Mom'S Chicken And Dumplings
A comforting classic featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a flavorful broth, perfect for family dinners and hearty meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the whole chicken with chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, thyme, salt, and pepper in enough water to cover until the chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool. Reserve the broth for later use.
- Remove the skin from the cooled chicken and discard.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the dumpling dough by mixing 1-1/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, and beaten egg to form a soft dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth and cook until they are fluffy and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf to the broth while boiling the chicken. If you don't have thyme, dried oregano or Italian seasoning can work as substitutes. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. To make the dumplings lighter, ensure not to overmix the dough, as this can cause them to become dense.
Serving Suggestions
Mom's Chicken and Dumplings is perfect on its own but can be served with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For a cozy touch, serve with warm, buttery biscuits or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. This dish pairs beautifully with Janie'S Chicken Pot Pie for a comforting dinner spread.
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 saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to prevent drying out. Heat gently until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Chicken And Dumplings contains roughly 238 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1733mg per serving (75% 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 chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, using chicken thighs is a great option. They are flavorful and tender. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs typically cook faster than a whole chicken. You can also use a mix of white and dark meat for added flavor.
What can I use to thicken the broth if it's too thin?
If the broth is too thin, you can create a slurry with cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the simmering broth. Alternatively, allow the broth to simmer longer to reduce it, concentrating the flavors and thickening naturally.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Mom's Chicken and Dumplings gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check for gluten-free baking powder as well. The dumplings may vary slightly in texture but will still be delicious.
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).