Chicken Dumplings(My Mama'S Recipe)

Prep: 30 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Homestyle chicken dumplings with tender dough and flavorful chicken broth, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings, highlighting simple ingredients and hearty flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons shortening
  • 1 cup cold water

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, salt, shortening, and cold water well to form a dough.
  2. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured paper and knead until manageable.
  3. Divide the dough into 4 balls and roll each out thin.
  4. Cut the rolled dough into small pieces.
  5. Bring chicken broth to a full rolling boil.
  6. Drop the dough pieces into the boiling broth without stirring.
  7. Use a fork to lightly separate the dough pieces.
  8. Lower the heat to simmer.
  9. Add deboned chicken and black pepper to the broth.
  10. Cover and cook for about 1 hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the broth. If you don't have shortening, butter or lard can be used as substitutes. To achieve light and fluffy dumplings, avoid overworking the dough during kneading and rolling. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though it may alter the texture slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. They pair wonderfully with a side of Sunshine Slaw for a refreshing crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving with a light salad, such as Mandarin Salad Eleanor, to balance the richness of the dumplings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dumplings and broth on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings tough.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chicken Dumplings(My Mama'S Recipe) contains roughly 1068 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1744mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).

1068 kcal 53% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.3g 1% DV
Total Fat 120.1g 100% DV
Carbs 1.6g 1% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1744.3mg 76% DV
Potassium 8.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium 8.7mg 1% DV
Iron 0.1mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 make the dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply roll it out, cut it, and add it to the boiling broth. This helps save time on busy days while still delivering a homemade taste.

What kind of broth should I use?

Homemade chicken broth is ideal for the best flavor, but store-bought varieties work well too. Look for low-sodium options to better control the saltiness of your dish. You can also substitute vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version.

Can I freeze these dumplings?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked dumplings. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, drop them directly into boiling broth without thawing. This ensures they maintain their shape and texture.

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).

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