Mother'S Favorite Chicken Dumplings
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings cooked in savory broth, perfect for family dinners and hearty meals with classic flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken until tender, then remove it from the pot and set aside.
- Prepare the dumpling dough by combining flour, egg, shortening, salt, and baking powder to form a dough.
- Add chopped celery and onion to the chicken cooking liquid and bring to a boil.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the boiling liquid.
- Cook until the dumplings are done and the chicken is reheated, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve the chicken with dumplings in the broth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water to boil the dumplings. You can substitute the shortening with butter or lard for a different texture. If you want to add more nutrition, throw in some chopped carrots or peas with the celery and onion. These adjustments can enhance your dumplings while keeping the essence of this homestyle dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. For a comforting meal, consider serving it with crusty bread or alongside the Leftover Chicken & Potato Bake for a hearty experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and dumplings on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the dumplings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Favorite Chicken Dumplings contains roughly 1134 calories, with 14g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (42% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2718mg per serving (118% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it before cooking to ensure even cooking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as frozen chicken will take longer to become tender.
What can I substitute for flour in the dumplings?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Additionally, whole wheat flour can be used for a nuttier flavor, though it may alter the texture slightly. Experiment to find what works best for you!
How do I know when the dumplings are done cooking?
The dumplings are done when they float to the surface of the boiling liquid and are fluffy to the touch. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes, but you can cut one open to check for doneness if unsure.
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).