Vegan Chicken and Dumplings

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The warm, creamy broth paired with tender soy curls and fluffy, herb-infused dumplings creates the perfect plant-based comfort meal. It’s a soul-soothing bowl that brings cozy flavors and nostalgia without any animal products.

Whether you’re craving something hearty or aiming to impress dinner guests with a vegan twist on a classic, this dish has you covered. The rich texture and earthy herb blend make every spoonful feel like home. Serve it on a chilly day, and you’ll have a dinner that’s both comforting and compassionate.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 yellow onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 carrots, chopped

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon thyme

  • ½ teaspoon rosemary

  • ½ teaspoon sage

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 4 cups vegetable broth

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

  • 1½ cups soy curls, rehydrated and chopped

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.

  2. Add garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

  3. Stir in thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. Add vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

  4. Add almond milk and the cornstarch slurry. Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

  5. Stir in soy curls and cook for another 5 minutes.

  6. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and parsley. Stir in almond milk and olive oil until just combined.

  7. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the soup. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, until dumplings are cooked through.

  8. Taste soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

When you think of comfort food, there are few dishes as heartwarming as chicken and dumplings. The creamy, savory broth, tender vegetables, and fluffy dumplings have long been a staple in Southern and Midwestern cuisine—a dish passed down from generation to generation. But what if we told you that you could enjoy all that comforting flavor and nostalgic coziness without any animal products? That’s where Vegan Chicken and Dumplings comes in, delivering all the warmth of the classic dish, but in a compassionate, plant-based form.

This vegan version doesn’t sacrifice a single ounce of flavor. In fact, many people who try it are surprised to find how satisfying and hearty it is. Thanks to soy curls (a magical plant-based protein made from whole soybeans), a mix of aromatic herbs, and perfectly fluffy dairy-free dumplings, this recipe hits all the right notes—creamy, savory, hearty, and deliciously comforting.

A Bit of History: Where Did Chicken and Dumplings Come From?

Chicken and dumplings is thought to have originated in the Southern United States during the Great Depression. It was a simple, frugal meal made with basic pantry staples—chicken, flour, and water—that could feed a family and stretch leftovers. Dumplings added bulk and made the dish more filling, and over time, it became a cherished part of American home cooking.

As plant-based eating continues to grow in popularity, we’re seeing traditional dishes reimagined for modern diets. This vegan take honors the spirit of the original dish—nourishing, simple, and deeply comforting—while aligning with today’s health and ethical values.

Why This Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Is the Best

There are a lot of vegan recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

1. Incredible Flavor Depth

Using a flavorful broth base infused with onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, plus herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage, creates a rich and aromatic foundation. A touch of almond milk adds creaminess, while the soy curls absorb all that savory goodness for a “meaty” texture.

2. Fluffy, Perfect Dumplings

What’s a dumpling dish without dreamy dumplings? These plant-based versions are just as soft, pillowy, and delicious as the traditional ones. Made with simple pantry ingredients—flour, almond milk, baking powder, parsley, and a bit of olive oil—they rise beautifully in the pot and soak up the soup’s flavor while maintaining their light texture.

3. Completely Dairy-Free and Egg-Free

Traditional chicken and dumplings often rely on butter, milk, or even eggs, but this version skips all that while keeping the creamy consistency and rich taste. It’s ideal for those with dairy sensitivities, vegans, or anyone trying to cut back on saturated fats.

4. High-Protein and Fiber-Packed

Soy curls are a powerhouse protein source—providing essential amino acids while being cholesterol-free and minimally processed. Paired with fiber-rich vegetables and satisfying dumplings, this dish offers balanced nutrition in every bowl.

5. Customizable and Family-Friendly

Want to add peas, mushrooms, kale, or corn? Go for it. This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can adjust the thickness, herb blends, or even swap out soy curls for tofu or chickpeas, depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Kids love it, adults crave it, and it can even be meal-prepped ahead of time for busy weeknights.

Nutritional and Health Benefits

This recipe isn’t just comforting—it’s also packed with nutrients. Here are some of the health benefits you’ll enjoy:

  • Plant-Based Protein: Soy curls are made from whole, non-GMO soybeans and provide an excellent source of plant-based protein, ideal for muscle maintenance and overall health.
  • Antioxidants and Fiber: Garlic, onions, carrots, and celery are rich in antioxidants and fiber, supporting digestion, immunity, and heart health.
  • No Cholesterol: Unlike traditional chicken and dumplings, this vegan version contains zero cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy option.
  • Healthy Fats: Using olive oil instead of butter provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health.
  • Low in Saturated Fat: With no animal fats or heavy cream, this recipe is lower in saturated fat, supporting better long-term health outcomes.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Vegan Chicken and Dumplings dish fits into almost any meal plan:

  • Weeknight Comfort: Ready in under an hour, it’s a perfect one-pot meal for busy evenings.
  • Cold-Weather Favorite: A go-to during fall and winter, this warming recipe is like a blanket in a bowl.
  • Family Dinners: Loved by both kids and adults, this is a great way to introduce meatless meals to your family.
  • Meal Prep and Leftovers: It stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for batch cooking or meal prepping.
  • Impress Guests: Serve it at a dinner party or potluck—it’s cozy, wholesome, and bound to start a conversation about how delicious vegan food can be.

Tips for Making the Best Vegan Chicken and Dumplings

Here are a few helpful tips to elevate your dish even more:

  1. Don’t Peek at the Dumplings: Once you drop the dumplings into the pot, cover and don’t lift the lid for at least 15 minutes. Steam is what cooks the dumplings through, and lifting the lid can interrupt the process.
  2. Use High-Quality Broth: A good vegetable broth makes all the difference. If you have time, make a homemade one. Otherwise, choose a rich, low-sodium store-bought option.
  3. Customize the Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and sage add a classic poultry seasoning vibe, but feel free to add a pinch of turmeric or smoked paprika for depth.
  4. Texture Tip: If you like a creamier soup, add a bit more almond milk or stir in some blended cashews for a luxurious texture.
  5. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.

A Dish That Warms the Heart

Food is so much more than sustenance—it’s comfort, memory, and culture wrapped in flavor. This Vegan Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings together all those elements, offering a nourishing meal that’s both health-conscious and heartwarming. Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or a long-time vegan, this dish proves that you don’t have to give up classic flavors to eat compassionately.

So grab your favorite soup pot, gather up those wholesome ingredients, and get ready to serve up a bowl full of love. This is one recipe that will quickly become a repeat favorite in your home.

Conclusion

Vegan Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect example of how comforting, nostalgic dishes can be reimagined with plant-based ingredients—without sacrificing flavor, texture, or heart. With its rich, creamy broth, tender soy curls, and fluffy herb-infused dumplings, this recipe brings all the cozy vibes of a traditional classic, made healthier and more compassionate.

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests, cozy up on a chilly night, or simply enjoy a nourishing bowl of goodness, this one-pot wonder delivers every time. It’s proof that comfort food can be wholesome, satisfying, and completely vegan. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal.

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