Name: Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: For the Soup:; 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter; 1 onion (chopped); 2 carrots (diced); 2 celery stalks (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper (to taste); 1 bay leaf; 1 1/2 cups plant-based chicken (soy curls, jackfruit, seitan, or tofu); 4 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk; For the Dumplings:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp vegan butter or neutral oil; 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk

There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. But what if you could enjoy all that rich, comforting flavor without any animal products? This Vegan Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the answer. It’s everything you love about the classic dish—savory broth, tender “chicken,” soft dumplings—made completely plant-based. Whether you’re transitioning to a vegan lifestyle or simply exploring more meatless meals, this recipe delivers serious comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Version

Unlike traditional chicken and dumplings, this recipe uses wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients that nourish your body without sacrificing taste. It’s rich, filling, and absolutely brimming with flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re in need of a cozy pick-me-up. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s also weeknight friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups shredded or cubed plant-based chicken (soy curls, jackfruit, seitan, or tofu)
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk

For the dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegan butter or neutral oil
1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk

How to Make Vegan Chicken and Dumplings

1. Sauté the Base
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the “Chicken” and Broth
Add your choice of plant-based chicken to the pot. Stir well to coat it with the aromatics. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors develop.

3. Mix Up the Dumplings
While the soup simmers, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the vegan butter or stir in the oil until crumbly. Add the plant-based milk and stir until just combined—don’t overmix.

4. Add the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dough directly into the simmering soup. Make sure they’re not touching each other to prevent sticking. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure they cook properly.

5. Final Touches
Once the dumplings are done, stir in the peas and plant-based milk to make the broth creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf and discard.

Tips for the Best Vegan Dumplings

Don’t overmix the dumpling dough—this keeps them light and fluffy.
Use a tight-fitting lid when steaming the dumplings for even cooking.
If you want a thicker broth, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir in just before adding the dumplings.
Add chopped fresh parsley for extra color and freshness before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side of crusty bread, a light green salad, or roasted veggies. It also makes great leftovers—just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.

A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion

Vegan Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a recipe—it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t need to rely on animal products to be satisfying, indulgent, and deeply nourishing. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a regular in your home kitchen.