The Perfect Timing: How Long Do You Cook Biscuits in Chicken and Dumplings?

Ever found yourself staring at a pot of simmering chicken broth, clutching a can of biscuits and wondering, “how long do I cook these things?” I’ve been there too! Chicken and dumplings is one of those classic comfort foods that brings back childhood memories, but getting those biscuits cooked just right can be tricky. Too little time and they’re doughy, too much and they dissolve into your broth!

Today, I’m gonna share everything you need to know about the perfect timing for cooking biscuits in your chicken and dumplings. No more guesswork, just delicious, fluffy dumplings every time!

Understanding Chicken and Dumplings Basics

Before we dive into cooking times, let’s take a quick look at what makes chicken and dumplings so special This hearty dish combines tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings – a comforting meal that’s been cherished across America for generations.

The biscuits add a unique dimension to the dish in several ways

• Flavor Enhancement: They bring a buttery taste that complements the savory chicken broth
• Texture Contrast: The soft, pillowy dumplings with slightly crispy edges create an interesting texture
• Versatility: You can use homemade biscuit dough or convenient store-bought options

The Big Question: How Long to Cook Biscuits in Chicken and Dumplings?

The short answer Biscuits typically need about 10-15 minutes to cook properly in simmering chicken and dumplings.

But there’s more to it than just setting a timer! Several factors affect cooking time:

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

1. Type of biscuits used (homemade vs. store-bought)
2. Size of the biscuit pieces (whole, halved, or quartered)
3. Temperature of your broth (simmering vs. rolling boil)
4. Whether you cover the pot during cooking

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Let’s break down the cooking process to ensure your biscuits turn out perfectly:

1. Preparing the Chicken and Broth Base

First, you need to prepare your chicken and broth base:

• Cook your chicken until tender (rotisserie chicken works great for a shortcut!)
• Add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions
• Season with herbs and spices
• Bring to a simmer

2. Preparing and Adding the Biscuits

This is where the magic happens:

• For store-bought canned biscuits: Cut each biscuit into quarters (or smaller pieces if you prefer)
• Toss biscuit pieces in flour (this prevents sticking and helps thicken the broth)
• Gently drop the floured biscuits into your simmering broth
• Ensure they’re spaced out evenly to allow for expansion
• Lightly press them under the broth with a spoon

3. The Cooking Time Sweet Spot

Here’s the crucial part:

• Cover the pot with a lid to create a steaming effect
• Set your timer for 10 minutes
• Maintain a gentle simmer – not a rolling boil (too vigorous and the biscuits might fall apart)
• After 10 minutes, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a biscuit
• If it comes out clean, they’re done! If not, cover and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes

According to most recipes, including the one from The Novice Chef blog, the biscuit dumplings should be fully cooked after about 8-10 minutes of simmering. However, I’ve found that sometimes they need a bit longer, especially if they’re larger pieces.

Pro Tips for Perfect Biscuit Dumplings

I’ve made this dish countless times, and here are some tips I’ve picked up:

• Don’t peek too often! Opening the lid releases steam that helps cook the biscuits
• Break apart the dumplings if they stick together during cooking
• Watch your simmer level – too high and the biscuits might disintegrate, too low and they’ll take forever to cook
• Use regular biscuits, not the “flaky layers” type which tend to fall apart

Common Problems and Solutions

My Biscuits Are Still Doughy Inside

If your biscuits seem cooked on the outside but remain doughy inside:

• Cut them into smaller pieces next time
• Ensure your liquid is actually simmering, not just hot
• Cover the pot completely to trap steam

My Biscuits Fell Apart

This is a common issue! Here’s how to prevent it:

• Toss thoroughly in flour before adding to the broth
• Don’t stir too vigorously once biscuits are added
• Make sure your broth isn’t boiling too hard

Quick and Easy Recipe

Want to try it yourself? Here’s a simplified recipe:

Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1/2 cup carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 40 oz chicken broth
• 8 oz evaporated milk
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (16.3 oz) buttermilk biscuits
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter and sauté vegetables until tender (6-8 minutes)
2. Add chicken, broth, evaporated milk, and cream of chicken soup
3. Bring to a simmer and season with salt and pepper
4. Cut biscuits into quarters and toss in flour
5. Drop biscuits into simmering broth and press them under gently
6. Cover pot and cook for 10 minutes
7. Check biscuits for doneness – they should be cooked through but still fluffy
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic timing, try these variations:

• Herb-infused biscuits: Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to your flour before tossing
• Cheesy dumplings: Mix some shredded cheddar into your biscuit pieces
• Seasoned dumplings: Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper to the flour for a kick

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!):

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
• For best results, store biscuits separately from the broth if possible
• When reheating, add a bit more broth as the dumplings tend to absorb liquid
• Reheat gently on the stovetop rather than microwave for better texture

Final Thoughts

Mastering the timing of cooking biscuits in chicken and dumplings is a game-changer for this classic comfort food. Remember the golden rule: 10-15 minutes of covered simmering should give you perfectly cooked, fluffy dumplings every time.

What I love about this dish is how it brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking on a cold winter night or just craving some comfort food, perfectly cooked biscuit dumplings make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works great and the cooking time remains approximately the same (10-15 minutes).

Q: What type of flour is best for coating the biscuits?
A: All-purpose flour works perfectly. It prevents sticking and helps thicken the broth.

Q: Can I prepare the biscuit dough in advance?
A: Yes! You can mix dry ingredients ahead of time, or even form the biscuits and freeze them before adding to your broth.

Q: What if my biscuits come out too dry?
A: This could be from overbaking or using too much flour. Try reducing cooking time or using less flour next time.

Q: Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder in biscuit recipes?
A: You can, but you’ll need to add an acidic ingredient like buttermilk to activate the baking soda properly.

What’s your favorite way to serve chicken and dumplings? Do you have any special tricks for cooking the biscuits? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!