Down South Chicken And Dumplings
A comforting Southern classic featuring tender chicken, creamy soup base, and fluffy dumplings that melt in a rich, savory broth—perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the boiling water in a large pot.
- Add the vegetable shortening and let it melt.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup until fully incorporated.
- Whisk in the beaten egg, salt, and flour gradually, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth to form dumplings.
- Cover the pot with a plate and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the dumplings to rise.
- Reheat the pot over medium heat until the dumplings are cooked through and the broth is hot.
- Serve hot, spooning dumplings and broth into bowls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the broth. If you don’t have vegetable shortening, butter or lard can be substituted, though it may alter the texture slightly. Ensure the water is boiling before adding dumplings to help them cook properly. Adjust flour based on dough consistency; it should be soft but not sticky.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh herbs for added color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside American recipes like Light Chicken And Rice Gumbo for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dumplings tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Down South Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 618 calories, with 14g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 742mg per serving (32% 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If using frozen, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through before adding the dumplings.
What can I do if my dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings are dense, it may be due to overmixing. Next time, mix just until combined and incorporate the flour gradually. Also, ensure your water is at a steady simmer when adding dumplings, as this helps them rise properly.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, peas, or celery to the broth for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to chop them small and add them before the dumplings to give them enough time to cook.
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).