Chicken & Dumplings
Chicken & Dumplings offers a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chicken pieces in a flavorful broth with soft, homemade dumplings. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, its warm, savory flavors appeal to all ages and bring a sense of home-cooked satisfaction.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the flour, salt, and baking powder to make the dough.
- Roll out the dough to about the same thickness as pie crust.
- Prick the dough with a fork and cut into 2 inch wide strips, then break into pieces about 2 inches long.
- Add enough water to the broth to make about 2 quarts.
- Bring the broth to a boil, add the cooked chicken pieces, dumplings, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer until the dumplings are cooked through and the flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water. You can also substitute Crisco with butter for a different taste. If you prefer a lighter version, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. To enhance the flavor, add herbs like thyme or parsley to the broth. Keep the dumpling thickness uniform for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken & Dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A slice of cornbread or a biscuit pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the comfort food experience. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Jello Balls for a playful dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to prevent the dumplings from drying out. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid boiling to maintain the dumpling texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken & Dumplings contains roughly 41 calories, with 2g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1112mg per serving (48% 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 dumplings instead of homemade?
Yes, frozen dumplings can be a convenient option. Just add them to the broth according to the package instructions. However, homemade dumplings offer a fresher flavor and texture, making the dish even more comforting.
What can I do if the dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, try reducing the mixing time when preparing the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings. Additionally, ensure you're measuring the flour accurately and using the right amount of liquid.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and follow the same dumpling recipe. This will give you a deliciously satisfying meal that caters to vegetarian diets.
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).