Chicken and Dumplings With Bisquick Recipe: Fluffy Biscuit Pillows in Rich Broth

This classic comfort dish brings tender chicken and fluffy dumplings together in a rich, savory broth. Using Bisquick simplifies the process while delivering homemade taste that warms the soul.

With minimal effort and 30 minutes, you can create a hearty meal that tastes like it simmered all day. The dumplings puff up like biscuit pillows, soaking up the flavorful broth for the perfect bite every time.

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings with Bisquick

Pantry staples and Bisquick make these fluffy dumplings come to life in no time.

The Bisquick is the secret to those fluffy dumplings—regular or heart smart both work, but avoid the buttermilk variety (it throws off the texture). Costco and Walmart always have the best prices. For the chicken, thighs stay juicier than breasts, but either works. Look for broth labeled low-sodium so you can control the salt level yourself.

No Bisquick? Homemade baking mix (2 cups flour + 3 tsp baking powder + 1 tsp salt) works in a pinch. Swap the milk for buttermilk if you want extra tenderness. Fresh herbs can replace dried—use three times the amount. The veggies are flexible: swap in frozen peas or corn if that’s what you’ve got.

Leftovers keep well—store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The dumplings soak up broth over time, but a splash of water when reheating brings it back to life. Freezes beautifully for 3 months.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken and Dumplings With Bisquick

Here’s the method. Straightforward, tested, works every time.

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables and Brown the Chicken

Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion, celery stalks, and carrots. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.

Push the vegetables to one side and add the bite-sized chicken breasts to the pot. Season with 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes until the pieces are no longer pink on the outside. The chicken doesn’t need to cook through at this stage.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth with Aromatics

Pour in the 4 cups chicken broth, then stir in the minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried parsley, and 1 whole bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. In a small bowl, whisk together the 0.25 cup all-purpose flour with ¼ cup of the hot broth to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the pot to thicken the broth, then simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Bisquick Dumplings

In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups Bisquick baking mix with the 0.75 cup whole milk. Stir just until the dough comes together—it will be thick and slightly sticky. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the dumplings tough.

Do not add any of the remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the dumpling dough. The dough should be shaggy but hold together when pressed. Let it rest for 2 minutes while the broth continues to simmer gently.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings in the Broth

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the Bisquick dough directly into the simmering broth. You should have about 12-14 dumplings. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 12-15 minutes.

The dumplings are done when they are puffed, firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not lift the lid during cooking—this releases steam and can make the dumplings dense.

Once the dumplings are cooked, stir in the remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter to add richness to the broth. Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, with each bowl containing a generous amount of broth, chicken, and fluffy dumplings.

Flavor Customization for These Flavors

Herb Infusions

Swap the dried herbs for fresh—use 1 tbsp fresh thyme and 1 tbsp fresh parsley for brighter flavor. I love adding 2 sprigs rosemary to the broth while simmering for a piney depth. Just

Spice It Up

For heat, stir in ½ tsp cayenne pepper or 1 tsp smoked paprika with the vegetables. A pinch of red pepper flakes added at the end gives a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.

Creamy Twist

Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or ¼ cup sour cream at the end for a richer broth. This makes the dish feel even more indulgent, perfect for colder months. The dumplings soak up the creamy broth beautifully.

Veggie Boost

Add 1 cup frozen peas or 1 cup diced potatoes when simmering the broth. Peas add sweetness and color, while potatoes make it even heartier. Both pair wonderfully with the fluffy dumplings.

Cheesy Dumplings

Fold ½ cup shredded cheddar or ¼ cup grated Parmesan into the Bisquick dough before cooking. The cheese melts into the dumplings, creating little pockets of savory goodness. Kids especially love this variation. 🧀

Fresh Finishes

Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh dill before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness. These little touches elevate the dish from homey to restaurant-worthy.

Frequently Asked Questions