Cheddar Bay Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting bowl that’s cozy, cheesy, and downright satisfying, this Cheddar Bay Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a rich, creamy broth loaded with savory veggies and topped with fluffy, cheddar-studded dumplings—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. I stumbled on this combo thanks to my love for Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer when paired with chicken and dumplings.

This recipe shines on chilly nights when you want something that feels like it took forever but actually comes together pretty easily. Plus, it’s just the right kind of indulgent without being stuffy. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this Cheddar Bay Chicken and Dumplings Recipe delivers big on comfort and flavor, and it’s one I keep coming back to whenever I want food that feels like love on a plate.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component in this Cheddar Bay Chicken and Dumplings Recipe contributes to that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that make this dish so addictive. Here’s a quick rundown of why I love these ingredients and some shopping pointers to get the best results.

• Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The star for fluffy, cheesy dumplings bursting with buttery goodness; grab the official mix for authentic flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold cheesy punch and depth to the dumplings—go for a good quality strong cheddar.
• Chicken (boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): Thighs give extra tenderness and flavor, but breasts work great too; rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut.
• Yellow Onion, Carrot, Celery: Classic mirepoix that builds a rich, aromatic base for the broth; fresh and firm veggies are best.
• Garlic Cloves: Just a few cloves give a nice savory boost without overpowering the dish.
• Butter and Olive Oil: Butter for richness and oil to sauté the chicken; both work together to layer flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the soup so it’s creamy and cozy, ensuring the broth clings to the dumplings.
• Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream: The creamy liquid base that’s luscious and satisfying; heavy cream makes it extra silky but you can swap for half-and-half.
• Special Seasonings (Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse and Roast Chicken Seasoning): These add complex, savory notes; if you can’t find them, garlic powder and onion powder plus a pinch of poultry seasoning work well.
• Dried Parsley Flakes: A touch of color and subtle herbiness that brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—adjust to taste as you go.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m a big fan of customizing this Cheddar Bay Chicken and Dumplings Recipe to match whatever mood I’m in or the ingredients I have lying around. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—there’s a lot of wiggle room to swap out veggies or seasonings, so it always feels fresh even if you’ve made it before.

• Vegetable Add-ins: Sometimes I throw in mushrooms or peas for extra texture and color, which I think adds a nice twist.
• Dairy Swaps: If you want it lighter, half-and-half works great, and milk is fine too—just expect a slightly thinner broth.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to use fresh thyme or rosemary if you have them on hand; they layer in lovely aromas.
• Protein Options: Leftover turkey or even ham chunks can replace the chicken in a pinch and still taste great.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar Bay Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

First, I chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season them liberally with salt and pepper. Then, I heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken for about 5-6 minutes until it’s just cooked through and starting to brown. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, you can skip this step and add that in later—super convenient and just as tasty!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Next, in the same pot (no need to dirty another pan), I melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter. In go the diced onion, carrot, and celery—slowly sauté these for around 8-10 minutes until they’re soft and sweet. Adding garlic for the last 2 minutes lets it release that fantastic aroma without burning. This step is key because it develops the foundation for the creamy broth that’s the heart of this recipe.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Soup Base

Now comes the roux—sprinkle in a quarter cup of all-purpose flour and stir it into the butter and veggies, letting it cook for 3-4 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and thickens the soup later. Then, slowly pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will thicken nicely into a luscious soup. Add your seasonings here—Kinder’s blends are my favorite, but garlic powder and a pinch of poultry seasoning work too. Pop the chicken back into the pot and reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Dumplings

While the soup simmers, mix up the dumplings by combining the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix, the seasoning packet, cold water, and grated sharp cheddar cheese according to the directions. I usually stir the seasoning into the water first so it dissolves evenly. It’s important to mix gently—overworking the batter can lead to tough dumplings. Once mixed, drop the spoonfuls of dough carefully into the simmering soup, giving them space if you can, but it’s no big deal if they touch.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings and Finish

Cover the pot with a lid and cook the dumplings for 20 minutes without peeking. Patience here is key because opening the lid lets out steam and can prevent the dumplings from cooking through properly. After cooking, use a spoon to gently loosen any dumplings stuck together. Let the whole pot sit for about 10 minutes off the heat to thicken up fully before serving. Then grab a big bowl, dig in, and savor every spoonful!

How to Serve Cheddar Bay Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra flakes of dried parsley on top—just for that pop of color and mild herb flavor. Sometimes, a little extra shredded cheddar on top before serving amps up the cheesiness and makes it look extra inviting. If you like a touch of heat, I occasionally add a tiny pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a surprising kick.

Side Dishes

A simple green side salad with a bright vinaigrette complements this hearty dish perfectly, cutting through the richness. Crusty bread or garlic bread is always a winner too, especially if you want to soak up every last bit of that creamy broth. Occasionally, I serve it alongside roasted green beans or steamed broccoli for some textural contrast and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like serving this Cheddar Bay Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in individual oven-safe bowls placed on a rustic wooden tray with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a little fancy touch. Or try topping each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of chives for a comforting yet elegant vibe. It’s always a hit when I do this for friends and family—makes it feel extra thoughtful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and I’ve found they’re best eaten within 3-4 days. The dumplings soak up some broth over time, so the soup thickens—if it gets too thick, just stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this soup because the texture of both the dumplings and creamy broth changes a lot and can become grainy or mushy after thawing. It’s better to enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers within a few days.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer doing it gently in a pot on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, I add a little broth or milk to loosen it up. Microwaving works too, just be sure to heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Bay Chicken and Dumplings Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it brings together comfort and cheesy goodness in the easiest way possible. It’s a perfect weeknight treat or a cozy weekend dinner that never fails to bring smiles around the table. I hope you’ll give it a try and see how it quickly becomes a favorite in your kitchen too—it’s like inviting a little warm, cheesy happiness into your home with every bite.

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