Let me tell you; there’s nothing quite like coming home after a long day and smelling the delicious aroma of a warm, hearty meal waiting for you. Vegan chicken and dumplings is one of those dishes that just feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s my go-to recipe whenever I’m craving something nostalgic and comforting. What’s even better? It’s super easy to make, plant-based, and flavorful.
When I first tried making this dish, I was a little sceptical. Could I recreate the comforting magic of traditional chicken and dumplings without the meat or dairy? Spoiler alert: Yes, you absolutely can! And honestly, I think this vegan version is even better because it’s kinder to animals, the planet, and your body. Put on your apron, and dive into the kitchen for fun cooking together!
Ingredients Needed for Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
Here is everything you’ll need to create this comforting and delicious dish:
For the Vegan Chicken and Broth:
- Vegan chicken substitute: use tofu, seitan, jackfruit, or store-bought vegan chicken strips for a protein-packed base
- Olive oil: perfect for sautéing and adding a light, savoury flavour to the dish
- Onion: adds a natural sweetness and depth to the broth
- Carrots: Add a touch of sweetness and vibrant colour to the dish.
- Celery stalks: for that classic aromatic base that pairs beautifully with the broth
- Vegetable broth or vegan chicken broth for a rich, savoury foundation
- Garlic: infuses the dish with a warm, robust flavour
- Thyme: brings a herby, earthy taste to elevate the broth
- Rosemary: adds a fragrant and slightly piney flavour for depth
- Salt and pepper: To bring out and perfectly balance all the flavours.
- Frozen peas: Add a splash of colour and a hint of natural sweetness.
For the Dumplings:
- All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour for a light and fluffy texture
- Baking powder: the secret to those perfectly puffed-up dumplings)
- Salt: to bring out the flavour in the dough
- Unsweetened plant-based milk: almond, soy, or oat milk works well and keeps the dough moist
- Vegan butter: chilled and cut into small pieces to create tender, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings
Take a few moments to gather your ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready makes cooking much smoother and enjoyable.
Instruction For Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
When I first made this recipe, I realized it was delicious and surprisingly simple. Here’s how you can whip it up:
Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping your carrots, celery, and onions. I love sautéing them in olive oil until they’re tender and smell amazing.
Cook the Vegan Chicken Substitute
Add your tofu, seitan, or jackfruit to the pot. Let it get a nice golden crust — this step makes all the difference in texture and flavour.
Make the Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This is the moment when your kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma!
Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, plant-based milk, and vegan butter. Mix until it just comes together. (Pro tip: Don’t overmix, or the dumplings might get tough!)
Add the Dumplings
Use a spoon to drop dollops of dough into the simmering broth. Put the lid on the pot and let the dumplings simmer for 10-15 minutes. Watching them puff up is so satisfying!
Finish the Dish
Stir in the peas during the last few minutes of cooking. They bring a burst of colour and a hint of sweetness. Give the broth a taste and add more seasoning if it needs extra flavour.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Dumplings
Over time, I’ve picked up a few tips to make these dumplings just right. Here are my best tips:
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold vegan butter and plant-based milk make for fluffier dumplings.
- Don’t Overmix: Seriously, less is more here. Stir just until the dough comes together.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer keeps the dumplings intact and tender.
- Cover the Pot: This traps steam and ensures the dumplings cook evenly. Patience pays off!
Variations and Add-Ons for Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Here are some exciting ways to change things up:
- Herbed Dumplings: Add chopped parsley, dill, or chives to the dough for an extra flavour.
- Different Proteins: Sometimes, I’ll use tempeh or soy curls instead of tofu. It’s a fun and easy way to try something different.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Just make sure your vegan chicken substitute is also gluten-free.
- Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, green beans, or corn are all fantastic additions. More veggies never hurt anyone!
Feel free to get creative. The beauty of cooking is making a dish your own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
What is vegan chicken made of?
Vegan chicken is usually made from plant-based ingredients like seitan (wheat gluten), tofu, or jackfruit. Each option has its unique texture and flavour, so you can pick what you love most.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Make the dumplings with gluten-free flour and a vegan, gluten-free chicken substitute. It’s that simple.
How long will this dish stay fresh in the fridge?
I’ve found that leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to three days. Just reheat it gently on the stove to maintain the dumplings’ texture.
Can I freeze vegan chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can! I suggest freezing the broth and dumplings separately to keep them from getting soggy. When ready to enjoy, thaw everything in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Conclusion Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
There you have it — a comforting, plant-based twist on a classic dish. Vegan chicken and dumplings have become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m so excited for you to try it. This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Did you try any of the variations or add your spin? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts! And if you’re feeling extra generous, share this recipe with a friend who could use comfort food in their life. Happy cooking!
Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
For the Vegan Chicken and Broth:
- 1 ½ cups vegan chicken substitute tofu, seitan, jackfruit, or store-bought vegan chicken strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth or vegan chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
For the Dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour for a GF option
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk e.g., almond, soy, or oat milk
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter chilled and cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery, stirring occasionally. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Cook the Vegan Chicken Substitute:
- Add your chosen vegan chicken (tofu, seitan, or jackfruit) to the pot. Saut for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Allow it to cook gently for approximately 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Make the Dumpling Dough:
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt by whisking them together. Add the chilled vegan butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in the plant-based milk until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Scoop spoonfuls of dough and carefully drop them into the simmering broth. Place a lid on the pot and allow the dumplings to steam for 10-12 minutes.
- Avoid lifting the lid to ensure the dumplings puff up properly.
- Add the frozen peas in the final 2-3 minutes of cooking. Taste the broth and tweak the seasoning as necessary. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the stove over low heat to maintain the dumplings texture.
- Freezing: Freeze the broth and dumplings separately to prevent sogginess. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Customization: Feel free to add extra veggies like mushrooms, green beans, or corn for more variety.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings and ensure the vegan chicken substitute is gluten-free.