Irresistible Budget Chicken and Dumplings Ready in 1 hour

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a steaming bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings when the weather turns chilly—or honestly, anytime you need a little comfort. My grandma used to whip up her Budget Chicken and Dumplings with whatever we had left in the fridge, and somehow, it always tasted like a hug in a bowl. This recipe keeps things simple, affordable, and downright delicious. Whether you’re stretching groceries or just craving something cozy, it’s ready in under an hour without fancy ingredients. Trust me, once you taste those fluffy dumplings soaking up savory broth, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with canned soup.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Budget Chicken and Dumplings

• Affordable: Uses pantry staples and leftover chicken—no need for fancy ingredients.
• Simple: Ready in under an hour with easy-to-follow steps.
• Comforting: Warm, hearty, and perfect for chilly nights or when you need a pick-me-up.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.

Ingredients for Budget Chicken and Dumplings

Here’s the beauty of this recipe – it works with what you’ve got. I always keep these basics on hand for when the craving hits. Just grab:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders here)
• 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought – I won’t judge)
• 1 cup water (for thinning the broth if needed)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, packed (the secret to fluffy dumplings)
• 2 tsp baking powder (don’t skip this – it’s what makes the dumplings rise)
• 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes the richest dumplings)
• 1 tbsp butter (the good stuff, not margarine)
• 1/2 cup each diced carrots, celery, and onions (the classic trio – dice them small so they cook fast)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’ve got it)

Equipment You’ll Need

No fancy gadgets required here, Just grab:

• A large pot (at least 4 quarts to hold all that goodness)
• A mixing bowl for your dumpling dough
• A wooden spoon for stirring
• A measuring cup and spoons

That’s it – everything you probably already have in your kitchen.

How to Make Budget Chicken and Dumplings

Ready to dive in? This recipe is as easy as it gets, and I’ll walk you through every step. Let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the Broth and Vegetables

First, grab your big pot and pour in the chicken broth and water. Crank the heat to high and bring it to a rolling boil. While you’re waiting, toss in those diced carrots, celery, and onions—they’re the backbone of flavor here. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let those veggies soften for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the carrots are tender but still have a little bite. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the broth starts to shine.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the veggies are doing their thing, let’s whip up those dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a quick whisk to make sure everything’s evenly mixed. Next, add the milk and butter. Stir it all together until it just comes together—don’t overmix, or your dumplings will be tough. The dough should be sticky but manageable. Trust me, it’s okay if it’s not perfect. Homemade is supposed to look, well, homemade.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings and Chicken

Now for the fun part. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth. Don’t worry about making them perfect—rustic is the vibe here. Add your shredded chicken and sprinkle in the black pepper. Cover the pot and let it all simmer for about 15 minutes. This is when the dumplings puff up into fluffy clouds of joy and soak up all that savory broth. Resist the urge to peek too often—the steam is doing its thing. When the timer goes off, you’ll have a pot of pure comfort ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Budget Chicken and Dumplings

Here are my tried-and-true secrets for the best chicken and dumplings every time:

• Leftover chicken is your friend – Rotisserie chicken or last night’s baked chicken works beautifully here. Just shred it up.
• Broth too thick? Add a splash of water. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Lumpy is good. Overworking it makes tough dumplings.
• Keep the lid on while the dumplings cook – that steam is what makes them light and fluffy.

See? Easy peasy comfort food at its finest! For more budget-friendly ideas, check out this budget-friendly weekly chicken meal plan.

Serving Suggestions for Budget Chicken and Dumplings

This cozy meal stands tall on its own, but I love pairing it with a hunk of crusty bread for dipping—those broth-soaked bites are heavenly. For a lighter touch, add a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette. Either way, prepare for seconds.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store your chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I always add a splash of broth or water—the dumplings soak it right up and stay tender. Just warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the stove keeps everything from getting gummy. Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight—if you can wait that long.

Budget Chicken and Dumplings FAQs

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates—your exact nutrition will vary based on ingredients used. But here’s the general breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 950mg

Not bad for such a filling meal. Using low-sodium broth cuts the salt if needed, and you can always adjust portion sizes to fit your needs. Comfort food that doesn’t break the calorie bank—win.

For more delicious recipes and updates, follow us on Facebook.

 Find more easy morning ideas in our web site.

Print