Quick Mexican Chicken And Dumplings
A flavorful, hearty Mexican-inspired chicken and dumplings dish featuring seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and a creamy broth, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups preseasoned, precooked chicken fajita meat ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped bell green peppers ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 stick butter ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 3 cans chicken broth
- 1 package (12) flour tortillas ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the seasoned, precooked chicken fajita meat, chopped onions, and chopped bell green peppers in butter in a large pot.
- Add the remaining ingredients, except the flour tortillas, to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cut the flour tortillas into sixths.
- Drop the tortilla pieces into the boiling liquid, one at a time.
- Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of precooked chicken fajita meat. If you like your dish spicier, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also substitute the cream soups with homemade versions or use low-fat options for a lighter meal. This recipe is versatile; feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables or beans for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Quick Mexican Chicken And Dumplings with a side of avocado slices or a fresh garden salad for a light contrast. For additional flavor, consider topping with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken And Salsa for a hearty meal or can be enjoyed as a comforting standalone dish.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chicken and dumplings cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the mixture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Mexican Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 1189 calories, with 9g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 110g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2852mg per serving (124% 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 fresh chicken instead of precooked chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Just cook it thoroughly before adding it to the pot. Season it with fajita spices for the best flavor. Sauté it with the onions and peppers until cooked through, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
What can I substitute for cream soups?
If you prefer homemade alternatives, you can make a simple roux with butter, flour, and chicken broth as a base. Alternatively, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be mixed with chicken broth for a creamy texture. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain flavor.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove, adding broth as needed.
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).