjoy immediately.

Notes

For the best texture, cut jumbo biscuits into smaller pieces so they cook through evenly and create lots of little dumpling bites across the top.

If your gravy gets too thick while simmering, whisk in a splash of extra chicken broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.

To save time, use rotisserie chicken and pre-chopped vegetables; this makes the dish especially handy for busy weeknights or easy meal prep.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 1150
  • Fat: 30
  • Saturated Fat: 14
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 30
  • Cholesterol: 115

Keywords: easy chicken and dumplings, quick dinner, comfort food, biscuit dumplings, chicken skillet, weeknight dinner

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