Country Chicken And Dumplings
Hearty country chicken and dumplings feature tender chicken simmered in flavorful broth, paired with fluffy homemade dumplings, perfect for comforting family dinners and rustic gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a Dutch oven.
- Add water, celery, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour or until tender.
- Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool.
- Discard the celery.
- Bone the chicken and cut the meat into bite-size pieces.
- Set aside the meat and 3/4 cup of broth.
- Bring the remaining broth to a boil.
- Prepare the dumplings by mixing 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the boiling broth.
- Cook until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For tender chicken, ensure it's simmered gently; high heat can make it tough. If you don’t have celery, try adding carrots or onions for flavor. For a richer broth, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves. If you want a shortcut, use pre-cooked chicken to save time. You can also swap the flour for a gluten-free blend if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For added comfort, consider serving it with Cheesy Biscuits, which complement the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth to prevent the dumplings from drying out. Freezing is not recommended, as the dumplings may lose their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 725 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 964mg per serving (42% 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; just increase the simmering time until it’s fully cooked and tender. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. However, fresh chicken will yield a better flavor and texture.
What can I do if my dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Stir just until combined and avoid excessive handling. You can also add a bit more baking powder to lighten them up next time.
How can I add more flavor to the broth?
To enhance the flavor of your broth, consider adding garlic, onion, or herbs like thyme and rosemary during simmering. A splash of lemon juice or a bit of soy sauce can also deepen the flavor profile.
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).