Drop Chicken 'N' Dumplings
A comforting Southern classic featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth, perfect for hearty family dinners and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken in 2 quarts of water until tender.
- Remove the chicken from the broth and take off the bones.
- Return the cooked chicken to the broth.
- Add 2 cups of milk, margarine, salt, and pepper to the broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Prepare drop dumplings by mixing 1 1/2 cups flour with 1 tablespoon Crisco, adding enough water to make a dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling broth.
- Cook until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the raw chicken. To achieve lighter dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough; a few lumps are okay. You can also experiment with adding herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor, which pairs beautifully with Hearty Havarti Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the drop chicken 'n' dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, serve with crusty bread or biscuits. It also makes a great centerpiece for gatherings, just like Dinner In A Pumpkin For Halloween Night (A Treat For The Whole Family).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings tough. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and dumplings separately.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Drop Chicken 'N' Dumplings contains roughly 365 calories, with 9g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1261mg per serving (55% 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 to ensure even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. If using frozen, consider adding a little extra time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
What can I do if my dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, it might be due to overmixing the dough. Next time, mix just until combined. You can also try adding a bit more liquid to lighten the dough. Remember, the key to fluffy dumplings is to handle the dough gently and drop them directly into the boiling broth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the labels on your chicken broth and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. The cooking method remains the same, and you should achieve delicious results with the gluten-free dumplings.
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).