Aunt Mildred'S Chicken And Dumplings
A comforting Southern classic, Aunt Mildred's Chicken and Dumplings features tender chicken cooked in a savory broth with soft, homemade dumplings. The dish offers hearty flavors with a delicate, fluffy texture, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings on cooler days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the fryer chicken until tender; then let it cool.
- Debone the cooked chicken and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, blend together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add enough chicken broth to the mixture to form a soft dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until thin.
- Cut the rolled dough into strips.
- Drop the strips into boiling chicken broth.
- Add the deboned chicken to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth. If you don't have shortening, butter or lard can be used as a substitute. Ensure you roll the dough thin for light dumplings. If the broth is too salty, balance it by adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. This dish is great for using leftover chicken from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Mildred's Chicken and Dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables like Stir-Fry Vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a light dessert, such as fruit salad, to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings tough. For best results, reheat on the stovetop.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Mildred'S Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 18 calories, with 2g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1584mg per serving (69% 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 instead of a fryer chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it is fully thawed and cooked through before deboning. It may take longer to boil, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. Frozen chicken is a convenient alternative if you don't have fresh on hand.
How can I make the dumplings fluffier?
To achieve fluffier dumplings, avoid overworking the dough when mixing and rolling. Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as this will help the dumplings rise during cooking. You can also add a touch of milk or buttermilk to the dough for extra moisture.
Can I add vegetables to the chicken and dumplings?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or celery to the broth while cooking enhances flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the pot before the dumplings. This makes the dish heartier and more colorful.
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).