When the chilly weather calls for comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. But if you’re following a vegan lifestyle or simply want to enjoy a plant-based twist on this classic dish, our Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need.
This hearty, soul-soothing meal combines tender, savory vegan “chicken” pieces with fluffy, pillowy dumplings swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a satisfying dish that brings the nostalgic flavors you love without any animal products.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring compassionate eating, this recipe is easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Get ready to dive into a bowl of creamy, delicious goodness that tastes just as indulgent as the original—without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan Chicken and Dumplings is a beautiful fusion of comfort and nutrition. It’s:
- Hearty and filling: Perfect for cold days or when you need a soul-warming meal.
- Plant-based: No chicken, dairy, or eggs—fully vegan but with all the familiar textures and flavors.
- Easy to customize: You can swap veggies or vegan proteins based on what you have on hand.
- Family-friendly: Even non-vegans will enjoy this comforting classic.
- Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, herbs, and protein from plant-based sources.
Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress during a gathering, this recipe fits the bill. Plus, making dumplings from scratch is fun and super rewarding!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegan chicken substitute (seitan, soy curls, or jackfruit) | 2 cups, shredded or chopped |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (for dumplings) |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy milk (or other plant milk), unsweetened | 1 cup (for dumplings) |
| Vegetable broth | 6 cups |
| Carrots, diced | 1 cup |
| Celery stalks, diced | 1 cup |
| Yellow onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh thyme leaves | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 ½ teaspoons (adjust to taste) |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground sage | ½ teaspoon |
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
- Slotted spoon (optional, for removing dumplings)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegan chicken: If using soy curls or seitan, soak or rehydrate as needed according to package instructions. Then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the vegan chicken and herbs: Stir in the shredded vegan chicken, fresh thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Pour in the broth: Add 6 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
- Make the dumpling dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour and 1 tablespoon of baking powder. Gradually stir in the soy milk to form a thick but soft dough. If too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a splash more milk.
- Cook the dumplings: Using a spoon, drop small dollops of the dough onto the surface of the simmering broth. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid too often to ensure they steam properly.
- Check for doneness: After 15 minutes, test a dumpling by cutting it in half. It should be fluffy and cooked through. If not, cover and cook a few minutes longer.
- Finish with fresh parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot: Ladle the stew and dumplings into bowls and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of white wine or a dash of smoked paprika to the broth.”
If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Try swapping the vegan chicken with shredded jackfruit for a stringy, meaty texture or use chickpeas for added protein and a different flavor profile.
You can also add more vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or potatoes to make it even heartier. For a creamier stew, stir in a splash of coconut milk or your favorite vegan cream substitute right before serving.
Don’t miss out on other comforting vegan recipes! Check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or the delightful Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for perfect sides.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g (natural sugars from vegetables) |
| Sodium | 680 mg (adjust broth salt to reduce) |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan chicken and dumplings dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple accompaniments:
- Serve with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for contrast.
- Pair with crusty vegan bread like our Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves to soak up the hearty broth.
- For a fun twist, offer some steamed greens or roasted root vegetables on the side.
For dessert, try one of our sweet treats like the Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide to round out your comforting meal beautifully.
Conclusion
Our Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for anyone craving a warm, hearty, and nourishing meal without any animal products. The combination of tender vegan “chicken,” rich vegetable broth, and fluffy dumplings creates a satisfying experience that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Making this recipe from scratch is straightforward and rewarding, and you can easily tailor it to your taste and dietary needs. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce loved ones to the joys of plant-based cooking.
Don’t forget to explore other delicious vegan recipes on our site, like the Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious for more inspiration!
Enjoy your cozy meal and happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
Description: A comforting vegan twist on the classic chicken and dumplings using plant-based chicken and fluffy dumplings. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded vegan chicken substitute
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Stir in vegan chicken, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for dumplings.
- Mix almond milk and melted vegan butter into dry ingredients to form dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto simmering soup.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 45 g
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