Best Ever Chicken And Dumplings
A hearty, comforting chicken and dumplings dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings, perfect for satisfying family dinners and cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add 1 1/2 quarts of water to a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Add chicken breasts, 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and chicken flavor bouillon cubes to the boiling water.
- Cook until the chicken is tender, adding more water if too much boils away.
- Remove chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and buttermilk to make the dumpling batter.
- Melt margarine and add to the batter, mixing well.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the simmering broth with shredded chicken.
- Add sweet milk and pepper to the broth, and stir gently.
- Simmer until dumplings are cooked through and flavors meld, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water. If you're short on buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice. To lighten the dish, use skinless chicken breasts. For thicker dumplings, adjust the flour quantity accordingly. This recipe pairs beautifully with Oven Rice Dressing for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color. Complement the dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Dave'S 'No Guilt' Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the dumplings and make them tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Ever Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 498 calories, with 8g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 755mg per serving (33% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked. It's best to thaw them in the refrigerator beforehand if you have time, as it will make shredding easier.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
Dumplings are done when they puff up and float to the surface of the broth. You can also cut one in half to check that it’s fully cooked inside; there should be no raw batter present.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Adding diced carrots, celery, or peas to the broth while the chicken cooks can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. Just ensure they are tender before adding the dumplings.
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).