Chicken And Slide-Downs
Hearty chicken and vegetable stew with homemade dumplings, offering comforting flavors perfect for family dinners and cold evenings. The tender chicken and savory broth make it satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken pieces with carrots, celery, and onions in chicken broth and water.
- Do not overcook the chicken.
- Strain the broth and vegetables; blend the vegetables and add back to the stock for thickening.
- Debone the cooked chicken and set aside.
- Mix flour, shortening, baking powder, water, and salt to make the dumpling dough.
- Cut the dough as for pie crust.
- Pat out on a floured surface and cut into 2-inch squares about 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick.
- Let the dumplings dry out for 2 to 3 hours.
- Drop the dumplings into simmering broth.
- Cook on low heat for 15 minutes, covered, without lifting the lid.
- Add the cooked chicken, heat through, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth while boiling the chicken. If you want a healthier option, you can replace shortening with unsalted butter or coconut oil in the dumpling dough. Ensure the dumplings are not too thick, as they need to cook through properly in the broth. For added texture, try incorporating finely chopped spinach into the dumpling dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken And Slide-Downs in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed green beans or a simple garden salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the flavorful broth, making it a cozy comfort food experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and dumplings in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as this can make the dumplings tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Slide-Downs contains roughly 909 calories, with 15g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (119% of the Daily Value), and potassium (85% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1730mg per serving (75% 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, but ensure it is fully thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking. Adjust the boiling time as necessary, as frozen chicken may take longer to cook through. Always check the internal temperature to confirm doneness.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or homemade stock can be great alternatives. Alternatively, you can use water with added bouillon cubes or seasoning to mimic the flavor of chicken broth. This will still yield a delicious, hearty dish.
How can I make the dumplings fluffier?
To achieve fluffier dumplings, avoid overworking the dough and use baking powder to help them rise. Adding a bit of milk or buttermilk instead of water can also enhance the texture. Ensure your broth is simmering well before adding the dumplings to help them puff up as they cook.
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).