Have you heard of chicken and dumplings? It’s traditionally a soup with a creamy broth and chicken and then dumplings on top that are steamed in the soup. It can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner, but I personally like to make it (it meaning the vegan version) for dinner and eat leftovers for lunch! To veganize this soup, I decided to use my chickpea idea from my vegetarian Marry Me Chickpeas! I chose to use chickpeas because their size is similar to chicken chunks so the soup has the same mouth feel as traditional chicken and dumplings (my food scientist background always comes in handy!) The dumplings on them can be drop style, rolled, or biscuits. But after some research and testing, drop dough won out because it’s so easy and doesn’t require any fussing around. So if you want to learn how to make the best darn vegan chicken and dumplings, then let’s get cooking!
Why you’ll love it
One pot is all you need to make both the delicious soup and the dumplings. Fast thanks to chickpeas being ready to go, unlike their chicken counterpart. Pantry staple ingredients like flour, carrots, and broth are all you need for a full meal!
Ingredients for Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
The ingredients for this soup really are pantry staples and many of them are shelf-stable too! The only kind of specialty item is vegan creamer, but most grocery stores sell that now.
Mirepoix: The base of this soup comes from the melody of flavors from a traditional mirepoix. It’s yellow onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, sautéed in a but of olive oil. Poultry seasonings: This is an all-in-one seasoning that is made up of classic spices like thyme and rosemary. We will use it in the soup and the dumplings! Vegetable broth: You can use store-bought broth or make your own homemade! Flour: Flour helps to thicken the stock and to make the dumplings. All-purpose flour is fine here. I wouldn’t use gluten-free for the dumplings because it may result in dense and gummy dumplings (we didn’t test this recipe with gluten-free flour). Chickpeas: These also are sometimes labeled as garbanzo beans but they are one and the same. You can use either one in the canned form or cook them yourself. Frozen peas: Peas add a sweet burst. I like to use petite frozen peas. Vegan creamer: I use unsweetened vegan creamer for the broth and the dumplings, but vegan heavy cream or coconut milk will work for the broth. For the dumplings, evaporated milk, buttermilk, or plant-based drinking milk will work too. Bakings Powder: This helps the biscuits rise while being steamed in the soup. Salt: Salt is a must to help bring out all the other flavors!
How to make Chickpeas and Dumplings
This soup is super fast to make, made in one pot, and super forgiving, so no fussing over the stove for this recipe! Let me show you (full recipe at the end of this post).
Storage
To store it, you need to remove the dumplings first. Then store the soup in the fridge for up to 5 days and the dumplings separate. The dumplings will keep in an air-tight container for 4 days. To reheat the dumplings, toast in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Why this Recipe Works
This recipe really is a triumph because it delivers all of the flavor, minus any animal products! Here’s exactly why we love it:
Classic ingredients like celery, onion, and carrots maintain the flavor that chicken and dumplings are known for. Chickpeas offer the same texture and bite experience as chicken but don’t require any pre-cooking. It’s all cooked in one pot which saves on dishes, time, and effort.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
I don’t recommend it all being made in advance because the dumplings become soggy. But, you can make the soup and store it and then make the biscuit dough and store it. When you want to eat the vegan chicken and dumplings, just top the soup with the dough and cook as directed.
How do I tell if the dumplings are done?
They should be firm and if a toothpick is inserted into one, it should come out clean.
Can I use store-bought biscuit or dumpling dough?
Totally! You can use a vegan-friendly biscuit dough like Bisquick or any other favorite mix to save some time.
what to serve with chicken and dumplings
This soup is delicious on its own because it’s a soup and bread all together. But, if you want some pairing ideas, here are a few of my favorites!
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a refreshing salad that only takes 15 minutes to put together! Easy Veggie Wraps may sound like an odd pairing but the refreshing crunch from the wrap is a welcome contrast to the soft chickpeas and dumplings! Rosemary Roasted Potatoes can be popped in the oven to bake while the soup is going.
