Mexican Chicken And Dumplings
A comforting Mexican-inspired chicken and dumplings dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful broth, and tortilla strips, perfect for a hearty family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chicken breast halves in approximately 2 quarts of water with 2 sticks of celery until tender.
- Remove the chicken and celery from the water and let the chicken cool before removing it from the bone.
- Discard the celery.
- Bring the chicken water back to a boil.
- Add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and margarine to the boiling water.
- Cut the tortillas into strips, then cut these strips into thirds or fourths.
- Drop the tortilla strips into the chicken broth and stir very gently.
- Stir in the milk or half and half.
- Add the cooked chicken pieces to the pot.
- Let the mixture cook over low heat for a while until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or paprika to the broth. If you want a healthier version, substitute the margarine with olive oil and use whole wheat tortillas. You can also add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free tortillas or dumplings to use in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving with Tacos With Green Sauce or a light Mexican-inspired side like Brat Salad. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 524 calories, with 13g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken can save time. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the broth in step 9. This will still give you a delicious, hearty meal while reducing prep time significantly.
What can I do if the dumplings are too thick?
If the tortilla dumplings seem too thick, you can thin the broth slightly by adding more chicken broth or water. Stir gently to incorporate the liquid and let it simmer for a few minutes to ensure everything is heated through evenly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth mixture ahead of time. Just add the tortilla strips and milk right before serving to keep them from becoming too soggy. Store the broth and chicken separately if you plan to make it a day in advance.
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).