Chicken "And" Dumpling
A hearty Southern classic featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in savory broth, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut up the stewing hen.
- Place the chicken pieces in a large pot.
- Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and cook slowly until the meat is tender.
- Debone the chicken and set aside.
- Reserve the broth from the cooking process.
- In a bowl, stir or sift together flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add milk to form a soft dough.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut the dough into 1-inch squares.
- Sprinkle the dough squares with flour.
- Bring the reserved broth to a brisk boil.
- Drop the dough squares into the boiling broth slowly.
- Cover tightly and cook on a slow simmer for 40 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken to the broth and dumplings before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade broth instead of store-bought. If you don't have shortening, butter or margarine can be substituted. Ensure to roll the dough evenly to achieve uniform cooking. Adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the broth enhances the dish. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings in deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed green beans or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
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 prevent drying out. For freezing, separate the dumplings from the broth to maintain texture; reheat individually before combining.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken "And" Dumpling contains roughly 718 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1483mg per serving (64% 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 chicken thighs instead of a stewing hen?
Yes, chicken thighs can be a great alternative. They are more tender and flavorful, and they cook faster than a stewing hen. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully tender.
What can I do if my dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, it may be due to overworking the dough. Be gentle when mixing and rolling out. Also, ensure you're measuring the flour correctly; too much flour can lead to heavier dumplings. Next time, try adding a little more milk for a lighter texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the chicken and dumplings gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, so adjust the liquid in the dumpling dough as needed to achieve the right consistency.
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).