Chicken With Buttermilk Dumplings
A comforting chicken and fluffy buttermilk dumplings dish with rich broth, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings, offering hearty flavors and tender textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken, onion, and enough water to cover in a large pan; cook until tender.
- Remove chicken from broth, reserving the broth.
- Debone the chicken.
- Sift flour, soda, and salt together into a mixing bowl.
- Cut in the shortening.
- Blend the egg and buttermilk.
- Stir enough buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture to form a dough.
- Roll the dough thin on a lightly floured board.
- Cut the dough into short strips.
- Combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, and reserved broth; bring to a rolling boil, stirring.
- Drop the dumplings into the boiling mixture and cook until tender.
- Add milk and bring to a boil.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth while cooking the chicken. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter works as a substitute. Ensure the dumpling dough is not too wet to maintain their structure during cooking. You can also use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour and baking soda, which simplifies the process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken With Buttermilk Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs for a burst of color. It pairs beautifully with whipped potatoes with olive oil and parmesan or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving a side of Jello salad mold for a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and dumplings in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may result in tough dumplings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Buttermilk Dumplings contains roughly 370 calories, with 8g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1298mg per serving (56% 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's fully thawed before cooking. This will allow for even cooking and better flavor absorption. If using frozen, increase cooking time slightly and check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I do if my dumplings are too sticky?
If your dumpling dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour to your work surface and to the dough itself. Be cautious not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to tough dumplings. A sprinkle of flour while rolling can help manage stickiness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the broth, add the chicken and dumplings, and cook as directed. This method enhances the flavors and saves time on busy days.
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).