Classic chicken and dumplings gets a tasty makeover with a little heat in this Southwest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe.
So many people have made and loved my recipe for classic chicken dumplings. It’s sometimes overwhelming to me! Since that recipe is so popular I decided to take it in a different but still delicious direction by creating a Southwestern inspired version of chicken and dumplings.
The original dumpling recipe I used in my simply delicious chicken and dumplings is practically fool proof and so flavorful. So I stuck with that same recipe but replaced some of the flour with cornmeal and added just a touch of sugar – because I personally prefer my cornbread on the sweeter side. These dumplings have a cornbread taste, but they still rise in the steam to be light and fluffy on the inside.
I thought about making chicken chili for the base but I decided that I didn’t like the idea of beans with the dumplings. So instead my soup base for the cornbread dumplings is more similar to a chicken and corn chowder. Salsa verde, rotisserie chicken and Campbell’s nacho cheese soup make this recipe convenient to make on a busy night. But the homemade dumplings really make this dish taste like you slaved over the stove for much longer to create it.
Tips for Southwest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe:
- Use your favorite brand of green salsa for this recipe. I used this brand.
- I use this cookie scoop to measure and drop my dumplings into the soup.
- I like the heat that the cayenne pepper adds to this dish. But if you don’t like spice, leave it out.
- I use a soup pot similar to this one to make the chicken and dumplings.
- Leftovers of these Southwest Chicken and Dumplings reheat well.
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Southwest Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 rotisserie chicken
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 yellow onion peeled and finely chopped
- 12 oz. Salsa Verde use your favorite jarred brand
- 1 tsp ancho chile powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 10 oz can Campbell's nacho cheese soup
- 1 15 oz can white corn drained
- 4 cups chicken stock
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
Instructions
For the Soup:
- Remove the skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken and discard. Shred the meat and set aside until ready to add to the soup.
- In a 6 or 8 quart stock pot heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until starting to soften, stirring occasionally, for 6 or 7 minutes.
- Add the salsa verde, ancho chile powder, salt and cayenne pepper and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in the nacho cheese soup, white corn and chicken stock. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
For the dumplings:
- Add the milk and butter to a microwave-safe measuring cup and microwave for about 90 seconds, until butter melted.
- In a clean bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar and salt.
- Add the warm butter and milk mixture to the flour and cornmeal mixture and stir with a spatula until a smooth dough is formed.
- Into the simmering soup, drop the dumplings by rounded scoops (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) so they are evenly floating on top of the soup.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the soup pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to steam for 25 minutes. No peeking!
- Serve the soup with sour cream and shredded cheese to top.
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes:
- Follow my Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes board HERE.
- Simply Delicious Chicken and Dumplings
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches
- Simple Chicken Burrito Bowls
Julia says
This recipe for chicken and dumplings looks delicious, Jill! Perfect for the cold weather.
foodtasticmom says
Thank you very much Julia!
Tina says
That is so clever using salsa verde in chicken and dumplings. It looks amazing and easy, can’t wait to try this, definitely saving this one. Thanks for sharing your recipes!
foodtasticmom says
Thanks so much Tina! I appreciate the positive review!
Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme says
One of my all time favorites with an awesome twist! Pinning!
foodtasticmom says
Awesome – thank you for the Pin!
Chris Collins says
Now THIS is the kinda comfort food I want to be involved with!! Looks so so yummy!
foodtasticmom says
It’s comfort with a kick. I hope you try it! Thanks Chris!
Andrea Metlika says
Chicken and dumplings is one of my go to comfort foods. This version is so refreshing and new. Great recipe.
foodtasticmom says
Thanks Andrea, I appreciate it!
Valentina says
This is calling to me! I love the southwestern flavors, and it’s perfect for the cooler weather. I’ll have to check out the first one you did too.
foodtasticmom says
Yes, please check out my other recipe for chicken and dumplings too. They are both worth a try!
Amanda says
I love the Southwest twist on these chicken and dumplings. Sounds delicious! I can’t wait to give this a try.
foodtasticmom says
Thank you Amanda!
Kristina says
I want to warm up to a big bowl of this soup right now! It looks so good!
foodtasticmom says
I hope you try it. Thanks Kristina!
Shanika says
This Chicken and Dumpling recipe looks so hearty and it’s the perfect bowl o goodness for the chilly weather!
foodtasticmom says
I’m glad you agree 🙂
Natalie says
YUM! Looks absolutely amazing and perfect for dinner! Can’t wait to try this recipe ♥
foodtasticmom says
Thank you Natalie 🙂
Michele says
I received an Instant Pot for Christmas and LOVE it! I’ve been cooking up a storm. I already made the traditional chicken and dumplings but am going to have to make your version. Adding Salsa Verde is brilliant. My husband will love this!
foodtasticmom says
Let me know how it turns out in the instant pot. I haven’t tried that!
CJ says
I just love the flavors of this easy, cold-weather soup!
This is the 3rd or 4th time I’ve made it since finding this recipe. Having it again tonight😉
foodtasticmom says
Yay! So glad you like this version 🙂