Baked Chicken 'N Dumplings
A comforting baked chicken and dumplings dish featuring tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy self-rising flour dumplings, perfect for family dinners and hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the chickens into quarters and boil in a large pot, covering with water. Add salt and pepper, then boil until tender and well cooked.
- Remove the chicken and let it cool on a large cookie sheet.
- Pour the broth into a large roaster pan and simmer while the chicken cools.
- Add margarine, cream of chicken soup, and enough water to fill the roaster pan about halfway. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Pick the cooked chicken off the bones and add it to the broth mixture.
- Just before adding the dumplings, stir in the evaporated milk.
- Prepare the dumplings using self-rising flour and shortening, then drop spoonfuls into the simmering broth.
- Bake until the dumplings are cooked through and the flavors meld, about 30-40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can use half the amount of cream of chicken soup and substitute with vegetable broth. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the taste. If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the chicken and broth a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight.
Serving Suggestions
Serve baked chicken 'n dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with my favorite chicken vegetable soup as a starter. For a heartier meal, consider serving with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked chicken 'n dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken 'N Dumplings contains roughly 480 calories, with 8g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1398mg per serving (61% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver! Simply shred the meat and add it to the broth mixture along with the cream of chicken soup. This will cut down on cooking time and still yield a delicious dish.
What can I substitute for self-rising flour?
If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This will work perfectly for your dumplings.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make baked chicken 'n dumplings healthier, use skinless chicken pieces and low-fat or fat-free cream of chicken soup. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding carrots, peas, or celery to the broth.
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).