Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings: Comfort in a Bowl

I still remember the rainy afternoon when I first experimented with Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings in my tiny kitchen. The wind rattled the windows, and my dog Max watched from his favorite corner like he knew something good was coming. I didn’t plan to reinvent comfort food – I just wanted warmth. What began as a cozy attempt to chase away a gloomy day turned into my go‑to recipe whenever I needed extra comfort. That very first bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings was rich, creamy, and cheesy, with tender chicken and vegetables – and from that moment on, I knew I had created something special.

Why Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings Is the Ultimate Comfort Dish

There’s comfort food, and then there’s Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings. Imagine chunks of juicy chicken swimming in a creamy cheddar broth, bright green broccoli florets, and soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the flavor. This dish doesn’t just fill the belly – it warms the heart. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or a chilly weekend, Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings delivers both flavor and satisfaction in every spoonful.

One of the secret strengths of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings is its perfect balance: protein from chicken, veggies from broccoli, and a rich, cheesy experience that adults and kids both adore. Plus, it’s straightforward enough that even beginners can nail it. If you’re looking for a standout recipe that earns compliments (and seconds), this is it.

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting goodness, Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy dumplings in a rich cheddar broth. The ultimate comfort dish for any season.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk or cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 lb cooked chicken shredded or cubed
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste

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Dumplings

• 1 cup biscuit mix
• 1/3 cup milk

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk until golden and smooth to form a roux.
2. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Stir constantly to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free.
3. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently and reduce the heat to low.
4. Add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Stir in the cooked chicken and broccoli. Simmer until broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, combine biscuit mix and milk to form a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls onto the simmering soup.
7. Cover the pot and cook for 10–12 minutes without lifting the lid, until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
8. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor. Don’t lift the lid while the dumplings cook — steam is key! For variation, try different cheeses or add a pinch of spice.

What You’ll Need for Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings

To make a delicious pot of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings, gather these ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk or cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup biscuit mix (for dumplings)
• 1/3 cup milk (for the dumpling dough)

This combination produces the heart of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings – a creamy, cheesy base with hearty chicken and bright broccoli, finished with soft dumplings that transform the dish into a meal.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings

Here’s how to bring beautiful Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings together:

1. Start the Base: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the flour. Whisk constantly until golden and smooth – this creates your roux, the foundation of the cheese sauce for your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings.
2. Add Broth & Milk: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking. This step ensures your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings sauce stays creamy and lump‑free.
3. Season It: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust to your taste, keeping in mind that cheddar cheese adds saltiness too.
4. Cheese Time: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. This rich, velvety cheese sauce is the heart of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings.
5. Add Chicken & Broccoli: Stir in your cooked chicken and broccoli florets. The broccoli will soften as it simmers in the cheesy broth, adding color, texture, and nutrients to your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings.
6. Make Dumplings: In a separate bowl, mix the biscuit mix with milk until a soft dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 10–12 minutes without lifting the lid.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings is ready to serve. Ladle into bowls and enjoy the satisfying blend of cheese, tender chicken, broccoli, and dumplings.

Pro Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings

Making outstanding Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings is easier than you think – here are a few tips that make a big difference:

• Use sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives deep, bold flavor to your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings. Mild cheese works, but sharp is better.
• Cut broccoli evenly: Small, uniform florets cook more consistently in your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings pot.
• Don’t lift the lid while dumplings cook: The steam helps them become light and fluffy.
• Simmer gently: Boiling can make the cheese separate, so keep your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings base at a gentle simmer.

These easy tips help every batch of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings turn out rich, creamy, and comforting.

Variations to Try

Want to twist your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings recipe? Here are some tasty ideas:

• Swap cheddar for gouda or Monterey jack: Give your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings a new cheesy personality.
• Add herbs: A sprinkle of thyme or parsley amps up the flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: A dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes brings heat to the comforting classic.

Any of these variations keep the soul of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings while giving you delicious new tastes to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions about Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings

Can I use frozen broccoli in Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings. Just add it a bit earlier so it has time to heat through and reach the right texture.

Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the base of your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings ahead and refrigerate. Add the dumplings and reheat when ready to serve for fresh results.

How do I store leftovers of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid separating the cheese.

Can I use a different cheese in Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes! Cheddar is classic, but Swiss, gouda, or Monterey jack each make a delicious twist on Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings.

These FAQs cover common questions to help you feel confident making Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings, no matter your kitchen experience.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

What makes Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings such a beloved dish? It’s the harmony between creamy cheddar, tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy dumplings. Each element brings something important to the table – protein for satisfaction, vegetables for nutrition, cheese for richness, and dumplings for that heart‑warming comfort we all crave.

This recipe brings people together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet night at home, Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings fills your home with warmth and your belly with smiles. Every spoonful is familiar, cheesy comfort with a touch of homemade love.

Final Thoughts on Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings

If there’s one recipe you bookmark this month, let it be Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings. It’s creamy, satisfying, cheesy, and everything comfort food should be. This dish doesn’t just fill plates – it creates memories around the table, laughs over second helpings, and happy sighs after that first delicious bite.

Whether it’s your first time or your tenth time making Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings, you’ll find something new to love with every bowl. Give it a try tonight – and prepare for so many future cozy dinners ahead.

I’m the creator of Quicky Girl Recipes, where I share easy air fryer meals, cozy comfort food, and simple recipes made for real life.
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