Easy One-Pot Vegan Chicken and Dumplings (Fluffy & Creamy)

If comfort had a flavor, it would undoubtedly be this Vegan Chicken and Dumplings. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, evoking a sense of cozy nostalgia with every single bite.

This recipe transforms a timeless classic into a plant-based masterpiece, featuring a rich, savory vegetable and ‘chicken’ stew, all crowned with dumplings so light and fluffy they practically float. Forget complicated techniques or a sink full of dishes.

This entire recipe comes together in one pot, making it as perfect for a busy weeknight as it is for a lazy Sunday. We’re breaking down how to create a deeply flavorful soup base and the foolproof method for perfect, never-gummy dumplings.

Get ready to wrap yourself in a culinary blanket of pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Recipe

This recipe is designed to be a true showstopper, and the magic lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. Here’s why it works so well:

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything—from sautéing the vegetables to simmering the dumplings—happens in a single pot. This means less cleanup and a beautiful melding of flavors.
• Foolproof Fluffy Dumplings: By using a simple drop-biscuit method and the right leavening, the dumplings steam perfectly in the simmering broth, absorbing flavor while cooking up ethereally light and tender. We’ll share the secret to avoiding the common pitfall of dense, chewy dumplings.
• Rich, Creamy, Dairy-Free Broth: We build layers of flavor by first sautéing aromatics, then creating a simple roux with flour. An unsweetened plant-based creamer adds luxurious richness without any dairy.
• Adaptable Protein: Whether you use our recommended savory seitan ‘chicken’, your favorite store-bought brand, or even a can of chickpeas, the recipe is easily adaptable to what you have on hand.

What You’ll Need Ingredients and Substitutions

Getting your ingredients ready beforehand makes cooking a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need for the soup and the dumplings.

For the Creamy Soup Base:

• Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
• Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion and 2 medium carrots provide the classic flavor foundation. 3 cloves of garlic add a pungent kick.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is used to thicken the broth, creating a classic roux.
• Vegan Chicken Broth: A “no-chicken” style broth adds the most authentic flavor, but a quality vegetable broth works wonderfully too.
• Unsweetened Vegan Creamer: The key to a creamy, rich soup. A neutral-flavored creamer (like an almond-coconut blend) or full-fat canned coconut milk is best. Avoid sweetened or strongly flavored creamers, as they can alter the savory profile of this dish, which is an important part of a healthy, balanced diet.
• Herbs & Veggies: Dried thyme and parsley add classic poultry seasoning notes. A cup of frozen green peas, added at the end, provides a pop of color and sweetness.
• Vegan Chicken: About 8 ounces of your choice. Homemade seitan offers incredible texture, but store-bought pieces from brands like Gardein or Tofurky are great time-savers. For a gluten-free option, use a can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed).
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.

For the Fluffy Drop Dumplings:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure. You can substitute cake flour for an even lighter, more tender dumpling.
• Baking Powder: This is the crucial leavening agent that makes the dumplings rise and become fluffy. Make sure it’s fresh!
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the dough itself.
• Unsweetened Plant Milk: Any neutral-flavored milk like almond, soy, or oat milk will work.
• Melted Vegan Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dumplings.

How to Make Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Step-by-Step

With your ingredients prepped, you’re ready to cook. We’ll start by building the flavorful soup base.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced carrots, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 2: Create the Roux and Broth

Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir constantly for about 60 seconds. This step toasts the flour, removing any raw taste, and creates what culinary guides refer to as a classic thickening agent known as a roux that will thicken your soup. Slowly pour in the vegan chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent clumps. Once the broth is incorporated, stir in the vegan creamer. Continue to stir until the mixture begins to thicken into a smooth, creamy base.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Add the dried thyme, parsley, vegan chicken pieces, and frozen peas to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes while you prepare the dumpling dough. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Before moving on, give it a taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

How to Prepare and Cook the Fluffy Dumplings

Now for the best part—the dumplings! The key is to work quickly and not overmix the dough.

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Pour the unsweetened plant milk and melted vegan butter into the dry ingredients. Use a fork or spatula to stir until just combined and a soft, slightly sticky ball of dough forms. It’s crucial not to overwork the dough, as this can result in tough, chewy dumplings. If the dough seems too dry, add another tablespoon of milk.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

Using a large cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time and gently drop the portions directly into the simmering soup. The dough will sink slightly at first. Leave some space between them, as they will expand significantly while cooking. Once all the dough has been dropped into the pot, cover it with a tight-fitting lid. Do not lift the lid while they cook! Let the soup continue to simmer on low for 15 minutes. The trapped steam is what cooks the dumplings through and makes them light and fluffy. After 15 minutes, remove the lid. The dumplings should be plump and cooked through. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Dumplings

Want to guarantee your dumplings are perfectly light and your soup is deeply flavorful every time? These tips from our test kitchen will help you master the recipe.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: This is the number one rule for fluffy dumplings. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until they just come together. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten, which leads to dense, tough results.
• Keep the Simmer Gentle: The soup should be at a gentle, consistent simmer when you add the dumplings—not a rolling boil. A too-vigorous boil can cause the dumplings to break apart.
• Don’t Peek!: Once the lid is on, resist the temptation to check on the dumplings. Lifting the lid releases the steam that is essential for cooking them properly. Set a timer for 15 minutes and trust the process.
• Test for Doneness: If you’re unsure if the dumplings are cooked, remove one from the pot and cut it in half. The inside should be light and airy, with no raw dough in the center.
• Use Cake Flour for Extra Tenderness: For the most delicate, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings, substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour. As explained by baking experts at King Arthur Baking, cake flour has a lower protein content, which results in a more tender crumb.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the dumplings will continue to absorb the liquid over time. However, if you have leftovers, proper storage is key to enjoying them later.

• Fridge: The best way to store leftovers is to separate the dumplings from the soup. Place the soup in one airtight container and the dumplings in another. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can also freeze the soup and dumplings separately. Let them cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, bring the soup to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Once the soup is hot, add the dumplings back in and let them warm through for a few minutes. This method prevents the dumplings from becoming overly mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making this recipe.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  Yes. For the soup, use a gluten-free all-purpose 1-to-1 baking flour to create the roux. For the dumplings, use your favorite gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. For the protein, use chickpeas or a gluten-free vegan chicken product.
• Can I use a pre-made biscuit mix like Bisquick for the dumplings?
  Absolutely. To save time, you can use a vegan-friendly baking mix. Prepare the dough according to the package directions for drop biscuits, then proceed with the recipe as written.
• What can I serve with vegan chicken and dumplings?
  This is a hearty, all-in-one meal, so it doesn’t need much. If you’d like a side, something simple and green is best. Consider serving it with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple side salad with a vinaigrette.
• My dumplings were dense and gummy. What did I do wrong?
  This is almost always caused by one of two things: overmixing the dough or not having fresh baking powder. Mix the dough only until it comes together, and make sure your baking powder is active (you can test it by adding a spoonful to hot water; it should bubble vigorously).

Conclusion

There you have it—a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort that proves vegan cooking is anything but boring. This Vegan Chicken and Dumplings recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings, sick days, or whenever you need a delicious dose of nostalgia. The combination of the rich, savory soup and those impossibly fluffy dumplings is truly a kitchen triumph. And if you’re looking for another appetizer to share, our creamy vegan jalapeno popper dip is always a huge hit.

Don’t be shy with your creations! If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it. Tag me on social media or leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out for you.