Grandma'S Chicken And Dumplings
Hearty and comforting chicken and dumplings with tender chicken breasts and fluffy dumplings, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings craving classic flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts with skin in a large pan with a cover and add enough water to cover the chicken.
- Bring to a boil and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 30-40 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 eggs to make the dumpling dough.
- Knead the dough lightly and roll out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into small squares or rounds for the dumplings.
- Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Drop the dumplings into the simmering broth and cook until they are fluffy and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves to the broth while the chicken simmers. If you're short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the fresh chicken. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier dumpling option, though it may alter the texture slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
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 stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the dumplings tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 654 calories, with 33g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 856mg per serving (37% 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 make dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. However, it's best to cook the dumplings right before serving, as they are fluffiest when freshly made.
What can I use instead of chicken breasts?
You can easily substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor or use leftover cooked chicken if you have some on hand. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if using raw chicken.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
Dumplings are done when they float to the surface and are puffed up. You can also cut one open to check if it's cooked through and fluffy inside.
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).