Dumplings Made Simple
Comforting chicken and fluffy dumplings simmered in a savory broth, perfect for hearty family dinners and satisfying comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a Dutch oven and cover with water.
- Add salt to the water, adjusting to taste.
- Cook in boiling water for about 2 hours, then cool and remove meat from bones.
- Mix self-rising flour and cream of chicken soup together to form a batter.
- Drop tablespoons of the batter onto the hot chicken pieces in the broth.
- Cook slowly for 10 minutes, uncovered.
- Then cook for an additional 10 minutes tightly covered.
- Remove dumplings and meat from broth.
- Make gravy if desired, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dumpling, consider substituting half of the self-rising flour with whole wheat flour. If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can use homemade chicken broth with a bit of heavy cream for richness. Adjust the salt to your preference, as the broth from the chicken may add additional seasoning. Make sure to keep the broth simmering for a fluffy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these dumplings alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Joan'S Vegetable Soup for a comforting dinner. You can also drizzle some gravy over the top for extra flavor, or enjoy them as a standalone dish with a side of warm bread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover dumplings and chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dumplings Made Simple contains roughly 699 calories, with 36g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value) and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2221mg per serving (97% 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. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may need to be extended slightly to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
What can I do if the dumplings are too dense?
If the dumplings turn out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter. Next time, mix gently until just combined. Adding a bit of milk or water can also help create a lighter texture. Ensure you're dropping the batter into simmering broth for optimal cooking.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and carrots, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a creamy vegetable soup or a homemade roux with herbs for flavor.
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).