The Ultimate Comfort Food: Easy Vegan Chicken and Dumplings with Chickpeas
vegan chicken and dumplings recipe are the epitome of comfort food—a hearty, creamy, and satisfying dish that brings warmth to your table. This plant-based spin on the classic recipe uses chickpeas, vegan butter, and fluffy dumplings to create a meal that’s both nostalgic and modern. With simple steps, accessible ingredients, and loads of flavor, this recipe proves that you don’t need meat to enjoy the cozy deliciousness of traditional chicken and dumplings. Stick around, and I’ll guide you through every detail to ensure you create a dish that’s not only comforting but also absolutely irresistible.
What Makes Vegan Chicken and Dumplings the Ultimate Comfort Food?
Vegan chicken and dumplings take everything you love about the classic dish—rich broth, hearty vegetables, and pillowy dumplings—and gives it a plant-based makeover. Why is it so comforting? For many, it’s about nostalgia. This recipe evokes childhood memories of warm kitchens and family meals, yet it’s updated to align with a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Chickpeas are the unsung heroes of this dinner recipe. Not only are they a great source of protein, but they also mimic the texture of chicken chunks, adding a hearty bite. When paired with the creamy broth and tender dumplings, chickpeas bring the dish together beautifully.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based chef, this dish is a must-try. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or when you just need a little culinary hug.
Vegan Chicken and Dumplings with Chickpeas Recipe – Comfort Food Delight
Course: vegan dinner, Dinner, vegetabels6
servings15
minutes35
minutes140 kcal per serving
kcalIngredients
Vegan Butter: 2 tablespoons (or olive oil as a substitute).
Carrots: 2 medium-sized, peeled and diced.
Celery: 2 stalks, diced.
Onion: 1 medium-sized, finely chopped.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
Chickpeas: 1 cup, canned or cooked, rinsed, and drained.
Frozen Peas: 1 cup.
Vegan Chicken Substitute: 1 cup (soy curls, seitan chicken, or store-bought vegan chicken chunks).
Vegetable Broth or Vegan Chicken Broth: 4 cups.
Poultry Seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried or fresh.
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon.
Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste.
Flour (All-Purpose or Gluten-Free): 2 cups.
Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons.
Vegan Milk: ¾ cup (unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk).
Fresh Herbs: Optional, for garnish (parsley or thyme).
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
- Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and melt the vegan butter (or use olive oil).
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the poultry seasoning, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices for added flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or vegan chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the drained chickpeas and frozen peas to the broth. Simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of vegan butter and stir it into the flour mixture. Add the vegan milk gradually, stirring until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix—it should be slightly sticky but firm enough to hold shape.
- Step 3: Add Dumplings to the Soup
- Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop dumplings (about 1 tablespoon each) into the simmering soup.
- Make sure the dumplings are spaced apart so they have room to expand.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 12-15 minutes. They will puff up and cook through in the steam.
- Step 4: Final Touches
- Stir in a splash of cashew cream or vegan heavy cream (optional) for a creamy texture.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve the vegan chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Nutritional Information (Per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
To make this recipe, you’ll need a mix of fresh produce, pantry staples, and a few specialty items. Here’s the full breakdown:
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and frozen peas bring classic flavor and texture.
- Chickpeas: Use canned or cooked chickpeas for convenience.
- Vegan chicken: Options include soy curls, seitan chicken, or store-bought vegan chicken chunks.
- Broth: A combination of vegetable broth and vegan chicken broth adds depth.
- Dumplings: Made from flour, baking powder, vegan butter, and plant-based milk.
- Seasonings: Poultry seasoning, thyme, black pepper, and salt to replicate traditional flavors.
- Cashew cream: For a creamy finish (optional but recommended).
Tips for Choosing Ingredients
- Opt for a high-quality vegan chicken broth like Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base.
- Choose gluten-free flour if needed, but test your dough for consistency.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley elevate the flavors.
How to Prepare the Base for Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
The base of your soup is what gives this dish its soul. Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then melt some vegan butter or use a splash of oil. Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. These veggies are the foundation of many classic soup recipes, adding sweetness and depth.
Next, add your vegan chicken broth and seasonings like thyme and poultry seasoning. For a heartier broth, consider using bouillon no chicken base mixed with water. Bring this to a boil, then reduce to a simmer to allow the flavors to meld together. At this stage, toss in your chickpeas and frozen peas for added texture and protein.
For a creamy base, slowly pour in cashew cream or a vegan milk substitute. Stir well, ensuring it’s evenly incorporated before moving on to the dumplings.
Crafting Fluffy comforting vegan Dumplings
Fluffy dumplings are the hallmark of this dish. To make the dough, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and thyme in a large bowl. Baking powder is essential for creating light and airy dumplings, so don’t skip it. Add melted vegan butter and your choice of vegan milk, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dumplings dense.
Using a spoon or small scoop, drop dumplings directly into the simmering soup. Make sure the dumpling dough is thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to cook through in the broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 10-12 minutes. When done, they should be firm on the outside and fluffy inside.
The Role of Cashew Cream in Creating a Creamy Texture
Adding creaminess to vegan chicken and dumplings is optional but highly recommended. Cashew cream is the secret ingredient that gives this dish its luxurious texture.
How to Make Cashew Cream
- Soak 1 cup of raw cashews in hot water for 20 minutes.
- Drain and blend the cashews with ½ cup of water or vegan milk until smooth and creamy.
When to Add Cashew Cream
Stir the cashew cream into the soup after the dumplings are cooked to avoid curdling. Alternatively, you can use coconut cream or a vegan heavy cream substitute. For nut-free diets, opt for oat cream or unsweetened soy milk.
Tips for Making the Perfect Vegan Dumpling Dough
Creating the perfect dumplings can be tricky, but these tips will ensure they turn out fluffy and delicious:
- Measure Ingredients Carefully: Use a large bowl to mix 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stir the wet ingredients (vegan milk and melted vegan butter) into the dry just until combined. Overmixing makes the dumplings dense.
- Incorporate Herbs: Add chopped fresh thyme or parsley for a flavorful twist.
- Test the Dough: The dumpling dough should be thick but not dry. If needed, add a splash of vegan milk until the texture is just right.
Can You Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can absolutely make gluten-free vegan chicken and dumplings! Follow these tips for the best results:
- Use Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
- Check the Broth: Ensure the vegetable broth and vegan chicken broth you use are certified gluten-free.
- Dumpling Dough Consistency: Gluten-free dough tends to be stickier, so use a spoon to drop the dumplings into the soup.
If the dough is too loose, add a bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it holds its shape.
How to Serve and Enjoy Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with simple sides can elevate the meal even further.
Serving Suggestions
- A side of crusty bread or vegan biscuits to soak up the creamy broth.
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Reheating and Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Pro Tip: Dumplings tend to soak up liquid as they sit, so this dish is best served fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
1. Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly for this recipe. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the soup.
2. What’s the best vegan chicken substitute?
Soy curls, seitan, or store-bought vegan chicken chunks are all excellent options. Choose one based on your texture preference.
3. How do I make this dish in one pot?
You can make the entire recipe in a single soup pot. Just cook the soup base, add the vegan chicken, and drop the dumplings directly into the broth.
4. Can I freeze vegan chicken and dumplings?
It’s not ideal to freeze this dish because the dumplings can become soggy upon reheating. If you must freeze it, do so without the dumplings and add them fresh when reheating.
5. Can I make this recipe without the cashew cream?
Absolutely! The dish will still be delicious without the cream, though it may not have the same rich, creamy texture. Consider using coconut milk or soy milk for a similar effect.
Key Takeaways
- Vegan chicken and dumplings are a hearty, creamy comfort food perfect for all seasons.
- Chickpeas and vegan chicken alternatives add protein and texture to this plant-based version.
- Fluffy dumplings are easy to achieve with baking powder and a light hand when mixing the dough.
- For a creamy touch, add cashew cream or a nut-free alternative.
- Serve fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy this ultimate vegan comfort food and share it with family and friends—you’ll get great new recipes for cozy nights in!
