Chicken 'N Dumplings
Chicken 'N Dumplings is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chicken simmered with homemade dumplings. The fluffy, savory dumplings soak up flavorful broth, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Rich, satisfying, and easy to make, it offers a delightful taste of classic Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the whole fryer until tender. Remove from broth and set aside to cool.
- Mix all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add beaten eggs and enough sweet milk to make a stiff dough.
- Roll out the dough very thin on a heavily floured board.
- Cut the dough into pieces using a pizza cutter or knife.
- Drop the cut dough pieces into rapidly boiling broth.
- Cover and simmer on very low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove skin and bones from the cooked chicken and pull into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chicken to the pot and season to taste with black pepper.
- Pour about a cup of sweet milk into the pot just as it's finished cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the chicken is boiled until very tender, allowing for easy shredding. If you don't have sweet milk, regular milk can work, but consider adding a teaspoon of sugar for sweetness. When cutting the dumplings, keep them uniform in size for even cooking. You can also add herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Coleslaw And Salad Dressing for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken 'N Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It goes well with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For an added treat, serve with Southern Blackberry Cobbler for dessert to balance the savory flavors. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of sweet milk to prevent the dumplings from becoming dry. Heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for best texture preservation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken 'N Dumplings contains roughly 83 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 648mg per serving (28% 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 store-bought chicken broth instead of boiling a whole fryer?
Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth for convenience. However, boiling a whole fryer adds depth and richness to the dumpling broth. If using store-bought broth, consider adding some cooked chicken for flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for shortening in the dumpling dough?
You can replace shortening with unsalted butter or lard for a richer flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, coconut oil can be used, though it may slightly alter the taste. Adjust the amount of sweet milk based on the fat content of your substitute.
How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
Dumplings are fully cooked when they float to the surface and have a soft, pillowy texture. Simmer them covered on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, then check for doneness. If a piece is firm or doughy inside, simmer a few minutes longer.
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).