Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Campbell Soup Chicken and Dumplings recipe! This classic dish elevates the humble canned soup into a hearty, homemade meal perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes so much better than you'd expect, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dinner idea. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking, simplified!
Ingredients:
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, chicken broth, shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
Step 2: Make the Dumplings
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. This simple dough is key to light and fluffy dumplings.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter evenly over the top of the soup mixture. Space them slightly apart to allow for even cooking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through. The dumplings should be fluffy and the soup should be bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately. This hearty and delicious dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a beautiful garnish and extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Campbell Soup Chicken and Dumplings:
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme on hand, use about 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme instead of the dried thyme for a brighter, more intense flavor.
- Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding some chopped carrots, celery, or peas to the soup base before adding the dumplings.
- Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup base.
- Make it creamy: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.
Variations:
- Use different soup: Experiment with different flavors of condensed soup, such as cream of celery or cream of potato.
- Add different protein: Instead of chicken, use leftover cooked turkey, beef, or pork. Even vegetarian options like lentils or mushrooms would work well.
- Make it a pot pie: Transfer the assembled soup and dumplings to a pie dish and top with puff pastry before baking for a more elegant presentation.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This Campbell Soup Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. It's a perfect recipe for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anyone looking for a comforting, healthy meal that's easy to make. Enjoy!