Dottie Thirkel'S Dumplings
Soft, fluffy dumplings with a mild flavor that pair perfectly with tender boiled chicken and savory gravy, ideal for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the egg and milk together until well combined.
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is gooey.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter on top of the completely cooked boiled chicken in an 8-quart pan.
- Ensure the broth barely covers the chicken.
- Gently boil the dumplings and chicken for 5 minutes.
- Cover the pan with a lid and steam for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with gravy made from chicken broth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you're short on time, you can substitute the homemade dumplings with store-bought ones. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it should remain slightly lumpy. Additionally, if you're making a larger batch, keep the broth level consistent to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These dumplings pair beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also serve them with a drizzle of gravy made from the chicken broth for added flavor. For a comforting twist, try serving alongside Elizabeth Pound Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover dumplings and chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan with a bit of broth over low heat until warmed through, ensuring the dumplings remain moist and tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dottie Thirkel'S Dumplings contains roughly 373 calories, with 6g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2061mg per serving (90% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may yield denser dumplings. Consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for a better texture, or add a bit more liquid to the batter to compensate for the absorbency of whole wheat flour.
What can I do if my dumplings turn out too dense?
If your dumplings are dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or too much flour. For future batches, mix only until combined and gently drop the dumplings onto the chicken to allow them to rise while cooking.
Can I make the dumpling batter ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the dumpling batter just before cooking, as it can become too thick if left to sit. However, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them separately, then add the wet ingredients shortly before cooking.
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).