If you’re craving something comforting that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Chicken and Tortilla Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures the cozy soul of classic chicken and dumplings but puts a fun, flavorful spin on it by using tender tortilla squares as the dumplings. The creamy combination of chicken broth, soups, and milk creates a luscious base that’s loaded with juicy chicken and sweet carrots. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and homemade without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken and Tortilla Dumplings Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create a dish bursting with flavor and comforting textures. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the savory broth or the soft tortilla dumplings that soak up all that delicious creaminess.
- Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful and savory base that makes the soup rich and hearty.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and depth of chicken flavor, acting as part of the velvety sauce.
- Cream of celery soup: Contributes a gentle, herbaceous undertone that balances the richness.
- Frozen sliced carrots: Bring a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Chicken (chopped or shredded): The star protein, tender and juicy—rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle savory kick without overpowering the soup.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the aroma and depth of flavor.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- Flour tortillas: The unique twist for dumplings, softening in the soup for a tender texture.
- Milk: Stirred in at the end to lend a smooth, creamy finish to the soup.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Tortilla Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Start Your Flavorful Base
Begin by pouring the chicken broth into a dutch oven or any large, heavy-bottomed pot and set over medium heat. This broth will provide the heart of flavor and moisture your soup needs, so taking this first step slowly lets you build up the foundation carefully.
Step 2: Whisk in the Cream Soups
Next, whisk in both the cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup until smooth. These soups thicken the broth beautifully and give you that irresistible creamy texture you want in every spoonful. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Chicken
It’s time to stir in the frozen sliced carrots and your shredded or chopped chicken along with the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring this combination to a boil to meld the seasonings and cook the carrots until tender, infusing the broth with even more savory goodness.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortilla Dumplings
While the soup is heating, cut your flour tortillas into 1-inch squares using a pizza cutter or knife. These tortilla pieces will act as dumplings, soaking up the creamy broth and adding a wonderful soft texture that’s just a little different from traditional dumplings.
Step 5: Gently Add the Tortillas
Carefully add the tortilla squares into the boiling soup. Press them down gently with a spoon to submerge, but don’t stir vigorously because they can tear easily. This step is all about coaxing the tortillas to soften and become dumplings in their own right.
Step 6: Simmer and Soften
Bring everything back to a boil once the tortilla squares are in, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This slow simmer ensures the dumplings absorb that rich broth and become perfectly tender, melding their flavors with the chicken and veggies.
Step 7: Finish With Creaminess
Finally, remove the pot from the heat and gently stir in the milk. This last touch adds a silky smooth finish to your soup, intensifying the creamy texture and rounding out all the savory flavors in the best possible way.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Tortilla Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this creamy chicken and tortilla dumplings recipe, try fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dash of smoked paprika can add further depth and a welcoming aroma that makes serving time all the more special.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for scooping up every last bit of creamy goodness. Simple steamed greens or roasted vegetables also complement the richness without overpowering the delicate flavors in the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls topped with tortilla chips or extra torn tortilla strips for crunch. You can also offer lime wedges alongside to squeeze a hint of citrus over the top, which adds a lovely brightness to each spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This creamy chicken and tortilla dumplings recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors continue to develop, but keep in mind the tortillas will absorb more liquid, so the soup may thicken.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for this recipe because the tortillas can become mushy or grainy when thawed. If you do freeze leftovers, try to do so before adding milk, and reintroduce the milk fresh when reheating to help preserve creaminess.
Reheating
When warming up leftovers, heat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture with every reheated bowl.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen carrots?
Absolutely! Fresh diced carrots work wonderfully in this Creamy Chicken and Tortilla Dumplings Recipe. Just make sure to simmer them long enough to become tender, usually a few extra minutes compared to frozen.
What type of chicken is best to use?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and convenience, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or even poach chicken breasts directly in the broth before adding the soups.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream soups with dairy-free cream alternatives and swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. The creamy texture will still be satisfying and delicious.
Is it possible to add other vegetables?
Definitely! Peas, corn, or green beans all make great additions that complement the flavors and add more color and nutrients to the dish.
How thick will the soup be?
The soup has a comforting, medium-thick consistency that’s creamy enough to coat your spoon but still soupy enough to enjoy as a hearty meal. The tortillas add body without making it heavy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about making this Creamy Chicken and Tortilla Dumplings Recipe that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. It’s a quick way to bring family and friends together over a bowl of cozy, delicious comfort food. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and watch it become your go-to comfort meal on those days you need a little extra love in your kitchen.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Tortilla Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken and Dumplings with Tortillas recipe offers a creamy and hearty meal perfect for a cozy dinner. Using simple pantry staples like cream soups, chicken broth, and flour tortillas cut into bite-sized dumplings, this dish combines tender shredded chicken and carrots in a rich broth that simmers to perfection. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an easy one-pot meal that delivers satisfying flavors and a creamy texture sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Broth and Soups
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 – 10 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 – 10 ounce can cream of celery soup
Vegetables and Protein
- 2 cups frozen sliced carrots
- 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Dumplings
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Heat broth: Place the chicken broth into a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottom pot and heat it over medium heat.
- Add soups and simmer: Whisk in the cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup into the broth. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add vegetables and chicken: Stir in the frozen sliced carrots, chopped or shredded chicken, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Prepare tortillas: Using a pizza cutter, cut the flour tortillas into approximately 1-inch squares for the dumplings.
- Add dumplings: Gently add the tortilla squares into the boiling soup. Press them down lightly to submerge but avoid vigorous stirring to prevent tearing.
- Simmer dumplings: Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently for 15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
- Finish with milk: Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the milk to add creaminess without curdling.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for tender cooked chicken.
- Do not stir the tortillas vigorously once added to avoid tearing the dumplings.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent scorching.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
