Vegan Chicken & Dumplings

Here’s a comforting and hearty recipe for Vegan Chicken and Dumplings! The dish features a savory vegetable-packed broth, tender vegan “chicken” (made from tofu or store-bought plant-based chicken), and fluffy, flavorful dumplings. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in!

Yield: 5 Servings

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

  • 5 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil
  • 1/2 small onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk)
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups cooked vegan “chicken” (either tofu or store-bought vegan chicken)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted vegan butter)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables & Seasonings:

  • In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
  • Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and turmeric (if using). Stir to combine and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Remove onion, carrots, garlic and seasonings from the pot and set aside.

2. Prepare the Roux:

  • Turn the heat on low and add 4 tablespoons of olive oil or vegan butter to the pot.
  • Sprinkle in the flour and whisk the mixture to form a roux and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes to cook out any flour taste.
  • Slowly pour in the vegetable broth and plant-based milk, whisking to combine.
  • Bring the soup to a simmer.
  • Stir in the cooked vegan “chicken” (tofu or store-bought vegan chicken) and frozen peas (if using).
  • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir again and cook for another 20-25 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Make the Dumplings:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and optional garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Add the plant-based milk and olive oil (or melted vegan butter) to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
  • If the dough feels too dry, add a little more plant-based milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

4. Add the Dumplings to the Soup:

  • After the soup simmers for 20-25 minutes, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the soup. Be sure to leave some space between each dumpling so they can expand while cooking. You should get about 8-10 dumplings, depending on the size.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15-20 minutes. Don’t lift the lid during cooking, as the dumplings need to steam properly to cook through.

5. Serve:

  • After 15-20 minutes, check the dumplings with a toothpick or fork—if it comes out clean, the dumplings are done!
  • Gently stir the soup to distribute the dumplings, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve the Vegan Chicken and Dumplings hot, and enjoy!

Tips:

  • Vegan Chicken: For the vegan chicken, you can use store-bought options like Gardein or Beyond Meat chicken strips, or simply use extra-firm tofu that has been pressed, cubed, seasoned and sautéed until crispy. You can also use chickpeas or seitan as alternatives.
  • Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings.
  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, or mushrooms to the soup for extra texture and flavor.
  • Make Ahead: You can make the soup base and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Add the dumplings just before serving, as they are best made fresh.

This Vegan Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect cozy, comforting meal for any season. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a great way to enjoy a classic dish in plant-based style. Enjoy!