Mattie'S Chicken 'N Dumplings
Hearty chicken and dumplings featuring tender shredded chicken in a savory broth, with delicate homemade strips that create comforting and flavorful bites, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil a roasting hen in 3 quarts of water with celery, onions, and bouillon cubes until the hen is tender.
- Discard the vegetables and debone the hen, then cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Chill the broth and remove the chicken fat to use as shortening.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt.
- Work in the chicken fat and milk until the dough is not too moist.
- Roll out the dough onto a floured surface until very thin.
- Cut the dough into strips and allow them to dry.
- Add the chicken broth to the chilled broth on hand and bring to a rolling boil with the chicken pieces.
- Drop the dried strips of dough into the boiling broth, stirring constantly until all are added.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook gently until the dumplings are tender, being careful not to overcook.
- Serve hot or warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves while boiling the hen. If you don't have chicken fat, vegetable oil can be a suitable substitute. Ensure the dough isn't too moist to prevent soggy dumplings. Allowing dough strips to dry helps them hold together better while cooking. For a quicker version, try using pre-made dumplings from recipes like Quick Chicken And Dumplings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mattie's Chicken 'N Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a hearty meal, consider serving alongside Mini Carrot Casserole or Yummy Potato Bake for a comforting combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and dumplings in a pot with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out, and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the dumplings tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mattie'S Chicken 'N Dumplings contains roughly 947 calories, with 23g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1151mg per serving (50% 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 a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a whole chicken or even chicken thighs for a more flavorful broth. However, cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
What can I do if my dumplings are too dense?
If your dumplings turn out dense, it may be due to overworking the dough. When mixing, handle the dough gently and avoid excessive kneading. Also, ensure your dough strips are rolled out thinly for a lighter texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine and cook the dumplings fresh to retain their texture. This method helps enhance the flavors and makes for an easier meal preparation.
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).