Helen'S Favorite Chicken And Dumplings
Helen's Favorite Chicken and Dumplings features tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a comforting broth, perfect for hearty family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (2 1/2 to 3 lb.) ⓘ
- 3 ribs celery, washed and cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 carrots, washed and cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 whole onion, peeled and stuffed with 5 cloves ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 10 cups water ⓘ
- 2 cups flour, sifted ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- cold water ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a large crock-pot.
- Add the washed and cut vegetables: celery, carrots, and the peeled onion stuffed with cloves.
- Season with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste.
- Add 10 cups of water to the crock-pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken and vegetables from the stock.
- Discard the onion and bay leaf.
- Pull the meat from the carcass and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Refrigerate the stock overnight.
- Also store the cooked chicken and vegetables in the refrigerator.
- Next day, skim the fat from the top of the stock.
- Combine 2 cups of sifted flour with 1/2 cup of shortening until pea-sized crumbs form.
- Stir an egg with a fork.
- Add enough cold water to make 1/2 cup of liquid.
- Stir the egg mixture, salt, and pepper into the dough.
- Roll out the dough to the thickness of a pie crust.
- Cut the dough into 1/2-inch wide strips.
- Bring the stock to a boil and add the dough strips.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir twice during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade stock instead of water. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the whole chicken. You can also add herbs like thyme or parsley for added depth. When making the dumplings, ensure the dough is not overworked to maintain a tender texture. For a quicker option, check out Joe'S Creamed Baked Chicken for similar comfort.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of Glarum'S Potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a cozy dinner, consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers 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 water or stock to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings tough. If freezing, separate the dumplings from the stock to preserve texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Helen'S Favorite Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 669 calories, with 14g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (232% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 580mg per serving (25% 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 this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free. The dumplings may have a different texture, but they will still be delicious.
How can I enhance the flavor of the broth?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding more aromatic vegetables like garlic or leeks, or include fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary during simmering. A splash of white wine can also add complexity to the broth, making it richer and more flavorful.
What should I do if my dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings turn out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the dough or not enough liquid. Be gentle when combining ingredients and ensure you add enough cold water to achieve a soft dough. If needed, you can also experiment with adding a bit more baking powder for extra lift.
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).