Chicken With Dumplings
Chicken with Dumplings is a comforting classic featuring tender chicken simmered in a savory broth, topped with soft, fluffy dumplings. Its rich flavors and hearty nature make it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, offering warmth and satisfying nourishment in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken in boiling, salted water until tender.
- Remove the chicken, saving 4 cups of broth.
- Debone the chicken and set aside.
- Skim the broth, saving 6 tablespoons of chicken fat.
- Combine 6 tablespoons of flour with the chicken fat in a bowl and blend well.
- Add a small amount of the reserved broth, stirring until smooth.
- Stir the flour mixture into the 4 cups of broth in a saucepan.
- Cook over low heat until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
- Season with salt and pepper.
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 chicken fat, butter can be used as a substitute. For a lighter version, use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your dumplings are fluffy by not overmixing the dough when adding it to the broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added color. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. For a comforting meal, consider serving with biscuits or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the dumplings from becoming tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Dumplings contains roughly 77 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1322mg per serving (57% 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 make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
What can I do if my dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, it may be due to overmixing the dough or adding too much flour. To prevent this, mix the dough until just combined and avoid adding extra flour unless necessary. Lightly steaming the dumplings rather than boiling can also help maintain their fluffiness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the broth, then add the dumpling mixture and cook until fluffy. This allows you to enjoy a homemade meal without extensive prep time on the day of serving.
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).