Trader Joes Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

This creamy, comforting Trader Joes Chicken And Dumplings is made with tender chicken thighs and ready in just 45 minutes using smart store-bought shortcuts. The hero moment happens when you drop the quartered biscuit dough into the simmering gravy and watch them puff up into fluffy, cloud-like dumplings. I love this recipe because it delivers all the flavor of a slow-simmered Sunday dinner with barely any prep work.

Better Than Store-Bought

If you have ever tried the frozen Trader Joe’s Chicken & Dumplings meal, you know it is a decent emergency lunch, but it often lacks the hearty texture of the real deal. By making this semi-homemade version using Trader Joe’s specific ingredients—like their pre-chopped Mirepoix and refrigerated biscuit dough—you get a pot of rich, savory stew that tastes completely fresh. The frozen version can sometimes have mushy dumplings, but this method ensures yours stay fluffy and distinct every time.

My biggest mistake when I first tried this “hack” was using the entire biscuit whole, which resulted in raw centers and an overwhelming dough-to-soup ratio. I learned that quartering the biscuits is the secret to getting them perfectly cooked through while thickening the broth naturally as they simmer. It is the ultimate comfort food hack that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Jump to Recipe

Trader Joes Chicken And Dumplings Ingredients

• 1 container (14.5 oz) Trader Joe’s Mirepoix: This tub contains pre-chopped onions, carrots, and celery, saving you 10 minutes of chopping.
• 1.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Cut into 1-inch chunks. Thighs stay tender during the simmer, unlike breasts which can dry out.
• 1 can (8 count) Trader Joe’s Organic Biscuits: The refrigerated tube dough (not frozen).
• 4 cups Trader Joe’s Organic Free Range Chicken Broth: You can also use their Bone Broth for extra richness.
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Divided for sautéing and flavor.
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the roux that thickens the stew.
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: Adds the signature velvety finish.
• 1 cup Frozen Peas: Adds a pop of sweetness and color at the end.
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme: Or poultry seasoning.
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper & 1 tsp Salt: Adjust to taste depending on the saltiness of your broth.

How To Make Trader Joes Chicken And Dumplings

1. Sauté Veggies: Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the entire container of Mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery mix) and cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.
2. Brown Chicken & Thicken: Add the cubed chicken thighs to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken is white on the outside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and veggies, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Build the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Prepare Dumplings: While the soup heats up, open the can of Trader Joe’s Organic Biscuits. Take each biscuit and cut it into 4 equal quarters.
5. Steam Dumplings: Drop the biscuit quarters one by one into the simmering soup, spacing them out so they don’t stick together immediately. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is what puffs up the dumplings.
6. Finish the Dish: Remove the lid; the dumplings should be puffy and cooked through. Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Simmer uncovered for 2–3 more minutes until the peas are hot and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Peek: The most critical rule for dumplings is keeping the lid closed for the full 15 minutes. If you lift the lid, the steam escapes, and your dumplings may turn out heavy and dense instead of fluffy.
• Cut Small: Don’t be tempted to leave the biscuits large. Quartering them makes them bite-sized; they will expand significantly (almost double) as they absorb the liquid.
• Thicker Stew: If you prefer a gravy-like consistency, let the pot simmer uncovered for an extra 5 minutes after adding the cream. The starch from the biscuits will naturally thicken the soup as it stands.
• Rotisserie Option: For an even faster version, skip browning the raw chicken. Use a shredded Trader Joe’s Rotisserie Chicken and add it in with the broth.

What To Serve With Chicken And Dumplings

This dish is a complete meal in a bowl, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette works perfectly to balance the creamy texture. Alternatively, serve it with a slice of Trader Joe’s crusty sourdough bread if you want to soak up every last drop of the gravy.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will absorb more liquid as they sit, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating on the stovetop. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the biscuit dumplings tend to become soggy and disintegrate when thawed and reheated.

FAQs

Can I use Trader Joe’s frozen gnocchi instead?
Yes, this is another popular hack. If using gnocchi, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking since they cook much faster than biscuit dough. The result will be chewier and less like traditional Southern dumplings.

Is this spicy?
No, this is a savory, mild comfort food. If you want a kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the broth.

Can I use chicken breast?
Absolutely. Chicken breast works well, but be careful not to overcook it before adding the liquid. Thighs are more forgiving and generally stay juicier in stews.

Do I have to use the Mirepoix tub?
No, you can chop 1 medium onion, 2 large carrots, and 2 celery stalks yourself. The tub is just a convenient shortcut available at Trader Joe’s.

What if I can’t find the refrigerated biscuits?
You can make a simple drop dumpling dough from scratch using flour, baking powder, milk, and butter, or use any brand of refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury) if you aren’t shopping exclusively at Trader Joe’s.

Nutrition

• Calories: 585 kcal
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 1250mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 42g
• Protein: 32g