Flora Raper'S Chicken And Dumplings
A comforting Southern classic featuring tender chicken and flaky dumplings in a flavorful broth, perfect for hearty family dinners and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken in boiling water until done.
- Remove the chicken from the broth, cool, and remove the meat from the bones.
- Mix the sifted flour, salt, shortening, and cold water to form a dough.
- Divide the dough into three equal balls.
- Roll out each ball with a rolling pin and cut into 2 x 2-inch squares.
- Bring the broth to a boil.
- Drop the squares into the boiling broth one at a time.
- Add the cooked chicken to the broth and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the boiling broth. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with butter or lard, but this may alter the texture of the dumplings slightly. To ensure perfectly fluffy dumplings, avoid overworking the dough once the wet ingredients are added. Remember, these dumplings should be light and airy, not dense.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings in deep bowls, garnished with chopped parsley for a touch of color. They pair beautifully with a side of crunchy vegetables, like the Crunchy Chinese Cole Slaw, for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chicken and dumplings cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally for even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Flora Raper'S Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 307 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1901mg per serving (83% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used for convenience. Just ensure to simmer it long enough to develop flavor in the broth. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as boneless cuts typically cook faster than whole chicken.
What can I do if my dumplings are tough?
If your dumplings turn out tough, it could be due to overworking the dough or cooking them too long. Next time, handle the dough gently and keep an eye on the cooking time. Aim for simmering them just until they are cooked through without overcooking.
How can I make the dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your shortening is also gluten-free, and adjust the water amount as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
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).