Chicken 'N' Dumplins
A comforting Southern classic featuring tender chicken and fluffy homemade dumplings in a flavorful broth, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the whole chicken for approximately 2 hours or until tender, then remove from broth and tear from bones, saving for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and cut in shortening until light coarse crumbs.
- Blend in just enough milk so that dough forms a ball and leaves sides of bowl.
- Knead dough gently on a lightly floured surface.
- Roll dough with a rolling pin until thin.
- Cut into thin strips to form dumplings.
- Drop the dumplings into boiling chicken broth.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 20 to 25 minutes over medium heat.
- Add the shredded chicken pieces and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Optional: Add yellow food coloring if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter dumplings, ensure your dough is not over-kneaded; gentle handling is key. You can substitute the Crisco shortening with butter for a richer flavor. If you prefer a thicker broth, consider adding a cornstarch slurry just before adding the chicken back in. This recipe pairs beautifully with Tomato Florentine Soup for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken 'N' Dumplins in shallow bowls to highlight the broth and dumplings. Consider pairing with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, serve alongside crusty bread or biscuits. This dish is a classic comfort food, perfect for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken 'N' Dumplins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir gently until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken 'N' Dumplins contains roughly 631 calories, with 14g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 3g 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. Just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking, as this allows for even cooking and tenderness. If using frozen chicken, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly.
What can I do if my dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, try rolling them thinner next time or adding a bit more milk to the dough for a lighter texture. Additionally, avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to tougher dumplings.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumplings ahead of time. Roll and cut them, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a bag for later use. They can be cooked straight from frozen when adding to the broth.
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).