Chicken And Dumplings For The Crew(10 People)
A hearty, comforting chicken and noodle soup with rich broth, tender chicken, and flavorful spices, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, add 2 gallons of water, chicken bouillon cubes (optional), onion powder, celery powder, bay leaves, and the chicken.
- Bring to a boil and cook for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool, and debone.
- Skim grease off the broth.
- Return the broth to a boil.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
- Add chicken livers (optional).
- Add parsley and jalapeno peppers (optional).
- Mix in the cream of mushroom soup, stirring well.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add egg noodle dumplings and cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off heat, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with garlic bread, crackers, or cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer broth, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you don't have chicken bouillon cubes, using homemade broth can enhance flavor. You can substitute egg noodle dumplings with any preferred dumpling or pasta. Adding vegetables such as carrots or peas can also boost nutrition, reminiscent of Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with garlic bread, crackers, or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth. A side salad, like a refreshing Strawberry Chicken Salad, can balance the meal. This dish works wonderfully for family gatherings or casual dinners, making it a perfect choice for a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or broth if it becomes too thick. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dumplings chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Dumplings For The Crew(10 People) contains roughly 491 calories, with 23g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (121% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 37g 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 to guarantee even cooking and flavor absorption. If using frozen chicken, you may need to increase the boiling time by about 15-20 minutes.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use a homemade white sauce or a different cream soup, such as cream of chicken or cream of celery. Alternatively, blending sautéed mushrooms with cream can mimic the flavor and texture of cream of mushroom soup.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and broth a day ahead. Just store it separately from the dumplings. When ready to serve, reheat the broth, add the dumplings, and cook until heated through. This method enhances the flavors, making it perfect for gatherings.
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).