Granny'S Chicken And Dumplings
Granny's Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chicken in a flavorful broth with soft, homemade dumplings. The dumplings are light and fluffy, adding a satisfying texture. Perfect for cozy family dinners, it combines classic Southern flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
- Add the shortening and mix until it resembles a cornmeal texture.
- Add the egg and enough water to make the dough slightly wetter than pie crust dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured board and cut into squares.
- Drop the dumpling squares into boiling chicken and broth.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Thicken the broth with additional flour if desired.
- Cook until dumplings are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the dumpling dough. If you don't have shortening, butter or lard can be used as substitutes. Ensure the dough isn't too wet; it should be slightly tacky. For a twist, try adding a pinch of garlic powder to the flour mixture for added depth. This dish pairs beautifully with Shredded Sweet Potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. They pair well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting dessert, consider serving alongside Chocolate Fudge Cake to round out your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and dumplings in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny'S Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 504 calories, with 8g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2558mg per serving (111% 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 the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just roll and cut the dumplings when you're ready to cook. However, it's best to cook them fresh to maintain their fluffy texture.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces will give your broth more flavor. You can use a whole chicken cut into parts, or a mix of thighs and breasts for a good balance. Just ensure to cook until the chicken is tender.
Can I freeze the chicken and dumplings?
While you can freeze the chicken and broth separately, the dumplings don't freeze well as they may become mushy upon reheating. If you want to freeze it, consider freezing the chicken and broth and making fresh dumplings when ready to serve.
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).