Browned Chicken And Dumplings
Hearty roasted chicken simmered to tender perfection served with homemade flaky dumplings, creating a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the hen in a large pot, cover with water, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil and cook for approximately 1 hour or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot, allow to cool, then debone and set aside.
- Skim the fat from the chicken broth and set the broth aside.
- Ensure there is about 1 1/2 cups of broth; add hot water if needed to reach this amount.
- Mix flour, salt, and the fat from the chicken broth to form a dough with a consistency similar to pie crust, adding broth as necessary.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until as thin as pie crust.
- Cut the dough into strips and let dry out while preparing the gravy for the dumplings.
- Once ready, drop the dumplings into the simmering broth to cook until fluffy and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth while cooking the hen. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for the dumplings. Ensure the dough isn't overworked to keep the dumplings fluffy. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference, especially if you enjoy a kick of spice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed green beans or a light salad like Tomato-Brussels Sprouts Salad to balance the richness. For a comforting finish, consider a slice of cornbread on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the dumplings tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Browned Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 205 calories, with 7g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, but ensure it is fully thawed before cooking. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as frozen chicken may take longer to become tender. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I add to the dumpling dough for extra flavor?
You can mix in dried herbs like parsley or chives into the dumpling dough for added flavor. Additionally, incorporating a bit of grated cheese can enhance the taste. Just be sure to adjust the liquid accordingly if you add dry ingredients.
How do I prevent the dumplings from becoming too dense?
To keep dumplings light and fluffy, avoid overworking the dough. Mix just until combined and roll out gently. Cooking them in simmering broth instead of boiling water also helps achieve a tender texture. Make sure the broth is hot 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).