Vegan Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
A comforting and hearty vegan version of classic chicken and dumplings using soy curls and a rich vegetable broth. This recipe features tender soy curls simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs, paired with fluffy, herb-infused dumplings made from scratch. The creamy coconut milk adds a luscious finish, making it perfect for a cozy meal anytime.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan American
- Diet: Vegan
For the Soup
- 8 ounce bag soy curls (see note 1 for substitutions)
- 3 cups vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth (see note 2)
- 6 tablespoons vegan butter or oil (see note 3 to make oil-free)
- 1 medium yellow or sweet onion, finely diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2–3 celery ribs, thinly sliced
- 2–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons all purpose flour (see note 4 to make gluten-free)
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme (or any herb you like)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (or more to taste)
- 3–4 cups vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth (see note 2), add as desired
- ½ – ¾ cup canned full fat coconut milk or cream (see note 5 for substitutions)
For the Vegan Soup Dumplings
- 2 cups unbleached all purpose flour (see note 4 to make gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon iodized salt (see note 6)
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme (or any herb you like)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (or more to taste)
- ½ cup room temperature or warm water
- ½ cup canned full fat coconut milk or cream (or melted vegan butter or olive/avocado oil)
- Rehydrate soy curls: Place the soy curls in a large bowl, discarding the powdered seasoning at the bottom of the package. Pour 3 cups vegan chicken or vegetable broth over the soy curls, pressing them down so they are fully coated. Add water if necessary, and let them soak until ready to use.
- Heat vegan butter: In a large nonstick pot or wide dutch oven, melt the vegan butter over medium-high heat. Alternatively, use oil or an oil-free cooking method by adding broth or water a tablespoon at a time while stirring to prevent sticking.
- Add veggies: Add diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir frequently for 3 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add flour: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 30-40 seconds until the flour is absorbed and the veggies appear coated with a wet flour paste.
- Add spices and broth: Stir in dried thyme, black pepper, and 3-4 cups of vegan chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Make dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, dried thyme, and black pepper. Create a well in the center and pour in water and coconut milk (or melted vegan butter/oil). Mix until a cohesive dough forms, adding more flour if too wet. Cover with a kitchen towel and set aside.
- Add soy curls: Add the rehydrated soy curls and any remaining soaking broth to the pot. Stir to combine with the soup base.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a strong simmer with small bubbles.
- Make dumplings: Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, scoop approximately 8 dumpling-sized balls and gently drop them into the simmering soup, spacing them to prevent sticking initially.
- Cook dumplings: Ladle broth over dumplings, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove the lid occasionally to baste the tops with broth to prevent drying. Dumplings will be firm and biscuit-like when done.
- Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the canned coconut milk or cream. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting vegan chicken and dumplings.
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days, storing dumplings separately if possible. Reheat combined in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.
Notes
- Soy curls can be substituted with textured vegetable protein or rehydrated jackfruit if preferred.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels.
- For oil-free preparation, substitute vegan butter with water or broth during vegetable sautéing.
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour can replace regular flour in both the soup and dumplings for a gluten-free option.
- Full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess; for a lighter option, use oat milk or cashew cream.
- Adjust salt quantity depending on broth and personal preference.
- Ensure dumplings are not overcrowded to allow proper puffing and cooking.
- Test dumplings by cutting open one; it should be firm and cooked through, not gummy.
Keywords: vegan chicken and dumplings, vegan soup, soy curls recipe, plant-based comfort food, dairy-free dumplings