Mexican Chicken 'N Dumplings
A hearty Mexican-inspired chicken and dumplings dish with creamy soups, melting cheese, and tender dumplings, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, boil the chicken breasts until cooked through.
- While the chicken boils, in another saucepan, mix together both cans of soup.
- Cut the Velveeta cheese into blocks and add to the soup mixture.
- Simmer over medium heat until the soup boils and the cheese melts completely.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the stock, cut it into pieces, and add it back to the soup mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Add the dumplings (or cut-up flour tortillas) last and cook for about 5 minutes longer or until the dumplings are done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy texture, use low-sodium versions of the cream soups. You can substitute the chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Consider adding diced jalapeños or bell peppers for extra flavor. If you prefer a lighter dish, try using whole wheat tortillas instead of dumplings. This dish pairs wonderfully with Mexican recipes that feature fresh cilantro or avocado.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of corn salad or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. Top with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Enchiladas(Nice And Filling) for a full Mexican-inspired feast. For a fun twist, serve with tortilla chips on the side for crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until warm. If the dish thickens, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Chicken 'N Dumplings contains roughly 377 calories, with 28g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1129mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the soup. You may need to increase the boiling time to ensure they thaw and cook through completely.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For additional flavor, consider adding spices like cumin, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture. Fresh garlic and onion sautéed at the beginning can also enhance the overall taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup mixture and cook the chicken a day ahead. Just add the dumplings right before serving to ensure they stay tender. This makes it a great dish for meal prep or family gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).