Fluffy Chicken And Dumplings
Fluffy chicken and dumplings offer tender chicken pieces nestled in a savory broth topped with light, fluffy dumplings—perfect comfort food for family dinners and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) together.
- Cut in shortening or oil with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk until blended to form a dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto cooked chicken pieces in broth.
- Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, then cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also substitute vegetable oil for shortening if desired. If you want to add more flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the dough. Always make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding the dumplings to ensure they absorb the broth's flavor while cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your fluffy chicken and dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like cornbread or a hearty biscuit. For a comforting dessert, follow with a slice of Ellie May's Pound Cake to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the chicken and dumplings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the dumplings from drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dumplings tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fluffy Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 74 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2257mg per serving (98% 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 freeze the chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze chicken and dumplings. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth if necessary.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe as they remain tender and flavorful. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Just ensure any chicken you use is cooked through before adding the dumplings to the broth.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the dumplings just before cooking them to maintain their fluffy texture. However, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in a sealed container. Just add the wet ingredients when you're ready 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).