Clara'S Chicken "N" Dumplings
Clara's Chicken 'N' Dumplings features tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a comforting broth, perfect for cozy family meals and those craving classic Southern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select a fresh young fat baking hen from your local butcher or grocer. If unavailable, call ahead to order one.
- Use a hen that fits comfortably in your kettle, about 8-10 pounds for an 8-12 inch wide kettle.
- Ensure the kettle is heavy-grade aluminum, iron, or stainless steel to prevent drying out or burning during cooking.
- Boil the hen in the prepared kettle, ensuring it is fully submerged and cooked until tender.
- Once cooked, remove the hen and prepare the dumpling batter by mixing 3 cups of flour, 6 tablespoons of cooled melted butter, 1 beaten egg, and 12 tablespoons of cold water.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the boiling broth with the chicken, cover, and simmer until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the boiling broth. If fresh chicken is hard to find, a frozen hen can work; just ensure it's fully thawed before cooking. You can also substitute half of the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor. If you prefer lighter dumplings, try using sparkling water instead of cold water in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Clara's Chicken 'N' Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, consider serving it alongside Jess's Corn Bread for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and dumplings in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir gently until warmed through, ensuring the dumplings retain their fluffy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clara'S Chicken "N" Dumplings contains roughly 492 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 45g fat.
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 a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, while a young fat baking hen is traditional, you can use a whole chicken or even a roaster. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the bird to ensure it cooks through and remains tender.
What should I do if my dumplings are dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined for fluffy dumplings. Also, ensure the water is cold and the dough is dropped into boiling broth to help them rise properly.
Can I make the dumpling batter ahead of time?
It's best to make the dumpling batter fresh, as it can lose its fluffiness if stored. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and mix in the wet ingredients right before cooking for best results.
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).